FILM REVIEW: UNION SQUARE By: Faiz No comments

Lucy (Mira Sorvino) in Union Square.

Unit-wit

By Don Simpson

Writer-director Nancy Savoca's Union Square is a strange, little film that seems unsure if it wants to achieve subtle neo-realism via a severely concentrated character study or appeal to the cheap seats as an over-the-top Odd Couple-like comedy.

The film follows a cartoonishly brash and outlandish babe from the Bronx, Lucy (Mira Sorvino), as she spirals uncontrollably towards a nervous breakdown. With what seems like a well-versed knack for dropping in on people, Lucy arrives at Union Square station to surprise a lover -- after some bargain shopping at Filene's Basement first, of course. When Lucy finally gets the not-so-subtle hint that her lover wants absolutely nothing to do with her, she heads straight to her estranged sister Jenny's (Tammy Blanchard) apartment.

Jenny is understandably shocked to see Lucy; and assuming that Lucy intends for this to be an extended stay, Jenny comes off as cold and unwelcoming. We then realize that maybe it is just in Jenny's natural personality to be cold and unwelcoming; just take a look around at her immaculately sterile apartment. You see, Jenny is one of those snobbishly organic, vegetarian types who suffers from the tunnel vision of her holier-than-thou lifestyle. Worst of all, Jenny has disowned her crazy family from the Bronx and developed a fictional past in which she grew up in a idyllic New England household, which is certainly more conducive to her bland granola-light lifestyle. Jenny shares the sterile bubble of her existence with her long-term fiancé, Bill (Mike Doyle), who is understandably confused by Lucy's sudden appearance...and, more than likely, Lucy's strong accent as well.

Savoca ensures that the audience develops no empathy or affection for either of the central protagonists, thus making Union Square a somewhat tortuous experience. Personalities are cranked up way past 11 in what turns out to be an acting showcase designed specifically to highlight Sorvino's dramatic range. Unfortunately, Union Square comes off as being a bit too over-directed, specifically because of some surprising plot twists that come inexplicably from nowhere. This is a story that would have benefited greatly from significantly less amplification of emotions.

LAFF 2012: GAYBY By: Faiz No comments



Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas) in Gayby.

Can you relate?

By Don Simpson

Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas) are best friends from college. They are now in their thirties and currently single. Jenn has just never met the right guy for her; neither has Matt, who is still recovering from his last relationship. Years ago, they promised to make a baby together. Now, Jenn’s biological clock is ticking and she is ready to follow through on that pledge. The catch? She wants to make the baby the old fashioned way: no turkey basters, artificial insemination or fertilization for them!

Jenn and Matt struggle to get their dating lives back in motion while concurrently jump starting their careers. Jenn has a low-ranking position at a yoga studio; Matt is a comic book illustrator who works as a clerk at a comic book store. They each make some bad decisions along the way, but they support each other as only best friends know how — which sometimes means not talking to each other for a while. Luckily they have a “nellybear," Matt’s friend, Nelson (Jonathan Lisecki), to help guide them along their way.

Jonathan Lisecki’s Gayby is a film with many admirable qualities. It intelligently discusses sexuality (including issues of gay identity), aging, friendship, loneliness, and the definition of family. Gayby is not a “gay film." it is a film about people and relationships, whether they are L-G-B-T-Q or A…and everything in between. Sure, Lisecki includes a lot of gay-oriented humor but his goal is not to segregate his audience. Instead he hopes to create a better understanding of sexuality and gender. As offensive as some audiences may find a narrative about an unmarried straight woman and gay man having intercourse to make a baby, the purpose of Gayby is not to shock or offend people. Gaybymight actually expand your mind a little if you just give it a chance. When it comes down to it, Gayby is a well-written (and acted) and undeniably silly romantic comedy.

Gayby screens at the Los Angeles Film Festival: June 16, 9:40 p.m., Regal Cinemas; June 21, 9:40 p.m., Regal Cinemas.