The Informant! (2009)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Written by Scott Z. Burns, based on the book by Kurt Eichenwald
Starring Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale and Melanie Lynskey

The U.S. government decides to go after an agro-business giant with a price-fixing accusation, based on the evidence submitted by their star witness, vice president-turned-informant Mark Whitacre.

In true Soderbergh fashion, the hard working directed created a film that transcends his own style with this crime dramedy of Corporate greed and corruption. Based on a true story, Matt Damon plays the worlds worst whistle blower who can't seem to keep his mouth shut or his hands in his own pockets in this quirky, period piece.

Matt Damon is superb as an everyman who gets in over his head. The nuances that he brings to his character add so much comedic value that much of it goes unnoticed. With a supporting cast of award-winners and stand-up comedians, there is no doubt in my mind that this film has one of the most diverse casts in recent memory (talent wise… most, if not all of them are white…. but that's for another day).

The last of five films that Soderbergh directed in a three year stretch between 2007 and 2009, it is amazing that he can direct so many films with such consistency. This movie, like most, isn't life changing. But it is worth a watch. It feels like an earlier Coen Brother's movie.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Adult Beginners (2014)

Directed by Ross Katz
Written by Jeff Cox and Liz Flahive, based on the story by Nick Kroll
Starring Nick Kroll, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale and Joel McHale

A young, narcissistic entrepreneur crashes and burns on the eve of his company's big launch. With his entire life in total disarray, he leaves Manhattan to move in with his estranged pregnant sister, brother-in-law and 3-year-old nephew in the suburbs - only to become their nanny.

The ambition of Nick Kroll in his first starring roll is well placed with this film. In a performance with more layers than I thought he was capable of displaying, this is a refreshing change of pace from his hilarious but over the top skit show. His dry line delivery worked for his character and made for some big laughs on my part, but it is definitely a humor that not everyone will enjoy.

Tragedy is the foundation for the laughter in this film. But it is also the base of the heart as well. There are so many elements of this story that are easy to connect with and throughout the movie I saw myself and my sister in Nick Kroll and Rose Byrne.

I can totally get behind the lesson of the importance of family in this movie. It is something that I learned very early on and see so many people struggle with every day. While it might not be a perfect movie, it certainly has it's charm. It's definitely worth checking out.

My Rating: 7/10