Review of Maggie's Plan (2016) by Wesley B — 24 Jun 2016

If it's the best of Great Gerwig's indie vehicles, that's still maybe not saying all that much - Gerwig's dotty, yet lovable persona, the still youthful but getting old for it slacker, is quite winning, but there's still not quite enough for her to do - or grow - in these slice of life storylines.

This one, which puts a contemporary gloss on what are really the elements of screwball comedy, works surprisingly well, in no small part because Gerwig's has found a winning foil in Julianne Moore, doing a madcap yet deadpan impression of Dietrich as college professor.

Ethan Hawke is a natural as the handsome mess up. Still, the blend of latter day Woody in New York style comedy and occasional moody realism doesn't entirely work. Giving Gerwig's wackiness free rein, ultimately, may be the real way to give this still interesting role the kick it needs to really sizzle.

Until then, this is about the best we can expect.