Review of This Is Where I Leave You (2014) by Clem A — 28 Sep 2014

A fatherâ??s last wishes will bring a dysfunctional family even closer then ever before. Golden Globe winner Jason Bateman stars as Judd, one of four siblings in the Altman family. He's recently estranged from his wife, Quinn (played by Abigail Spencer) after catching her having an affair with his shock jock radio boss, Wade (played by Dex Shepard).

While dealing with the end of his marriage, Judd receives a call from his sister, Wendy (played by Golden Globe & Emmy winner Tina Fey) informing him that their father has died. Judd heads to back to his hometown for the funeral where he reunites with his psychologist mother, Hillary (played by two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda), no-nonsense brother, Paul (played by Golden Globe nominee Corey Stoll), his playboy younger brother, Phillip (played by two-time Emmy Award nominee Adam Driver), & Wendy.

Each member of the family is dealing with their own issues. Hillary is struggling with resentment from her children after writing about them in her books. Paul is dealing with taking care of the family business, but also trying to have a baby with his wife, Anne (played by Kathryn Hahm).

Phillip hasnâ??t really matured, & Wendy who feels responsible for the brain injury to her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, Harry (played by Emmy award nominee Timothy Olyphant), still living with his mother, Linda (played by Debra Monk), when they were dating.

At their home after the funeral, Hillary informs them that their fatherâ??s last request was that they be all grounded for a week of sitting Shiva. During this week-long mourning, Judd, Wendy, Paul, & Phillip learn how strong they are as a family despite all the craziness that goes on in their family, but also that they are there for one another.

Director Shawn Levy teams up with screenwriter Jonathan Tropper who adapted his best-selling novel of the same name for this very funny & heartwarming tale. The performances from this all-star cast which also includes Golden Globe & Emmy award nominee Rose Byrne as Penny, a childhood friend of theirs who had feelings for Judd and Golden Globe & Emmy award nominee Connie Britton as Tracy, Phillipâ??s girlfriend, were all terrific and the actors were solid together.

It was very believable to see them as a real family. The balance between the twisted humor & emotional moments in the film were done very well. SEE THIS FILM.