Heidi Caldwell
I can't for the life of me understand why this movie is rated as highly as it is. Was it the worst movie I've ever seen? No. It was, however far from the best. I think this movie would be interesting to those who work in the film industry, an actor, director, etc. But to everyone else, this movie comes off as extremely pretentious and preachy. I felt like the basic message of the movie was "Hey, we actors lead really difficult lives, and you should feel bad for us." What this film forgets is that everyone has trials and tribulations, that's life. One of my favorite movies is "Lost in Translation", which also is about an actor unhappy with life. However the great thing about LIT is that the main character actually does other things besides moan and groan about how awful his life is. very funny, entertaining movie, unlike AP. Basically, my complaint about this movie is that there was an endless amount of unnecessary drama over problems in the character's lives, and the problems weren't even that bad in comparison to what some people go through. What's more, I found all the characters annoying and completely selfish. If you are able to relate to the characters, you may enjoy this movie, however I found it impossible. Not for me, I'm afraid.-Heidi
joydragons
Anniversary Party does not take the directions that ordinary Hollywood party movies would take. Rather, each character reveals a possible "stray" and then continues with their usual path. It was interesting to note that a party of this sort could actually end on a positive note, given that almost everyone pushed themselves outside their usual comfort zone. It is my opinion that with so many talented and known actors, it is difficult to bring what could be chaos into focus, making a movie well worth watching. I definitely recommend this for all those tired of the mainstream movies and looking for something different and interesting.
troutfishingterrorist
It is easy to see how people might be turned off by a movie such as this. Like 'the Big Chill' or even 'the Royal Tennenbaums' it is a movie that is almost completely character driven. Not a lot happens, but rather it is a stunning portrayal of relationships within a tight group with a couple of outsiders hanging around for the ride. I love JJL and Alan Cumming, but the other characters are the ones I feel make the movie work so well. Especially Parker Posey and Jane Adams, the latter having I feel the best role in the film. Claire is neurotic and unbelievably hilarious. Not only is the film totally believable, but the characters are constantly being stripped away to reveal what is truly happening, and what truly happens to us all. We get caught up in relationships that have no clear definition and that require work and compromise to be able to survive. The acting, dialog, direction, mood and humour are all absolutely amazing. This movie works on all levels. At first I thought this was an 'actor's movie' but after showing it to friends I now think completely differently. Not only did they love it, but we have watched it again and again together, laughing and being amazed at what Jennifer and Alan have accomplished. Bravo!
Lee Eisenberg
I guess that every once in a while, there has to be a movie about people's relationships about to blow up in everyone's faces - especially if it's about Hollywood. "The Anniversary Party" is one such movie. It has Joe Therrian (Alan Cummings) and Sally Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh) throwing a party in their Hollywood Hills house and inviting various friends. As the party continues, it begins more and more to look like everything is about to collapse.This was an okay, if routine, flick. The aspect that really stands out (for me at least) is that real-life couple Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates co-star with their real-life son and daughter. Other cast members include John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Parker Posey. Nothing significant in cinema history, but acceptable.
AD
