Cleveronix A different way of telling a story

ThedevilChoose When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Suman Roberson It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

Marva It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

OutsideHollywoodLand This artistic collaboration between Mr. Cumming and Ms. Leigh is full of surprises. That these two established stars, used to playing edgy, dark, and unconventional roles would create such an ensemble piece makes me wonder what were they smokin'? Who could, after all, think actors, playing stereotypical Hollywood types, could be so boring, self-centered, and banal? And all in one evening? Anniversary Party is a perfect example of why most actors should not direct, not write, and then make it even worse by acting in the central roles. How can veteran screen stars like Alan Cumming, et al, can be so unconvincing in these one-dimensional characterizations? It's quite a hoot seeing Alan Cumming, that confirmed out-of-the-closet fashion maverick, trying to convince us he's a straight, middle-of-the-road Hollywood artist named Joe Theirran. We only have to see his Titus, Plunkett and Maclean, and yes-even Spy Kids to set our heads spinning at this sleight- of-hand nonsense.Jennifer Jason Leigh swaps her trademark controlled, neurotic ladies to wander about as Sally Theirran, looking like a victim of too much self-direction. Ms. Leigh's Delores Claireborne and Ms. Parker sparkle in our minds, only to disappear with the onslaught of this cinematic nightmare.The wonder of Indie films is that they show us a different perspective, away from the narrow frame of Hollywood auto-focus. They contain a spark of non-conformity that keeps us coming back again and again, always eager for that fresh and original view.So why make a movie that looks, acts, and feels like the standard Hollywood B movie? There's never a scene where the players cast off their self-consciousness to take ecstasy in the creative process. This film examines a rather large group of friends in the movie industry; most that are paired just a bit too conveniently. There's the obligatory set-up scenes of potential tension and disharmony, centered on Joe and Sally's sixth wedding anniversary celebration. It becomes apparent (and pretty quickly, too) that all the guests have their own issues they've brought, together with the gifts.The evening plays a bit like "All About Eve", complete with bedroom confessions, kitchen confidentials, and poolside revelations. If only there was even a fraction of the tension and drama!

jse126 I can't find much to say about this film. It was as dull as laundry day and filled with self important yet completely vapid people who cannot get along with anyone because they are all so concerned with themselves. They whine and moan and complain so much that after a while you'll feel like killing them all. It was made by Jennifer Jason Leigh, which to me is quite telling. This woman is regarded by many in Hollywood to be a great actress, which does in part explain why American movies are so awful. She is a dullard. Her name in the cast list of any movie is like a warning that a dull movie lies in store - and she MADE this one. I got the impression from the film that she thinks that it represents how people truly are and what "real life" is - but if for some reason she happens to be reading this, let me say emphatically to her that it does NOT. Of course it does paint a picture of her tragic little world of NY to LA movie types - but that is her problem, and there is a real life beyond Hollywood's artificial one (it's telling how these adults take Ecstacy, a kiddie drug that provides users with artificial emotions to go with their artificial lives). I do not want to be a part of that world and do not want to attend their parties, therefore I am sorry that I watched this. It might be a good wakeup call to anyone who dreams of movie stardom though. These people are so full of themselves because they are so empty of everything else. Actually I have to amend that statement - they are full of something else, though the twain may be hard to discern.This film, the type of people in it, and Jennifer Jason Leigh - they all deserve each other. I can't wait until Hollywood falls into the ocean.

emdoub In our household, we use a pretty basic definition for "art". If it (dance, painting, sculpture, performance) causes you, the audience, to feel the emotion that the artist wants you to feel, then it's art.By that definition, this movie is art - though I can't say that it's what the writer/director/producer team was trying for.Okay - I've been a Jennifer Jason Leigh fan for a couple of decades now. That she was one of the forces behind this film made my decision to rent it easy. As always, her performance as actress here is relentlessly professional - she knows her job, and does it well.The script is - well, questionable. Written by the central characters for themselves and their friends, filmed by (apparently) a circle of friends, about lives in the movie industry. As Heinlein said, "There's no shame in writing, but do it in private and wash your hands afterward". This is either masturbatory or self-revelatory, and it's not easy for this audience to know which. That's okay - it was an interesting evening's viewing, and it'll find its way into my personal collection sometime soon.The acting is flawless - no clunkers, no false notes, and some points of excellence. JJL was, in particular, good at showing a side I'd have thought she'd be afraid to face - the aging has-been. Many of the company I'd not seen before - but everyone, down to America, the maid, shows their characters beautifully.I don't really know if this movie was supposed to show the insiders' view of life in the movie industry, or a parody of that life - but it's an engaging story. It could have used a bit more sparkle, and perhaps a bit less pathos in one evening - but it did ring true throughout.Folks either like this or loathe it - I suggest that you watch it yourself and see what camp you land in. My daughter was a tad surprised to find how much she enjoyed it.(Daughter, 14, sez: Very odd. It shows movie stars, writers, and important people - being just like normal human beings are.)

jjalan This movie is extraordinarily pretentious. First of all, all of the characters in this film are unlikable and annoying. If such people exist, you certainly would not want to spend any time with them--not even for two hours--at a distance. This seems to be an instance where a group of Hollywood stars got together to make a movie, created a cast of characters almost no ordinary person could possibly relate to in any way, and then expects an audience to indulge in their pitiful neuroses with them. I'm not at all anti-Hollywood or one of those deeply idiotic right-wing morons who complain that celebrities are so out of touch with mechanics and Midwest elementary school teachers, but these characters are truly vapid, self-indulgent and just plain annoying. You might be tempted to rent this movie because of it's excellent cast--don't. Yes, there are some very good actors, but I assure you they are all entirely wasted in this masturbatory exercise in film-making. Jennifer Jason Leigh is a fine and quite underrated actress, but apparently that talent evaporates when she moves behind the camera. As for Alan Cumming, I suppose he's good in a strictly Joel Grey-Cabaret sort of way, but rather limited as an actor. For instance, in the movie he plays Jennifer Jason Leigh's husband--despite the fact that he is undeniably, screamingly homosexual. The movie even points this out, but it still expects us to believe in this relationship, which is sort of what the movie centers on--that and a group of very superficial entertainment people getting together, doing drugs, embarking on a voyage of self-discovery--blah friggin' blah. Stay away from this movie; it bites.