Humor Me is a fine example of how charismatic actors and a promising new filmmaker can rise above ordinary movie mechanics.
Stubborn playwright Nate (Jemaine Clement) receives a double whammy of bad news when he’s fired from his latest gig and his frustrated wife Nirit (Maria Dizzia) leaves him for an affluent lifestyle with another man. Helpless and humiliated, Nate moves in with his wisecrack father Bob (Elliot Gould) while also acquainting himself with other quirky seniors within his Dad’s retirement community.
Humor Me is predictable, but it’s also very funny. This parental type is a walk in the park for Gould, but his comedic timing is fresh; serving amusing groaners written by director Sam Hoffman. The film is also an easy job for Clement (of Flight of the Conchords fame). He brings his signature dry sarcasm to his compulsive character, which the supporting cast have no problem rebounding off of (including musician Ingrid Michaelson in her acting debut).
It may not be as edgy as its hip Canadian cousin Don’t Talk to Irene but, nonetheless, Humor Me is a heartwarming movie.
Catch Humor Me at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival on:
Tuesday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m. @ Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk (Canadian Premiere)
Thursday, May 10 at 9:00 p.m. @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
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Click here for more festival details and to buy tickets.
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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie
This movie is a lovely tale about a man who finds new meaning at a low point in his life when he’s forced to move in with his widowed father, who now lives in a retirement community. The casting is fantastic, it’s full of “dad” jokes which people will either love or hate, and it has a lot of heart.