Review of Waiting... (2005) by Bernard L — 24 Nov 2010

Now before you comment on this review outraged at how ridiculous this rating is, let me just explain. This movie found this strangely special place for me. Personally I worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant for almost 2 years, so I understand everything that goes on behind the scenes. While of course not as outrageous as this, the spirit is true to form. Ryan Reynolds in his best comedic performance has most of the massive laughs in this mock gross out comedy about life as you barely make ends. Waiting... was surprisingly hilarious and even though its immaturity is through the roof, I found myself relating so much to the basic concepts on screen, making it an even more fun experience.

The characters in this movie are so relatable. Yes I know not everyone plays a game where they show off their dick and try to get other people to look at it, but I was oddly laughing loudly at all of the horrendous stuff that goes on behind that door. These characters are off course stereotypical, but they just flourish with the immaturity of the guys with crappy jobs and having fun with it. These people are in the worst spot on the work force food chain, but boy they have the best time out of anyone.

The best part about this movie is how the characters actually feel as if they've known each other for years. The chemistry is so high and the banter between characters is a riot. Reynolds and his fairy like facial expressions and movement gives some perfect comedic timing. He is so overly passionate and makes everything a joke and 95% of the time, those jokes are hysterical. Anna Farris also gives some great work here as Reynolds ex and when the two of them squared off, it was probably the best insult battle ive seen on screen. And the rest of the supporting cast in wonderful, many great actors with some great comedic talent. Justin Long leads the rest of the cast as the guy who actually wants to get the hell out of there and get a job. The characters make this movie so fun and enjoyable, even when it does tread into overly-gross territory.

The movie has some gross out moments and there are only a couple of awkward scenes. But even the gross out stuff over the top, I was still laughing. I was laughing consistently at the jokes, the situations, the craziness and the characters. Everything came together in this movie for me personally. You may say my opinion is biased because I worked as a dishwasher for 2 years, but I worked in a more upscale restaurant and not some run of the mill restaurant like Shenanigans (even the name is funny). Another thing the film does really well is scare those who do not understand one simple thing. Do not fuck with the people who handle your food.

Many memorable scenes, great one liners and incredible chemistry among the cast really surprised me. I immediately fell for the movies inspired sense of immaturity and stupidity. In some cases, being too stupid doesn't work (any of the *insert genre here* movies), but when you have a talented cast, a nice script and very funny situations all add up to a really fun time. I think the reason why this film is so special is because it doesn't even try to do something epic, amazing or different, it is so happy with what it is. And I was much more than satisfied as well. Waiting... may not appeal to everyone, but it is a treasure to me personally and an ode to the restaurant business. Thumbs way up!