Tim Blake Nelson wrote, directed, and had a role here. On the surface it is a simple story, a professor who is positive and nice to everyone nearing his chosen retirement time is mugged one night on his way home. But leading up to that we get to know members of several families and the troubles they are having, including the professor's own son's family.
In tone and style it immediately reminded me of "Crash", and even has a similar main theme, that everyone longs to connect with others but every day issues, rudeness, use of the telephone get in the way.
It is a good movie to watch for the several themes, to see how each will be resolved but it total it is not a superior effort.
My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library. Kristen Stewart has a small role, as a troubled college student and she is excellent.
In tone and style it immediately reminded me of "Crash", and even has a similar main theme, that everyone longs to connect with others but every day issues, rudeness, use of the telephone get in the way.
It is a good movie to watch for the several themes, to see how each will be resolved but it total it is not a superior effort.
My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library. Kristen Stewart has a small role, as a troubled college student and she is excellent.