Shopgirl
I’m not sure what to say about this subtle drama based on a novel by, and also starring Steve Martin (who despite battling Leslie Nielson for the dumb-cartoon buffoon roles over the last ten years I do consider a brilliant comedic talent). The performances are all nicely nuanced, and the characters interesting, but I’m not exactly sure as to its reason for being. Meaning; it doesn’t bring anything new to the table and doesn’t even try to surprise or truly engage. The main character is a young female trying to figure out what she wants out of life, yet the whole thing really smacks of an analysis of the male mid-life crisis. At least its great seeing Jason Shwartzman getting work. He might not be the most varied actor ever, pretty much carving out a niche as a quirky lovelorn geek, but he’s always good value.