Dennis Quaid and Sarah Jessica Parker in SMART PEOPLE. Photo credit: Bruce Bermelin/ Courtesy of Miramax Films.
Rating: Popcorn
Professor Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid) struggles with parenthood. His college-age son won’t disclose any private matters, his witty overachieving daughter (Ellen Page) won’t stop following his miserable footsteps, and his adopted brother (Thomas Haden Church) won’t stop mooching off of him. A widower, Lawrence can’t seem to get his feet on the ground since his wife’s death a few years ago. Things begin to change when his adopted brother shows up at his doorstep for an extended stay around the same time he unintentionally meets Janet (Sarah Jessica Parker), a former student of his.
Thomas Haden Church and Ellen Page in SMART PEOPLE. Photo credit: Bruce Birmelin/ Courtesy of Miramax Films
A smart romantic comedy, Smart People doesn’t follow the same recipe as your average romantic comedy. There seems to be a little more life and realism to the story.
The casting was exceptional! I am still amazed at how Ellen Page, who just turned 21 in February, can play the roles of younger characters. In Smart People, she is Professor Wetherhold’s intelligent 17-year-old daughter, Vanessa. Thomas Haden Church does a great job with his role as Chuck, Lawrence’s adopted brother. He looks and acts just like a careless uncle who helps encourage his niece and nephew to experiment with things of this world: alcohol, drugs, and sex.
The soundtrack used in Smart People reminds me of Juno with it’s acoustic sound. The songs and their lyrics really reflect the mood of the scenes they play in.
Overall, Smart People sends the message that we have a choice in life. We can either be miserable or we can choose to accept things in life and try to do our best with the circumstances we face. Although I didn’t like the part where Vanessa is being coerced by her uncle to smoke marijuana, Smart People is definitely something you will enjoy!
The following is a short clip from Smart People’s “Win-Win Situation” scene:
Release Date: April 11, 2008
Nova Scotian Connection: Actress Ellen Page from Halifax, NS
2 Comments, Comment or Ping
jamesd
Thanks for the review Jean! All in all, it sounds like a nice casual movie. Hope to see it soon..
Apr 11th, 2008
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