​FILMS

are you here

Are You Here (Comedy/Drama): 64 out of 100: A quirky comedy with quite a few dramatic scenes, this film neither succeeds as a comedy nor a drama. However, the sum of all parts ensures that viewer interest is maintained even if the plot takes some different directions that are far-fetched at times.

A family comes together to discover the fate of their father's will when he passes away. Along with the children, there are the stepmother and best friend to learn of the outcome. What eventuates is the product of the news that the will brings. This is where the plot isn't sure of what to make of the proceedings.

Owen Wilson is in his element as the womanising best friend of Zach Galifianakis' unstable, troubled son. Wilson can be an acquired taste at the best of times due to his mannerisms but here he plays sleazy well. Galifianakis can also be an annoying actor due to his occasional overacting and here he hams it up at times.

There are some scenes that are not really relevant to the flow of the narrative which means that the film could have been tighter at a running time of around 90 minutes. Fans of a quick pace need not bother seeing this film and those who are fans of the two lead actors will appreciate their turns, albeit quirky at times.

Starring Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis and Amy Poehler
(113 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, nudity, sexual references, drug use, mature themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uMtNpu6xBvU (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Monday 22nd September, 2014)