Movie Review: "Disturbia" and "Waitress"

I know, two movies in a row, right? It seems like I don't go to the movies for months and then hit it two weeks in a row. Anyway. While visiting family last weekend, a bunch of us went to see Disturbia. I was curious about it for a few reasons. One: It was the #1 movie for like, three weeks, which was odd to me because it didn't seem like your usual summer, blow-shit-up blockbuster. Two: I really like David Morse. Three: I've been kind of following Shia LeBeouf's career because I'm always interested when former child stars try to move onto grown-up movie roles. Sometimes it goes well and you're Joseph Gordon-Levitt (DUDE. Have you seen this guy? The kid from Third Rock From the Sun? He's a terrific actor. Check him out in Brick, Manic and if you have a strong stomach, Mysterious Skin. You won't be sorry.) and other times you're The Olsen twins or our beloved, tragic Jonathan Brandis. But I've been pulling for little Shia because I think he's talented and I loved him in Holes which is the best kid's movie with a porno title ever. So, with those reasons, I wanted to see Disturbia.

So, off we go, my mom, my uncle Claudius, my aunt Tia and my partner-in-crime cousin, Brianna. Bri had seen the movie already, but liked it enough to see it again and also wanted to laugh at me as I jump and squeak at the scary parts. (I am very twitchy and startle easily; if there's a movie or show with something jumping out at you or whatever, I will jump and screech. I've even done this while reading books. Yeah. I embarassed the HELL out of myself during The Grudge.) So, little Shia plays a kid with a semi-tragic past who gets into some legal trouble and goes under house arrest. During his iTunes-free imprisonment, he starts reenacting Rear Window and thinking his neighbor is a murderer. It's a fun, twisty little movie that makes good use of technology like cell phones and digital cameras. The performances are good, especially little Shia and Morse, who brings the right amount of menace wrapped in kindliness. Also fun is Aaron Yoo, who plays our protaganist's wacky best friend. And finally, I forgot to mention, little Shia's character's name is Kale, for God's sake. KALE. Come on, screenwriters, enough with the stupid names. Isn't that a vegetable or something? Whatever.

And now we move onto Waitress. We tried to go see it last night, but the damn thing was SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT, people. Which, of course, just made me want to see it more. We finally got to see it today. You guys, it's a SUPER CUTE MOVIE. Keri Russell (who I love and will carry on more about later) plays Jenna, a waitress who gets knocked up by her abusive husband played by Jeremy Sisto (who will forever be Brenda's crazy brother Billy from Six Feet Under.). She works in a diner and makes all kinds of crazy pies. Let me tell you, you will want pie when you leave this movie. Waitress is cute and funny and borderline annoyingly quirky, but has enough real heart and sweetness to make up for that.

Adrienne Shelly wrote, directed and starred as one of Jenna's waitress friends. Shelly was murdered in November of 2006, shortly before the movie came out. Besides the obvious tragedy of it, it's a real shame that this is her last film. She was very talented and I would have loved to see more of her work. Wonderful work here by Russell, whom I've loved since Felicity. (I also lovedlovedloved her in Mission Impossible III. I know, I know, hear me out. I loathe the Cruise as much as you do. But MI3 is good stuff. And there is this KICK ASS scene where Cruise tosses Russell's newbie spy Lyndsey a gun and she catches it, doesn't miss a beat and swings it around and starting picking off bad guys. AWESOME. I have a weakness for kickass-girl moments. Sue me.) Also, Nathan Fillion plays the cute obstetrician that Jenna has an affair with. Their relation is totally cute and atypical and Fillion does an awesome job of being not-quite perfect, but pretty damn close. I've had a soft spot for Nathan Fillion since Firefly and he was one of the few bright spots of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's excreble 7th season. (Nope, not letting that go ANYTIME soon.) Andy Griffith turns up as an old curmudgeon who gets all the best lines. Gotta love old Andy. Seriously, you guys. Go see Waitress. It's really good and a memorable last film from a talented filmmaker. Plus, you'll probably have to go to your local artsy movie theater to see it and you can have fun mocking all the yuppies, just like we did. Heh.