Ang Lee can't do comedy

rbnn

Film describes preparations for and effect of Woodstock on small family-owned motel in the small town where the concert occurred. Ang Lee's trademark deliberate, careful editing and framing and nuanced character study of the lead very evident here, similar to Ice Storm in that respect. Plot and characters were interesting.

Film anchored by excellent, understated performance by the lead, the son of the motel owners, Demetri Martin as Elliot Teichberg. Jonathan Groff was was charismatic and memorable as the serene promoter Michael Lang, and Eugene Levy was entertaining job as a nearby crafty landowner.

With all of the great things about this film - the plot, the main character, some excellent performances - why am I only giving it three stars? Why would this not be something like Almost Famous meets Best In Show (both marvelous films).

It's a bad film because it was ruined by horrendous performances by many of the supporting actors.

Imelda Staunton gave the worst rendition of a parody of a Jewish mother I have ever seen. It was like watching a high-school drama student act out a stereotype on Saturday Night Live or something.

Henry Goodman overacted, although not quite as badly as did Staunton, in a mediocre performance as the father.

And Emile Hirsch was preposterous and irritating as a trouble Vietnam vet.

An unnecessary side plot involving a theater troupe who - this is getting redundant - also overacted dragged down the film further.

So basically, Lee was just making the classic mistake of poor comedy directors, confusing silliness and excess with humor. The horrific group of performances, intended to seem zany but in fact just unpleasant to watch, spoilt the film.

score 3/10

rbnn 28 August 2009

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2118551/