Review of Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2012) by Marknelizabeth T — 20 Oct 2012

Though I have heard a bit about the Duplass brothers, this is their first movie I am watching. It is not innovative or nothing that you have not seen before, but does build a terrific environment carefully setting up the characters, their positions and relationships. Occasionally funny, sweet, touching and heartwarming in equal amounts while still maintaining a quirky look at all the regular things.

Jeff (Jason Segel) is unemployed, looked down upon by his brother Pat (Ed Helms) and mother Sharon (Susan Sarandon) and as the title goes stays at home until the phase of the story started. You wouldn't see him at home during the rest of the movie. Pat is going through a midlife crisis and is shunned by his wife Linda (Judy Greer) for buying a Porche without consulting her. Pat discovers that Linda might be having an affair and brings in Jeff to follow her. Sharon is dragged into a little anxiety about a secret admirer at work. Also Jeff believes in destiny and he is pursuing a snippet he got in the morning. How all these stories collide will form the rest.

It is a role tailor made for Jason Segel and he delivers that held back performance which was perfectly apt. Helms, Sarandon, Greer all perform their roles really well inviting us to their world the Duplass brothers have created. Background score is that offbeat indie style while rest of the departments does a decent job nothing too special for mention since the movie is not too ambitious.

Does well within its limitations considering the minimal ambitions.