​FILMS

this is where i leave you

This is Where I Leave You (Comedy/Drama): 65 out of 100: In movie history there's been many stories about dysfunctional families. For a movie like this to really shine, it has to be something out of the ordinary. Although there are some enjoyable moments, "This is Where I Leave You" doesn't offer anything new. You've probably seen it all before in similar types of movies.

Featuring an ensemble cast, the main problem with this movie is that there's too many characters with some not being given enough screen time. There's so many sub-plots happening that you feel a bit cheated that you can't really engage yourself in all the characterisations and plot developments.

In a nutshell, the story concerns four siblings who all come together and stay for one week in their family childhood home after their father dies. All their partners are brought into the 'chaos' and engage in quarrels, conversations and physical fights...all staples of a dysfunctional family movie.

There are some funny moments which help alleviate the soppy, sentimental scenes. The dramatic scenes can be a bit of a chore to sit through because they tend to be a touch manipulative, especially with the sugary sweet music score in the background. The constant bickering between family members also becomes a little tiring after a while.

The movie is well-acted considering some of the star names that are in the movie. Jane Fonda is a welcome addition to the cast and it would have been great to see her featured in more scenes. She appears to be having lots of fun, as do the other actors. It might have been a case of a movie being more fun to make than the end result.

"This is Where I Leave You" is a pleasant diversion that doesn't scale any great heights. There are worse movies you'll see this year and at the same time, much better films that have been, or will be released.

Starring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne and Jane Fonda
(103 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, sex scenes, nudity, sexual references, drug use, adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH0cEP0mvlU (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Monday 3rd November, 2014)