D.C. MOVIE GUYS

Actress Keri Russell gets the kind of breakout role any performer who feels themselves type-cast after a successful television series (”Felicity”) would love to have in the darkly comic fable “Waitress.”  This sharp witted, yet warm hearted, story of one young woman’s struggle to make a better life for herself is made all the more moving and special by the fact that its talented writer/director, Adrianne Shelly, was murdered after its completion.

Russell plays Jenna, a waitress at a pie diner (yes, they do exsist) in a small Southern town.  she married to a no account lout who verballly ad physically abuses her.  Drawing support and comfort from her fellow workers at the diner, Jenna dreams up pies that reflect her feelings about the course of her life.  A chance to cash in on her dreams-and possibly escape-comes along when a pie recipe contest catches her eye.

Complications arise when Jenna discovers she’s unexpectedly pregnant by her bad husband and falling in love with the kind and handsome town doctor.  Finding the courage to do what’s right for herself while also deciding what’s right, as well as trying to win that contest, provides the underpinnings of the rest of the movie.

Shelly’scripts has the humor and edge of the best fairy tales while reflecting the everyday struggles of life and love.  Her direction has a steadiness and maturity one would expect from a more experienced director.  She gets terrific performances from her entire cast.  Russell is superb as the heroine with an open heart and strong spirit. Fine supporting performances are delivered by Andy Griffith, “Curb Your Enthusiam” ’s Cheryl Hines and Shelly herself.

“Waitress” ’s arrival this early in the summer fills me with emotions. Joy that such a charming and accomplished film is in theaters.  Hope that we won’t have to wait until the usual late summer lull for a breakout “small” or independent film like this one to arrive.  I’m also saddened by the fact that this will be the last cinematic treat we will enjoy from Ms. Shelly, who was murdered in her New York City apartment six months ago.  Still, her work as an actress will live on and we can all celebrate her last, best gift by watching and embracing this rich and rewarding concoction.

MPAA RATING: PG-13 for profanity, sexual situations and some violent content
JOE’S RATING: THREE AND A HALF STARS.

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Film Posters of the 50s: The Essential Movies of the Decade

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