HAPPY TEARS

(director/writer: Mitchell Lichtenstein; cinematographer: Jaime Anderson; editor: Joe Landauer; music: Robert Miller; cast: Parker Posey (Jayne), Demi Moore (Laura), Rip Torn (Joe), Christian Camargo (Jackson), Victor Slezac (Eli Bell), Ellen Barkin (Shelly), David King (Dr. Sims), Billy Magnussen (Ray), Patti D’Arbanville (Nurse); Runtime: 95; MPAA Rating: R; producer: Mitchel Landauer; Roadside Attractions; 2009)

“Overwrought comedy.“

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Mitchell Lichtenstein(“Angelica”/”Teeth”), son of pop art icon Roy, writes and directs this overwrought comedy. Despite a perfect cast, the black comedy doesn’t work because the script is so lacking in wit. Jayne (Parker Posey) and Laura (Demi Moore) are estranged sisters who return to their Pittsburgh childhood house to take care of their batty old coot rascal father Joe (Rip Torn). He’s a former singer, who soils himself. This duty somehow brings the bickering sisters back together.

Also in the picture is Joe’s crack-addict paid girlfriend Shelly (Ellen Barkin), who annoyingly dispenses life lessons that are as solid as her bad teeth. Tears are shed in bringing back awful childhood memories, only they just don’t seem to be happy tears as the title wants us to believe.

I’m a fan of Parker Posey and this misfire indie served her poorly.

REVIEWED ON 9/24/2017 GRADE: C-   https://dennisschwartzreviews.com/