FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
CAROLINE: I’m very excited to report that we went to an advanced screening for a film whose director I adore, and I love all his movies.
RYAN: His name is Christopher Guest and the movie is “For Your Consideration.”
CAROLINE: Christopher Guest is a chameleon. And by that I mean, he always puts himself in his movies and he makes himself such a different character every time and it’s always hilarious.
RYAN: He is a genius director. But before we get to the meat of this review, I have to say it was an interesting screening experience for us because we were at the Dolby Screening Room in midtown Manhattan and there were only about twenty seats.
CAROLINE: Yes, it was an intimate theater-going experience.
RYAN: And it was really fun. I kind of enjoyed that – it was just us and other film reviewers.
CAROLINE: It was a good setting for a movie like this because it’s a small, indie kind of movie. I don’t think it would have worked for a blockbuster though.
RYAN: True. And right off the bat, from the minute the credits began and before there was even a picture on the screen, I heard you, Caroline, laughing.
CAROLINE: [laughs’ I couldn’t help it! With Christopher Guest movies, other than “A Mighty Wind,” which I didn’t love, all of them make me guffaw.
RYAN: And he’s known for working with the same cast over and over, and they were all fantastic here.
CAROLINE: And they were all here and then some! There were also cameos from both the British “Office” and the American “Office,” in the form of Ricky Gervais and John Krasinski, who’s adorable.
RYAN: And also a VH1 pundit…
CAROLINE: Yes, Rachael Harris! I loved seeing her.
RYAN: She was really funny.
CAROLINE: You just liked her because she played a lesbian.
RYAN: Yes, love the gay connection! Get on board. But I think the movie was absolutely stolen by two actresses.
CAROLINE: I think I know what you’re gonna say.
RYAN: First, Catherine O’Hara. I mean, really – this is her movie. And Jennifer Coolidge!
CAROLINE: Oh, I thought you were gonna say Parker Posey!
RYAN: Oh my God, I live for Parker Posey, she’s one of my favorite actresses ever. And she was great in this – ok, so maybe it was three actresses who were great in this. But Jennifer Coolidge, she didn’t even have to open her mouth and you’d laugh.
CAROLINE: She’s hilarious. There’s a lot of visual humor in this movie as well as just out-and-out jokes. I don’t think this is a movie for everyone though.
RYAN: No, it’s a certain kind of humor. But chances are if you liked “Waiting for Guffman” or “Best in Show,” you’ll like this movie. It’s a smarter humor. This isn’t slapstick. This isn’t “Dumb & Dumber.”
CAROLINE: And it’s just a hilarious, insider-y send-up of Hollywood and Oscar season.
RYAN: I really love the commentary there. It definitely satirizes politics in Hollywood but it’s not too political and it doesn’t belittle it other than showing how superficial Hollywood is – but that’s not news to anyone. Bottom line?
CAROLINE: If you’re into movies and you’re into watching Oscar races, you will love this movie. And chances are you already love Christopher Guest so you won’t be disappointed in this movie.
RYAN: Yeah, it’s excellent. There’s a lot of funny Jewish humor. The makeup is terrific. And the performances were perfect. Christopher Guest’s brand of film-making is outstanding.
CAROLINE: That’s your quote for the movie poster?
RYAN: [chuckles’ Yes, should any publicity company want to quote me, that was my quote.
CAROLINE: Ok, mine is: It’s a cast of thousands and there’s not a weak one in the bunch.
RYAN: Brizilliant.