This movie is extraordinarily pretentious. First of all, all of the characters in this film are unlikable and annoying. If such people exist, you certainly would not want to spend any time with them--not even for two hours--at a distance. This seems to be an instance where a group of Hollywood stars got together to make a movie, created a cast of characters almost no ordinary person could possibly relate to in any way, and then expects an audience to indulge in their pitiful neuroses with them. I'm not at all anti-Hollywood or one of those deeply idiotic right-wing morons who complain that celebrities are so out of touch with mechanics and Midwest elementary school teachers, but these characters are truly vapid, self-indulgent and just plain annoying. You might be tempted to rent this movie because of it's excellent cast--don't. Yes, there are some very good actors, but I assure you they are all entirely wasted in this masturbatory exercise in film-making. Jennifer Jason Leigh is a fine and quite underrated actress, but apparently that talent evaporates when she moves behind the camera. As for Alan Cumming, I suppose he's good in a strictly Joel Grey-Cabaret sort of way, but rather limited as an actor. For instance, in the movie he plays Jennifer Jason Leigh's husband--despite the fact that he is undeniably, screamingly homosexual. The movie even points this out, but it still expects us to believe in this relationship, which is sort of what the movie centers on--that and a group of very superficial entertainment people getting together, doing drugs, embarking on a voyage of self-discovery--blah friggin' blah. Stay away from this movie; it bites.
Review of The Anniversary Party
