Putzel

Saw this at the Palm Springs Film Festival. My girlfriend picked it out and I didn't think I was going to like it. But I did. It was offbeat, without being annoying. And funny as hell, but also sad in parts. The story is about a guy who works in a deli in New York who's kind of a Woody Allen type. He spends most of the film trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life and falling in love with the wrong girl. The acting was great all around and there were a lot of actors you've seen before. The girl who played the lead was there and answered questions after it was over. (She also plays Rose on Two and a Half Men). When is the movie going to be in theaters?

If, like me, you've bemoaned the lack of character-based, pathos-filled, and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny relationship comedies lately, then Putzel will come as a welcome breath of whitefish and lox-scented air. With all the bite and heart of the best Billy Wilder movies, director Jason Chaet tells a story of dysfunctional romance and blighted dreams, set entirely within the delivery radius of an old-school, family-owned Manhattan deli. The stakes have never been higher for Walter "Putzel" Himmelstein as he gamely attempts to manage an uncertain future, a wildly egotistical uncle, an irrational phobia, and a deli counter, which all finally comes into focus for him when a ballet and fish-loving shiksa goddess played by the always great Melanie Lynskey plies (plee-ayys?) into his life. There's bona fide laughter and tears here, and it all comes in a witty, Manischewitz-soaked punch.

No 3-D, CGI effects or robot monsters, but an unlikely superhero of sorts. PUTZEL is a charming throw-back to the simple art of storytelling. In an era of big budget movies, this indie rom-com is a breath of fresh air with a positive message - sometimes the scariest risk delivers happiness on a platter (maybe even on a "harry" platter;) Jason Chaet & Rick Moore bring a wonderful modern day Upper West Side fairytale to the screen. A film with a lot of laughs and moments where you find yourself "verklempt". Great, great ensemble cast! Stand-out performances by: Melanie Lynskey, Jack Carpenter, Steve Park, favorites John Pankow and Allegra Cohen. Also, Susie Essman breaks out of her normal character type and displays some solid acting chops. If you like to laugh, cry, and eat smoked fish, then throw on a "tank top" and see this movie!!!

We previewed this film at the Cinema Society of San Diego, and what a delightful evening it was. The movie was tender, funny, adorable and elicited laughter and embraces from the audience. Each role was played out with understated, well-cast characters who delivered believable performances, making the entire movie feel like home.

Our guest speaker, Allegra Cohen, who played the part of Willa, and produced the movie, brought it all to life with her own energy and enthusiasm to the members' questions and comments.

Though the story is age-old (boy meets girl, unrequited love unfolds, and the end turns out okay), it's the characters, setting and acting that make it so tender and touching.

You'll want to catch this flick on your film festival circuit, and hopefully, when it's out in theaters and on Netflix!

Enjoy, it's a little bouquet of pleasantly-scented flowers that we can all appreciate!

Putzel is the perfect blend of heartwarming and hilarious. A group of well written and well acted characters telling a story anyone can relate to. The acting, direction and script are so well done that you find yourself engaged by even the most minor characters. It encapsulates life on The Upper West side of Manhattan without alienating audiences elsewhere. Instead of being alienating it makes the Upper West side feel relatable, like it could be anywhere. Although at times it deals with surprising sad and dark subject matter it leaves you feeling hopeful. It also will make you laugh with some of the funniest moments you've seen in a film. These things and it's Billy Wilder like style make it an instant classic.