Waitress

Waitress (Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines, Andy Griffith, Adrienne Shelly) – Adrienne Shelly, a staple of independent films, wrote, directed, and co-stars in her autobiographical story of a waitress in a small town who is caught in a bad marriage, is pregnant, and is a whiz at baking pies.  Keri Russell (Mission Impossible III, The Upside of Anger) gets the starring role, Jenna, and plays it beautifully.  This is a prototypical “small” film but it feels bigger.  It’s a step up from TV sitcom, thus is appealing to the masses while still attracting the independent movie crowd.  You find yourself overlooking the unethical gynecologist who is handsome, caring, and is a magnet for Jenna.  You find yourself admiring the curmudgeon owner of the restaurant, Joe’s Pie Shop, played by the venerable Andy Griffith.  No one likes him except Jenna … and he is Jenna’s biggest fan, sees her potential, and seems to know all of life’s lessons.  It’s a wonderful story with stereotypical characters that detract only a little from the story but makes the audience feel comfortable.  The ending is telegraphed but still satisfies the audience.  And the kicker happens at the end of the credits when you find out the movie is dedicated to the “memory” of Adrienne Shelly.  It turns out the author/director/writer was murdered 10 months after the filming, which explains why the movie took almost 17 months to reach the theaters.  You will enjoy this total diversion from the summer blockbusters.

 

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