2008 Woodie Awards
The movie "Smart People" passes this critic's test
Laila Hanson
Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: Arts & Society
Although Quaid still plays a father, he is far from the soft, understanding character that he has portrayed in the past. His grumpy, rough attitude highlights on the fact that he has depth and versatility as an actor. I was surprised to see him remain so angry throughout the movie, even when he starts to date his doctor. The self-centered nature of his character also brings some interest to the film. The audience gets as frustrated with this character as he is with everyone around him.
The comic (and very necessarily so) relief comes in the form of Church, who first seems to be a stupid failure ends up being the voice of reason in the movie. When Page, friendless and lonely, allows herself to be influenced by her uncle by way of drugs and booze, she throws herself at Chuck, but learns some valuable lessons when he gives her the silent treatment.
Sarah Jessica Parker as Dr. Janet Hartigan is the shining light in the movie, giving the film the facelift it needs to make it a dark comedy instead of simply a dark, depressing movie. She makes Quaid second guess himself and his bitter motives throughout the movie. Instead of cowering in fear from like the majority of the Carnegie Mellon community, she calls him out on his pompous, arrogant attitude, even leaving him at dinner when he cannot drive himself home.
Another main character, though seemingly unnecessary, is Lawrence's son, James Wetherhold(Ashton Holmes). Aside from the occasional spats with his sister and his poem being published in The New Yorker, James provides very little substance as a character. He does not support or hate his father and he does not rebel in any way like his sister. The acting on Holmes' part was satisfactory, but the movie could have done without the character.
Overall, though, "Smart People" is a dark, witty film that shows great acting range on the part of Dennis Quaid and does not disappoint as Ellen Page's follow up role. If hating a character is your thing, "Smart People" is a surefire win and worth the ridiculously high 9 dollar ticket price.
The comic (and very necessarily so) relief comes in the form of Church, who first seems to be a stupid failure ends up being the voice of reason in the movie. When Page, friendless and lonely, allows herself to be influenced by her uncle by way of drugs and booze, she throws herself at Chuck, but learns some valuable lessons when he gives her the silent treatment.
Sarah Jessica Parker as Dr. Janet Hartigan is the shining light in the movie, giving the film the facelift it needs to make it a dark comedy instead of simply a dark, depressing movie. She makes Quaid second guess himself and his bitter motives throughout the movie. Instead of cowering in fear from like the majority of the Carnegie Mellon community, she calls him out on his pompous, arrogant attitude, even leaving him at dinner when he cannot drive himself home.
Another main character, though seemingly unnecessary, is Lawrence's son, James Wetherhold(Ashton Holmes). Aside from the occasional spats with his sister and his poem being published in The New Yorker, James provides very little substance as a character. He does not support or hate his father and he does not rebel in any way like his sister. The acting on Holmes' part was satisfactory, but the movie could have done without the character.
Overall, though, "Smart People" is a dark, witty film that shows great acting range on the part of Dennis Quaid and does not disappoint as Ellen Page's follow up role. If hating a character is your thing, "Smart People" is a surefire win and worth the ridiculously high 9 dollar ticket price.
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