Saturday, May 31, 2008

Someone to be in his movie with


Jeff Garlin's film I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With is a filmed manifestation of his comedy in much the same way that Roseanne or Everyone Loves Raymond or Albert Brooks comedies reflect the comedy of their creators. I mentioned those folks because they don't really work for me and neither does this film of Mr. Garlin's.

He plays a 40 year old comedian living in Chicago and appearing in Second City. He lives with his mother and eats junk food while laying on the hood of his car with Wrigley Field in the background with poignant music playing. This is territory of produced by, written by and starring in. Woody Allen at least has the eye and technique of a master filmmaker to prop up or obscure his most indulgent moments.

Afer a while, the real highlight of the film tends to be the familiar names and faces that roll by Garlin, almost as if they were on one of those walking sidewalk deals in an airport. Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson plays a grocery clerk who busts Garlin's chops about his junk food habits, but gives him out of date snacks. Paul Mazursky plays a low rent Alan Funt. Amy Sedaris is a grade school psychologist in one of the film's most bizarre scenes warning of teacher Bonnie Hunt's penchant as a chubby chaser.

And then there is Sarah Silverman who Garlin was most fortunate to have in this film. There are a lot of folks (like me!) who saw this film because of her prescence in it. It was billed as a romantic comedy on the cable pay per view ads that made it seem that Silverman was a co-star. In reality, she only has about four scenes, and, of course she steals them all. Sarah's walk even makes me smile. But ultimately her role in this film is like watching John Belushi in Goin' South: a short bit that can't save the movie at large.

Richard Roeper said something quasi-profound on his movie review show a few week back when he mentioned that taste in comedy is a very personal thing. Rotten Tomatoes reveals that Roeper and a lot of other folks found Garlin's vehicle amusing and touching. However, I know it didn't work for me.
posted by well-executed buffet at 11:07 PM
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