Review of The Good Girl (2002) by Christopher B — 24 Mar 2009

"Sometimes to get back on the road to redemption you have to make a few fit stops.".

I'm going to say that if you don't understand how hilarious and well-written this film is, you won't understand me.

Absolutely beautiful, poignant, and deliciously dark. Sure, Jake Gyllenhaal plays the confused self-absorbed and melodramatic teen again, but who else was going to do it? And you have to admit he's brilliant at it.

Zooey Deschanel is her usual genius self as the department store clerk specializing in artistic makeup expert who says what all cashiers think at times, and her lines in this film have become some of my favorite. I love her store announcements and wish with all my heart store announcements were always like this. They should be. "Do you know what gingko extract is? It's extract from the gingko. It makes your skin real slick, so anything will run right off it, like water or lemon juice or urine. I'll put it in a bag for you.".

If you think Jennifer Anniston can't act worth a crap, I can understand, but you ought to check this out first. Very believable and charming as Justine (great name...Henry Miller fan?).

John C Reilly ("I heard it was the couple that lays together, stays together.") plays her pothead painter husband, a couch fixture along with Tim Blake Nelson's (O Brother Where Art Thou?) character Bubba, the one who discovers Justine's affair with "Holden.".

Writer Mike White (i know, who? but I hope to see more of him) is a perfect cast as Corny, the bible thumping security guard. I can't wait to check out something else he's penned. Apparent friend to the Gyllenhaals, John Carroll Lynch (Sherrybaby, Zodiac, Bubble Boy) plays the Retail Rodeo store manager to perfection.

"You can't worry about something that hasn't even happened.".