Waitress
If it's possible, "Waitress" makes even sadder the already tragic murder of actress/filmmaker Adrienne Shelly last year.This comedy — Shelly's third and final feature-length project as a writer/director — shows quite a bit of promise, indicating she might have had a successful filmmaking career ahead of her, following her brief run as an actress in the '90s, during which she became one of the "queens" of indie cinema.
"Waitress" has some unexpected twists and turns and features some refreshingly offbeat humor, as well as terrific performances by its cast.
Former television star Keri Russell takes the lead as Jenna, a pie-restaurant waitress and baker. She's married to the verbally and emotionally abusive Earl (Jeremy Sisto), and their union has led to an accidental pregnancy. And she's determined to keep the baby.
Jenna is also determined to use her unique pie-making skills and talents to hopefully start a new career. But in the meantime, she's fighting an attraction to her physician, Dr. Pomatter (Nathan Fillion). He's married but is drawn to the fragile Jenna as well — especially after she brings him some of her sweet pastry treats.
This subplot and a couple of others don't exactly go where you'd expect them to, and the film's rather bittersweet conclusion is one of its best aspects.
Sisto is appropriately despicable as Jenna's husband. And the film affords a few scene-stealing opportunities to supporting players Andy Griffith (as the gruff restaurant owner) and Cheryl Hines (as one of Jenna's fellow waitresses).
Shelly also turns up as an appealingly kooky co-worker who is continually looking for love in all the wrong places.
"Waitress" is rated PG-13 for simulated sex and other sexual contact, some strong sexual language (crude slang and one use of the so-called "R-rated" curse word), brief violence (some domestic violence), brief partial female nudity (artwork), and some brief drug content (prescription medications). Running time: 104 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com