Review of Please Give (2010) by Jason C — 06 Feb 2011

Please Give is one of those movies where the cast was so good I had to watch it. The movie turned out OK, as all of Nicole Holofcener's (the director) movies turn out.

Nicole Holofcener makes deep movies with really involved characters. They're done in a monotone fashion, and the dialogue is abundant and sharp. Her movies are well received by critics, not LOVED by moviegoers, and doesn't make a ton of cash. They're good, though. As with all of her movies I've seen, though, it fell short in a way I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe they're just a touch above real life quality in entertainment.

Catherine Keener has done a few movies with Holofcener. She usually does similar characters, but does them well. I would like to see her and most of the other cast in Please Give, but they do more limited movies. Rebecca Hall jumped from TV to doing some great movies. Frost/Nixon, Vicky Christina Barcelona, The Town, and although Please Give isn't at those movies level, it's another strong showing for her. It took me a while to figure out it was actually her. Oliver Platt is a real good actor. His presence has been a pleasant surprise in films since Flatliners. He has great comedic timing. Amanda Peet is not only beautiful, but she has tremendous range as an actor. She's done great independent films as well as big budget movies.

I like Please give, but don't think it's tremendous. I can't recommend people see it because most won't like it. If you do appreciate movies with strong dialogue and good acting, then maybe you should try it.