Just Add Water (2008)

I like this movie for a lot of different reasons. There was certainly a lot of good characters,, but other than the character Nora,, and Merle Stiker none of them were likeable. The first 3/4 was good but i found the ending a little too much like a Simpson episode where Grandpa encourages Bart and his friend to go after the town bully. For me, seeing the town,, and yes the town Trona actually exists, was a real eye opener. I can't image living in a place that hot,, where nothing grows and your front 'lawn' is dirt. There are no trees... wow.

This is a satirical romance/comedy about a man who just enjoys the simple things in life and lives in a rundown community run by a meth head teenager. In it there are a couple subtle messages that go without being truly noticed. You will catch them if you are actually paying attention to the characters and their development. The humor is sometimes dry, useless in some scenes but helps drive the plot line. Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck) is the center piece of this film as Ray, simple, but hopeless man who goes day to day. The cast ensemble includes Melissa McCarthy, Justin Long, Danny DeVito, Jonah Hill who all have smaller roles but ones with substance. Overall the film doesn't scream laughter or too much in your face romance, it drives home the point about having dreams and being able to dream big enough to see it through. A generally good date movie. I give it 5/10

I'm always partial to sunny California movies because I live in a rainy climate. So, a few stars just for that...However, while this movie started off strong - a sparse, dark comedy, engaging storyline; it ended on an altogether different and implausible note. Which is a shame because it was a movie with a lot of potential, good writing, good story, good casting and good acting.The "romance" between the two lead characters was a snooze. For the feminists out there, if you take issue with the story of Snow White and what it implies then the love story here may also irk you. The son's romantic life, while again implausible, was more interesting.The not-so-subtle symbolism of dry, arid land vs. fertile land practically smacks you in the face.Basically, if you have a couple of hours to kill on a rainy day, watch it. It's mostly entertaining. If you like complex situations neatly wrapped up with a bright Hollywood bow, you're in luck. If you like movies where peace is brought when gender roles are strictly adhered to, even better.

This movie was funny as hell! It's got a little bit of everything actually - good story, funny parts and bit of the emotional stuff. But mostly just a really well-written comedy that didn't always rely on the same freakin' jokes you see in every studio comedy these days. I swear they have a book of 9 jokes that they recycle in every new movie.Don't know who Tracy Middendorf was before this but I'm definitely looking for her from now on... totally the beautiful girl from next door and she's great in this. DeVito has a cameo but is great as always...This movie was funny as hell! It's got a little bit of everything actually - good story, funny parts and bit of the emotional stuff. But mostly just a really well-written comedy that didn't always rely on the same freakin' jokes you see in every studio comedy these days. I swear they have a book of 9 jokes that they recycle in every new movie.Don't know who Tracy Middendorf was before this but I'm definitely looking for her from now on... totally the beautiful girl from next door and she's great in this. DeVito has a cameo but is great as always...