This is where I leave you

I am usually leery of ensemble movies. They tend to pile on the stars to compensate for either a weak script or ineffective directing.  This is not the case here. This a very enjoyable film and the ensemble works well as a dysfunctional family. The story is a patchwork of sub plots which are individual but rooted in the family. Above all this is a very funny movie and the laughs continue throughout the film.

The father of the family just died and his last wish is that his family sit Shiva. One son commented that their father was almost an atheist and another asked if the location of a chair was the same place they put the Christmas tree. The matriarch of this family is the ageless Jane Fonda with her inflated boobs which is a running gag in the movie. The other strong female is Tina Fay with her sharp wit and grit.

Jason Bateman is a lead character who is going through a marital crisis compounded by the death of his father. He display’s his trademark wry sense of humor and is disturbed by his mother’s overflowing breasts. A rising star to watch is Adam Driver. He gained acclaim from his role in “Girls” on HBO. He plays the ADHD insensitive clues son. He screws anything in high heels (or flats).

There are other story’s which coalesce into this enjoyable movies. Go see it.