The Answer Man

What do Lauren Graham and Tea Leoni have in common? The answer is simply that these are two actresses who were generally under-used in movies but could have done OH SO MUCH MORE. Some films work because of the script. Some work because of the director. And some work because of the chemistry. The day will come when film students of the future will look back at this era and have to content themselves with the slim body of work left behind by both these actresses. Arguably for example FAMILY MAN is Leoni's best role and indeed some of her fans claim to have seen the film over a dozen times. This unusual outing, THE ANSWER MAN, is arguably Graham's best effort. Sure the script is weak. Sure there are stretches when nothing seems to happen. But through it all we have the odd chemistry between Daniels (way before his breakout role in Newsroom) and Graham. This the glue that makes this film special. And memorable.

A little bit of comedy, a little bit of romance, some soul searching, but not a romantic comedy or "romcom" by any means. Enjoyable to watch for over 25's, I guess.

Would be a great movie, but the story needed a lot of developing. Director and screenplay author John Hindman takes a love story and tries to include some points on "meaning of life" and "how to live your live", and a few laughs, too, just a right amount for general public. Could be a great movie, but whoever cut it, made it "too accessible" for everybody, if you know what I mean. 'Artsy-fartsy' types would tear this movie to pieces, that's for sure.

Actors did a good job, Jeff Daniels in particular. So go and watch the movie, especially if you are on a date. No uncomfortable moments, and a bit of a laugh for both sexes. Love story helps, too.

Alen Farber (Jeff Daniels) is a financially successful author of a twenty (20) year old renowned spiritual book titled "God and Me" but his personal life is in shambles to which we won't discover the reason why until near the end of the film. As both he and his life both seem to be miserable the only person he wants to interact with and even then begrudgingly and only out of necessity is his agent Terry Fraser (Nora Dunn).

Arlen eventually ends up allowing two new people into his personal space.

One of the two people he becomes attached to is a personable chiropractor named Elizabeth (Lauren Graham) who is raising her young shy son as a single parent. The other person who gradually wins Arlen's trust is a local book store owner named Kris Lucas (Lou Taylor Pucci).

All three main characters have troubles but if we as the audience cannot recognize even one of these characters flaws in our own personal lives than kudos to you for living the perfect life.

This is a warm and feel good film with a relatively happy ending and this is the type of film that Mrs. Shullivan and I enjoy most. A film we can relate to with real people who experience real life challenges/problems who eventually help each other live a fuller life in a happier world.

I give it a much appreciated 8 out of 10 IMDb score.

This film is a good all around romantic dramedy. All the characters in the story become interconnected and realize that as much as their problems are personal they need the company of others to help them through life. The idea that "you are your own worst enemy" is thematic here and the quirky lifestyles of these Philly dwellers help ease the tension in what could be very uncomfortable dramatic scenes. Its been hard to find a romantic comedy that stays away from sex and the city like characters or tween indie pastel colored cult movies. Arlen Faber offers us a tasteful unpretentious refreshing and funny kick back film. And for the record this movie wasn't overly godly, something that I was afraid of when choosing what to see at Sundance. The religious themes are pretty minimal and I don't leave the theater thinking that I need to rethink my relationship with God or religion.

Jeff Daniels stars in this light drama about a man who purportedly talked to God and wrote a bestselling book 20 years ago. Now both he, a chiropractor with her son, and a young man all of whom are experiencing challenges in their lives meet to face their own inner ghosts. The Answer Man is a refreshing, creative and distinctly different drama that nevertheless ends on a rather non-mainstream, non-rom-com note that either reflects a more authentic examination of life or a slightly jarring diversion from popular expectations.