The Anniversary Party (2001)

When you get the opportunity, as this movie gives you, to peek into the lives of others, you generally find that they are not terribly different from your own.You have the same problems with neighbors, the same insecurities about your relationships, the same difficulties in dealing with friend's disappointments, and the same neuroses.We spent some time getting to know the guests at the party which was essential, and it was enjoyable watching them interact with each other. They may be actors, directors, producers, writers, etc., but they are basically people just like us.Then came the real party after they took ecstasy. Then those insecurities and neuroses and hidden feelings really came out.The film was funny, tender, and a thrill to watch. An indie that presented an outstanding ensemble of great actors that made you feel right at home, even if you felt a little creepy peeking in on them.

Jennifer Jason-Leigh and Kevin Kline, as well as Allan Cumming stand-out in their variegated roles.Basically a reality fiction tale, wherein the neurotic problems of actors and directors, as well as other assorted players in the film industry.A story like this could seem narcissistic, but thanks to excellent performances by the above-mentioned, it is rather unique and interesting to watch unfold.Gwyneth Paltrow also has a cameo role. Normally, this type of story cannot garner sympathetic characters for an audience, but I was impressed that the actors each brought a nuance or believability to their roles here, and this is well worth watching. 8/10.

While enjoyable, and entertaining, I feel this movie relied too much on breadth so that one wonders what is happening in the movie because so much is. The narrative thread is the relationship of the lead couple. The work of Alan Cumming and JJ Leigh is interesting to watch. However it is a bit scattered. A bit too much true to life, ala my best friend Phoebe Cates, and the lines delivered - are they scripted or ad lib and does it matter? Yes, because the audience wants to know where you are taking us with this. Too many beautiful people with their poor, poor problems. They are nervous, lose their dogs, etc. All in all, it lacked something and I'm not sure what it is. But it's worth a look.

I guess that every once in a while, there has to be a movie about people's relationships about to blow up in everyone's faces - especially if it's about Hollywood. "The Anniversary Party" is one such movie. It has Joe Therrian (Alan Cummings) and Sally Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh) throwing a party in their Hollywood Hills house and inviting various friends. As the party continues, it begins more and more to look like everything is about to collapse.This was an okay, if routine, flick. The aspect that really stands out (for me at least) is that real-life couple Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates co-star with their real-life son and daughter. Other cast members include John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Parker Posey. Nothing significant in cinema history, but acceptable.