Movies

"Please Give" is an independent, character drama. What I loved about this film was the interesting array of characters that it presented.The characters that were on display for us to watch were all well written, fully-developed, interesting and funny as they each struggled with their moral dilemmas. I found myself being able to relate to all of them in one way or another.The writer also leaves enough to your imagination so you can decide how much these characters evolved or learned over the course of the film. As you think about them, you find yourself applying these lessons to your own life.The lack of plot leaves you wanting more because the best movies are usually able to deliver both plot and great characters. Although this is not one of the top echelon of movies, the compelling characters makes this better than most films you'll be able to find today.

A strong ensemble piece anchored by Catherine Keener, the movie is a funny and plausible reading of the neuroses of a functional, likable but in-pain group of working middle class New Yorkers. What's most positive and enjoyable about the film is the desire of its characters to deal with their problems even when they're not aware they're doing it. But a natural striving to consciousness takes hold because they're all just open enough to admit they don't have all the answers. Watching them on a path that ineluctably carries them to self-awareness, and then each other, is one of the great movie pleasures of this year.

If you are looking for something funny, uplifting, light and airy go look somewhere else! This isn't going to be any of those things. This is grim, dismal, sad, pathetic and uncomfortable to watch.The characters all seem to be sad or unhappy about something. No one is at ease or comfortable with their own lives nor do they seem to love the people they are around. Lot's of anger and depression here.Now, I could say that we have all experienced times in our lives where we felt the same way; sad, lonely, angry. But do you want to see every negative human emotion all compacted in 90 minutes? No!There are a few moments that are funny. Very few. Even "Friends with Money" was more fun than this. I hate it.