The Pros & Cons of Breathing

This is one of those small films that few people ever saw. Unless you had a quirky theater in your community, like the Palm Theater in San Luis Obispo, CA, it never played where you were.

That's a pity, because this was a tight little movie about making it in Los Angeles. Good dialog, good story, good acting. Good directing, too. But, you didn't see it, and you missed something.

One of the things you missed was a breakout performance by Joey Lauren Adams, who stole the stage every time she smiled. I said to my partner after the movie, "I don't know who she is, but, we're going to see her again before long.

The next time was in Kevin Smith's "Chasing Amy."

I'm reviewing this because she made a cameo appearance in "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot," which I just saw yesterday.

Sadly, you won't get to see it, most likely. Nobody has put it on a DVD. Too bad. You'd enjoy it.

I waw this movie at the Chicago Film Festival, I guess it was 1994, I don't remember exactly, might have been earlier. I never saw the movie released and I wasn't that impressed with it. It was kind of whiny gen-x angst, pot-shot Kevin Costner jokes, self satisfied smug LA attitudes, blah blah blah.

But I clearly remembered the waitress and her incredible smile. "Who is that?" I wondered. I later saw her in "Sleep with me" then "Chasing Amy" and got to know her as the wonderful Joey Lauren Adams.

I just rented this movie because of the title. I had no idea what it was about or any of the actors in it except Joey Adams. What I discovered was a tightly wound little film with great performances across the board by some very funny and gifted actors. The way the scenes flowed between Ira Heiden and Phil Brock was hysterical. Their chemistry was great. Brock's restraint is a riot to watch with Heiden, he plays it like an older brother that not only loves his kid brother, but wants to strangle him as well... This is also the best, most honest work that Joey Adams has ever done.

I recognized almost all of the actors once the film started from other movies, but their talents were really able to shine in this film. Especially, Ira Heiden who emerges as one of the most unlikely heroes in recent memory. Although the film is ten years old, it still rings true today as a testament to the Hollywood machine and the souls that are willing to feed it.

Take ninety minutes, and treat yourself to this indie talk fest. There's absolutely nothing flashy here, just good work. You'll be reminded what someone with a little money a decent script and good actors can do when they are given the chance.

saw this on the independent film channel a few years ago and would sure like to see it again. tried to track it down to no avail. a realistic look at the minds of aspiring actors/writer who get together regularly at a diner to mull over their progress. they grow on you, you root for them. the highlight of the movie is the song "selfish" sung over the credits. wonderfully witty. could never find that either. if you find either kindly let me know. i know of few people that saw this film, it could be that it was never released and only shown at a festival or two. that would be a shame. the dearth of movies that actually have something to say continues. nothing blows up here, the bloodiest thing is the ketchup, and the only threatening thing is life itself. but i want to be entertained, not stupefied, and this one does just that.