Review of Dinner with Friends (2001) by Chris O — 14 Nov 2007

One can call this a film only by virtue of the fact that it was shot with a CAMERA. This finger-shaking, overbaked mess contains some of the most over-written, sign-posty dialogue ever created. And Toni Collette is ABYSMAL.

I don't know what the attraction was to this work, either in stage or film form, except that there are probably so many miserable and unhappily married people out there that they find themselves transfixed by this, as if it's the relationship version of a train-wreck.

Sure, if you like long-winded meditations on the nature of monogamy and you don't have time to read a self-help book about it, sit through this. If you want to watch an actual dramatic movie that holds your attention for any other reason, avoid this AT ALL COSTS.