I'll Be Right There

The movie is entertaining. The protagonist character is relatable. Good acting.

1st huge flaw: Michael rappaport. Insufferable.

His acting is always bad. I saw him in several roles and he always does the same character.

2nd flaw: they call joining the army "an adventure". This normalizes violence. How is that they do not stop and think how terrible going to war is. Specially in the states, a country that uses going to war as a means to get power and economic gains, regardless of justice. It sounds like a game to their society, 'an adventure'. This description is an apology of war.

For the most part, actors are OK.

This is a family drama with much humor. IMDb page doesn't specify where it was filmed but in one street scene we see the sign for "Quinn Podiatry" and that is in Pearl River, NY, just near the NY/NJ state line. And, I suppose, in other smaller communities in NJ and NY just upstream from New York city.

The cast contain a number of good, experienced actors and each creates an interesting character. The story revolves around Edie Falco as Wanda. She works as a bookkeeper for several small businesses in her area.

She has a pregnant daughter who is planning her wedding. She has a young adult son who never seems to be on a good track in life. Trouble seems to follow him.

She also has an ex-husband who, with his new family, may not be able to pay half of their daughter's wedding. Plus she is being pursued romantically by two different people, a man and a woman.

In essence the whole story is about Wanda coming to grips with her own life and happiness and it is a good ride.

My wife and I watched it at home, after our usual Saturday evening steak and red wine dinner, streaming on Peacock.

Hey folks, I'm adding my voice to the chorus of positive shout outs because this movie is special. I caught it at last year's NBFF and it was a standout. Quirky and funny, leavened with real moments of parental angst and regret. This is a really original piece of filmmaking that's a touching tribute to all those single moms desperately trying to hold a family together. It's about when to hold on and when to let go and how hard it is to do both. Edie Falco really lets it all hang out as Wanda, the mom who gives and gives and gives with no boundaries. You all know someone like this. (My 2nd eldest cousin is soooo like Wanda.) And this movie gives Wanda the room to show how you get to a place like this with her son Mark (Charlie Tahan) and daughter Sarah (Kayli Carter), both "takers" who don't seem to know better, but really do. Mark is especially angst-inducing, especially if you're a parent whose dealt with someone like him. (No spoilers, but I'll let you guess what his issue is.) Matching Edie Falco in the "letting it all hang out" dept. Is Michael Rappaport as Marshall, one of Wanda's admirers who is goofily self-aware and gives the film a honest edge. I could go on about this movie, but suffice to say, this film fits like a well-worn pair of stained sweat pants and will get you right in the feels. Kudos to writer Jim Beggarly, director Brendan Walsh, producer Peter Block, editor Aron Orton, composer James Righton, DP Aaron Medick. Plus costumes, prod design/set decor. Go see it when it finally comes to an art house near you.

Saw this at the 2024 Annapolis Film Festival. First time attending a film festival.

Appreciated this snippet from the program:

"We go to the movies to be entertained, educated, thrilled, horrified, to laugh or to cry and importantly, enjoy a respite away from our face-paced world"

This new favorite comfort movie of mine. It is incredibly charming and full with love. I really hope this gets a respectable theatrical release so I can show my mom. Really fun experience attending my first ever film festival. Thank you, Annapolis Film Festival.

Also, something cool-I sat in the row directly in front of Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco).

Edie Falco? Star. Charlie Tahan? Star. Jeannie Berlin? C'mon. Everything that you'd want from a heart-warming story-line filled with comedy AND more.

I stopped watching when she started carrying the bike upstairs while all the other bikes were, wisely, outside the house. I thought nothing good could come of such a movie and gave up. After all, you want to see smart behavior, even if it's labeled as comedy. For the same reason, I don't watch silly Adam Sandler movies as I know his pants often fall down. Do not waste your time ,to se the gym exercise. Do not fall for the good actress as often they make mistake too. If the director would told me to carry the bike two flights up , I would refuse. Thus put on the old but good movies with Gene Hackman instead of this.