Review of Enough Said (2013) by Glenn G — 26 Dec 2013

Nicole Holofcener has a clearly established, recognizable voice in filmmaking. She makes what I like to call "Westside Movies", which are populated by characters with large kitchen islands, disposable incomes, and a bad case of first world problems. Nothing wrong with that. These people exist. Not every movie has to illustrate the struggles of the 99%. Besides, her films exhibit refreshing gobs of real quirky human behavior with an ear for awkwardly people speak with each other.

ENOUGH SAID (terrible title that I forgot as it splashed across the screen) is a very respectable, adorably cute latest entry for Holofcener. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is Eva, a single mom who travels around with her massage table to her various clients. At a party one night, she meets two people who will become significant in her life. One is Marianne (Catherine Keener), a poet who not only becomes Eva's newest client, but also a friend. The other is Albert (the late, great James Gondolfini), who unbeknownst to Eva, is Marianne's ex-husband. While they start dating and developing real feelings for each other, Marianne shares all of the flaws she saw in her ex with Eva, not knowing that her new friend is dating him. In lesser hands, this would play out like a wacky farce. Holofcener, however, is too smart and sharp to allow her film to devolve into cheap comedy.

Instead, this is a well-populated story filled with vivid characters, most of whom show that rarity of rarities, real kindness. Holofcener and her talented cast really understand the rhythms of this dance. Gandolfini, in particular, exudes warmth and shyness, along with a slightly over-it demeanor, all completely in keeping with a man who knows what he wants out of life and relationships. It's so devastating to think he's not around anymore, as his range as an actor was unlimited. For a man of his age and weight to be able to pull off a sexy, romantic lead role such as this, was a wonderful throwing down of the gauntlet to every Zac Efron and Liam Hemsworth out there. Dreyfus is the kind of actor who can make a ton of asshole mistakes and still be winning (witness her brilliant turn on every episode of VEEP for the prime example). Watching her slow burn aggravation over her thoughtless, self-obsessed clients is one of the great pleasures of this film. Keener, a Holofcener mainstay, does nice work , but this isn't a role as juicy as those she had in PLEASE GIVE or FRIENDS WITH MONEY, two earlier, better Holofcener films. Keener is also given short shrift at the end, where I would have liked to have seen some resolution between her and another character.

I also have a problem with Dreyfus' character, who is supposedly struggling yet living in a beautiful Santa Monica house. Do you know how many aching knots she would have to relieve to live in that style? Regardless, if you're tired of everything blowing up in 3D and want to see how the second half of your life could unfold, with failed relationships and new beginnings in the cards, then ENOUGH SAID is for you. All told, this is a slightly insubstantial work, but filled with wonderful pleasures nonetheless.