Review of Get Low (2010) by Ceph J — 05 Mar 2011

"Get Low" refers to a burial. What's unique is that Robert Duvall (as Frank Bush) wants his funeral while he's alive so he can hear the eulogies. Why? Since he's a recluse and no one has anything good to say. I suppose you shouldn't speak ill of the dead but this is a bizarre idea. Helping him is the funeral home director played sarcastically by Bill Murray and his sincere assistant played wholesomely by Lucas Black.

The story is too strange and the movie doesn't play it like a black comedy (there's not enough humorous dialogue). When the reasons for Duvall's reclusiveness is revealed, it's more suited for a daytime soap opera than a movie with dying themes. Sissy Spacek is wasted in a few scenes as Duvall's past acquaintence. Bill Cobbs is the best actor here for his portrayal of a pastor who knows alot but aside from the actor making his presence known, his character is undeveloped. What saves this movie from being a truly boring enterprise are the superb actors. It's always a pleasure to watch Duvall, Spacek, and Murray on film even when the screenplay is average.