This film was a bit of a mess. An enjoyable mess, but a mess nonetheless. And as often is the case with messes, the director (Miranda Bailey) was trying to do too much. At times this was a coming of age film. At other times, a family drama. For awhile, it was all about a father and son bonding. Then towards the end, it turned into a screwball comedy. (they wound up sharing the same table, really?) Look, I don't mind a little mixing of the genres, it can be great when it's done well, but maybe next time, consider limiting it to just a couple.
Logan Miller (Philip) was very good here, though at times, thought his witty comebacks were a little too good and came a little too easily for a 17 year old. Jim Gaffigan (Frank), best known for his stand up comedy, got better as the film went along. He didn't sell me in the early part of the movie as the distant, demanding father, but as we got to know him better, his performance grew on me. Isabelle Phillips, had a fairly big role for a first timer. And while story-wise, she didn't have much to do, she did offer up a good deal of on-screen charm.
The film worked best when after the secret was out, Philip and Frank shared a scene. There was some genuineness to Frank after that. Perhaps because for the first time in 20 years, he didn't have to lie. And it was during this part of the film that I found myself starting to care. Imperfect as he was, Frank wasn't a monster and with the curtain down, Philip was, at long last, finally getting to know his father. When was the movie at its worst? When the Kramer-like stoner uncle was injected into things. I know it was done for laughs, but because it was so much less clever than the rest of the film's humor, it wound up being painful. (and where did he get the speedboat?) I was, however, pleased by the story's ending. For awhile there, it was looking as though Frank might not face any consequences for his actions, but ultimately, there was a piper to pay. There had to be or the film's wild premise would have lost all touch with reality.
On the overall, some good laughs, plenty of wit, nice scenery, and a story that kept moving. Frankly, you could do a lot worse.
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