Rrroza

An exciting viewing experience: thoroughly engrossing, fascinating novel structure, visually stimulating. A really new model of a thriller. Doesn't hold up as well afterwards, some logic problems with the plot, but definitely required viewing.

I was in a very down mood when I went out, and this film turned me right around! Sweet and silly, (but not cloying or obviously sentimental) this film is very-well built beneath its light profile. I'm very impressed with the many decisions that must have been made to result in a film this subtle, well-balanced and delightful. Plot and characters seemed familiar at first but the film almost immediately distinguished itself with well-observed, small details of character and setting; unexpected and delightfully absurd plot twists; and the excellent, natural performances by all. All the characters had charm and a subtle full-dimensionality that's particularly refreshing these days in comedies... from the central family members --Father, Marva, Mother-- down to even the smallest roles that function like seasoning (like the bartender, and the stone-faced assistant to debbie's manager.) Characters that might have been left as stereotypes in other films (like Willy, Debbie, and her manager) surprised me with more complex -- but still believable -- behavior later in the story. Unobtrusive editing and appropriately bright/naturalistic visual aesthetic and cinematography make for an easy, pleasurable viewing experience that has left me with plenty to replay in my mind. US viewers who haven't traveled in Europe may not "get" the pop-music industry/TV details portrayed, and I'm sure there are cultural in-jokes that I missed, but I was never less than fascinated from start to finish.