Review: ‘Don Verdean’ is saved by its cast – Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement with Will Forte & Danny McBride

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Sam Rockwell is Don Verdean, a Biblical archeologist who is hired by a pastor and his wife (Danny McBride and Leslie Bibb) to excavate artifacts for their ministry to boost their congregation. Jemaine Clement is Boaz, an advantageous man assisting Don, Amy Ryan is Carol, his secretary turned research assistant and Will Forte makes an appearance as a rival minister. Have I got your attention? Oh, one more thing, it’s from the creative minds of Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre and Gentlemen Broncos, Jared and Jerusha Hess.

The best scene is when Boaz picks up Carol and asks her to wear a special dress. Even thinking about it makes me chuckle.The cast is a testament to the filmmakers, as this is the second film with Sam Rockwell and Jemaine Clement.

As with their other films, the comedy is extremely understated, barely requiring more than a chuckle or a smirk in most instances. When given their spotlight, however, each character does not disappoint. Characters don’t necessarily make a cohesive movie. Each scene on its own is subtly brilliant, but when they are all put together, it’s just too much.

Liz’s Review: ‘TAKE CARE’ – Why I wanna be Leslie Bibb’s best friend

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I injured my neck a few years ago. This year, it flared up and I found out I have the spine of an 80 year old. In case you are wondering. In case you are wondering, I am a very long way off from 80. I had to cancel about two weeks worth of meetings, appointments, and life in general because I could not move. It was not fun. Other than my husband, who is essentially legally obligated to care for me (I have a license that we both signed that says so) no one was around to help me do the simplest of tasks. In fact, the only person that offered to bring me dinner was my very own managing co-editor, Melissa. Shout out is official now. In the new film, TAKE CARE, a woman is stranded in the same way I was. Post car accident, she is forced to rely on a person from her past. Read More →