Review of Greenberg (2010) by Joey F — 08 Sep 2010

I'm a Ben Stiller fan first of all. That seems to put me in the minority on RT. So I'm usually excited when he has new movies coming out not named "Night at the Museum". Noah Baumbach's prior movies (all of which I've seen) are usually depressing to the point of wanting to swallow pills after viewing them. So I was definitely intrigued.

Well, true to Baumbach form, the movie is depressing and almost unwatchable at times in terms of just making you squirm in your seat uncomfortable. But I found myself laughing out loud a lot, and really enjoying Stiller's quirky take on "Roger Greenberg". A narcissist who's so self absorbed he doesn't seem to understand the world beyond himself. At times his total lack of self-awareness is funny and other times it's almost impossible to watch especially in social situations. Baumbach seems to have lightened up a bit with "Greenberg" which is a welcome change because you can tell he's got talent.

A lot of people hated this movie judging from the reviews but I found myself drawn to the music and tone. Greta Gerwig and the English guy are bright spots as well. I don't think this movie is for most people.