Life During Wartime (2009)

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Life During Wartime (2009)

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Let me start off by saying, I had the hardest time getting to watch this movie. It's almost as if I wasn't meant to see this, but seeing how I am a huge admirer of Todd Solondz I was determined to see this. First, right when we discontinued our service with Comcast- this comes on via on demand. Then the closest theater this came too, was within a three hour drive. Last, no word at the time of a DVD release, but thankfully all the waiting soon payed off, for this came on a movie channel- sure I had to wake up at 5 in the morning to watch it- but it's all good.

Anyways, about the film. Coming into this, I was excited, but worried. Excited because it is a Solondz film, but also because "Happiness" is one of the best film ever; therefore I thought it would be a treat to see what the characters had been up too. I was also nervous, nervous because "Happiness" ended on (obviously) such a high note, and I was worried perhaps this film would take unnecessary directions or explanations for some characters.

Ultimately, the main conclusion is this film is a treat, for Solondz fans, and "Happiness" fans. It maybe doesn't really tackle any giant explanations, but maybe that's a good thing. First, the humor, was wonderful. I love dark, dry, and macabre humor, and "Life During Wartime" perhaps is one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) example of his audacious humor. Again, you feel the need to laugh, if only to make it a comfort or to reassure yourself that the punchline/situation was humorous. Next, I appreciated the way the characters from "Happiness" (in particular Trish, Helen, Joy, and Timmy) were treated. Everybody was written with reasonable depth, and well continuity. The acting was also great in particular from Shirley Henderson, Allison Janney, Paul Reubens, and Dylan Riley Synder.

I must also say, I didn't like the way Bill Maplewood was portrayed in this one. Sure you can never, and I mean never, compare to Dylan Baker's perfect performance of Bill Maplewood, but it just didn't feel like the same character. Yes, with different actors there is the statement of "that was that movie, this is this movie," but all I'm saying is I just didn't believe (nor maybe want to believe) that it was Bill Maplewood. Also while on the subject of characters I was there was more of Helen (not just because she was my favorite sister from "Happiness), but perhaps there was more to her. Last I didn't particularly care for the pacing of the film, and also didn't like the ending. I think it left to many open doors (for such wonderful, well written characters to begin with), and also think it should have had a nod at the exciting ending of "Happiness." Overall, maybe ultimately "Life During Wartime" could have maybe been longer, or more emotional (for lack of a better word) than "spiritual." So much so that I almost want a third movie with these characters just to see them more. Of course I guess with Solondz you can never tell if he's mocking his characters, or sympathizing with them. Overall Life During Wartime", though it had it's faults, is still a great movie, and shows Solondz's writing is still as fresh and exciting as ever.

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Life During Wartime (2009)

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Life During Wartime (2009)

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