Here is the first trailer for Nicole Holofcener’s family dramedy “Please Give,” that debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to lukewarm reviews.
The film stars Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt, Amanda Peet and Rebecca Hall and follows the story of a family waiting out on a cranky elderly neighbor, so they expand their apartment into a dream home. Things become complicated however when they become friends with the neighbor and her family.
It’s an interesting cast and the trailer does show lightweight promise. Of the film, Holofcener explained to Variety that she “didn’t really attempt to write about a topic or issue. It seemed like a good opportunity to write about the stuff that consumes me — death and living your life in a meaningful way when you know you’re going to croak in that chair you just bought.”
“Please Give” will see a limited release on April 30th through Sony Pictures Classic.
This movie pretty much embodies why indie film is dying — tired premise, bland-looking execution. Start making movies that audiences actually want to see. Bleh!
I'm glad you guys are championing this movie, but I take issue with the phrasing "the trailer does show lightweight promise." It certainly doesn't look like a great film, but "lightweight promise" seems to suggest that you would only expect a film like this to be 'as-good-as' whatever expectation it is you have for it. I think each film should be judged on its merits and it shouldn't be less 'serious' because no one dies and it's not directed by PT Anderson or about mortality. I guess I would just prefer if you took up some actual issue with the trailer instead of patting it on the head and say, "It's good for THIS type of film." If you think Ms. Holofcener fell short in some way, point that out, but she's not making some studio picture, this isn't a paycheck for her and I think as an independent filmmaker she should be taken as seriously, and not deemed 'lightweight' without something to back it up.
Sorry, I really do love you guys. That just really bugged me for some reason.
Keep up the great work. I love your blog.