Mumford (1999) User Reviews

A good character driven romantic comedy

[JBLOSS · 7/10 · 28 September 2001]

Mumford was a nice surprise to watch - I didn't know anything about it so had no expectations. However I am surprised that it didn't even get a release in the cinema in the UK - it certainly deserved it. The film manages to combine believable characters, a little suspense, some humour and romance. In fact it manages to get away from the usual Hollywood schmaltz whilst being true to the characters. Definitely worth checking out as it has a lot going for it.

"Dr." Mickey Mumford: A Likable Guy

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 17 April 2006]

Now here is a different kind of story: a very low-key guy (Loren Dean) pretending to be a psychiatrist in a small town.

Dean does a fabulous job of portraying the soft-spoken, easy-going "shrink" and is so likable that he makes the film enjoyable.

There are a few spots that drag on too long, such as a few scenes with Hope Davis' character but the "patients" as a whole are certainly interesting and varied. This is another one of those films that got much press, and undeservedly-so because it's pretty entertaining with a good cast. In addition to the above, we see Alfre Woodard, Mary McDonnell, David Paymer, Martin Short and Ted Danson. If you are familiar with those actors, you'll know why a psychiatrist is needed!

Not your typical comedy. Not your typical structure. ***1/2 out of ****

[Movie-12 · 8/10 · 30 September 1999]

MUMFORD (1999) ***1/2

Starring: Loren Dean, Hope Davis, Jason Lee, Alfre Woodard, Martin Short, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Mary McDonnell, Zooey Deschanel, David Paymer, Jane Adams, and Ted Danson Written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. 96 minutes Rated R (for sex-related images featuring nudity, drug content, and some language)

By Blake French:

"Mumford" is a cuddly little comedy production with a happy, uplifting atmosphere like the ones found in "Pleasantville" and "The Truman Show." Mumford is the name of a small fantasy town, filed with smiling people greeting each other on a daily basis, which is held in upheaval when a small time psychiatrist's true entity is revealed to his various patients.

I am getting ahead on myself, here. Before I can explain what happens after the characters discover the secrets about Mumford, the name of psychiatrist also, I must first give you some background information on the characters. The mismatched characters are eccentric and entertaining. They are developed though sessions with Mumford. To make things even more original for the movie is the lack of plot structure here. The conflicts, problems and solutions all exist in each individual character, not necessarily a situation they are placed into.

With Mumford included, here are the characters: Sofie Crisp, (Hope Davis), who is nearly bedridden after a severe and almost permanent loss of energy. Henry Follett (Pruitt Taylor Vince) whose mind is overflowing with wild and erotic sex fantasies, but he isn't featured in any of them. Skip Skipperton, (Jason Lee) a young, skateboarding corporate billionaire that is so lonely and without friends that he has spend the last several years designing robots to fit individual's sexual pleasures. Nessa Watkins, (Zooey Deschanel) who has social, smoking, relationship, and obsession issues. Lionel Dillard, (Martin Short) a lawyer who's disturbing images Mumford refuses to listen to. Jeremy Brockett (Ted Danson), who is great to himself but treats his family members like dirt. Dr. Ernest Delbanco (David Paymer) and Dr. Phyllis Sheeler (Jane Adams), the only other two mental health doctors in Mumford who question Mumford's creditability. And finally, there is the Mumford character himself, played by Loren Dean, who has such a compelling flashback sequence developing his entire life in five minutes effectively, we learn that this man also had some problems, he just was willing to turn his life around. This character alone makes the film worth while to see, for his mysterious past life is such a revealing subject that it is hard not to become intrigued.

There is much to like about "Mumford." There are the enormously entertaining characters, who are not puppets of the plot, but contain their own personal emotions and motives. A charming, imaginative atmosphere. The direction by Lawrence Kasdan is focused and organized; he seems to know exactly what he wants, and achieves it. The personal territory the film's story covers, a psychiatrist mind, as well as the thoughts of many disturbed individuals, is quite compelling. Also, I think there is an important message here, signifying the need of people to communicate to one another and how important it is to listen to each other--values everyone should have.

The conclusion to "Mumford" contains no big, extravagant climax. Nor does it completely bring the film's message to a direct close. It is a happy, petty ending in which almost everyone goes home happy, but still lets the imagination wonder. This ending only provides the fact that this is a character and mood movie, not a plot based movie. It ends how it needs to end, assuring this film will stick with the viewer for sometime to come.

Brought to you by Touchstone Pictures.

Making a difference

[mermatt · 4 October 1999]

This is an odd and interesting film about a man who has

the innate ability to listen to people. When he listens,

people reveal their secret lives and take off their masks.

This is the result of an almost Christ-like empathy that

he has. Yet, ironically, he himself doesn't want to face

himself.

The film makes that point that we are who we think we are.

It portrays Socrates' ancient motto "Know Thyself" in a

very entertaining and intriguing way. The film seems to

tell us that genuine human connection is the best form of

therapy. A thoughtful and thought-provoking movie -- see

it if you can.

Quirky, tentative, unpredictable, lighthearted fun.

[=G= · 6/10 · 30 September 2000]

"Mumford" is an unpretentious little romantic comedy with a softspoken, creative way of whetting curiosity and maintaining interest as it wends it's way through it's quirky but charming storyline. Sans the usual commercial "chick flick" schmaltz and boasting an R-rating, "Mumford" appears to refuse to compromise its freshness. A pleasant way to wile away 110 minutes.

A funny and likable film

[emarone · 7/10 · 29 October 2000]

I was pleasantly surprised by Mumford, with my interest having only been mildly piqued by the trailers. It's a very engaging film, partly due to the believeable characters, and partly due to the offbeat plot development. Although the plot line is not terribly original, the way it moves forward is refreshing.

The cast is very well-rounded, with no big stars, althnough the performances of Loren Dean, Jason Lee, Mary McDonnell and David Paymer (yes, David Paymer) really gave the story some juice.

Very Funny With Great Characters

[SKeller64 · 9/10 · 19 September 1999]

Got the chance to see a sneak preview of Mumford and mainly went to see it for Chasing Amy's Jason Lee (as I'm that big of a Kevin Smith fan) and was rather caught off-guard by how good it was. Starting out, the movie is slightly oddly paced and just throws you into the plot with little explanation as to what's up. The script unfolds expertly and does a great job of drawing you into the storyline and the very believable characters. It's extremely funny in a low-key way with most of the humor coming as a quick comment delivered dead-pan. It's the sort of flick where all of the characters are great because they're so quirky that they are funny in and of themselves. The overall message of the movie is also a good one. Definitely reccomended viewing.

By the way, you get to see Jason Lee skate a bit. Cool beans.

Great movie with one or two weak spots.

[gsloan · 7/10 · 29 July 2002]

I give this movie a 7 Overall, I loved it. Interesting story, with unique pacing, and a pretty surprising twist. The acting is great. Jason Lee is hilarious as the self aware, lonely billionaire.

There are a couple weak points, though. There is a "look how well everything turned out" montage about 3/4 of the way through. One of the cheesiest 4 minutes I've seen. I also felt the ending was pretty mediocre. But these two problems weren't enough to ruin the good. I'd gladly watch it again.

Funny, but I didn't laugh.

[wjohargan · 9/10 · 30 July 2004]

Lawrence Kasdan has never been known for his comedy, per-say. He is perhaps best known as the screen writer on the best Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Empire Strikes Back, as well as his own The Big Chill. Mumford may be the most representative of his talents. It is widely agreed that Kasdan was brought into the Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies to add a bit of humor to the films. This is most noticeable in the change from Raiders of the Lost Ark to the Temple of Doom, as 'Temple' is not nearly as enjoyable as Raiders, as it is missing much of the wit that has become a tired action cliché of late. Kasden has some of the back and forth in this movie, with smart responses that make you smirk. But most of the movie centers around the plot, which is about a man named Mumford that no one seems to know much about but everyone talks to. Throughout the film Mumford helps his patients realize what they need, which seems to be their only problem. Occasionally he takes an active role, but often all he does is listen. Loren Dean plays the role with a carefree attitude that wouldn't work in most films but fits right on the money here. His indifference makes him the perfect person to talk to. The supporting cast, especially Hope Davis, Alfre Woodard, Jason Lee and Mary McDonnell are outstanding, although a lot of attention was paid to casting, and you can tell. Everyone seems to fit their role well. Mumford doesn't have gut-busting laughter or moments of pure hilarity, it rather trucks along in a more traditional idea of comedy, and send-back to the old days of comedy when people cared about atmosphere and character. The biggest achievement of this movie is that nothing is said to take you out of the feeling that you are watching real people, which is a hard thing in comedy these days. The movie doesn't make a huge impact, and, if I weren't so in love with it, it would be quite forgettable, as it probably is to many people. However, it is the only movie in a very long time where I left the theater smiling because I had been emotionally moved. And that's the most impressive thing of all.

cute, light-hearted and entertaining

[sare · 6/10 · 11 September 1999]

Mumford is a cute light-hearted story of a small town therapist known for his keen listening skills. The movie focuses on the lives of several of the doctors patients. There is Skip, the lonely billionaire, Althea, the bored wife, and the ever sexual pharmacist. We follow the Doc through his healing of his patients and his own trials and tribulations with life. In all, this is a cute and sweet movie.

A two hour therapy session

[chris-44 · 1/10 · 12 April 2000]

If you feel that the last time you saw your shrink was so funny and such a nice experience then you should definitely go and see Mumford. It's actually a two hour therapy session where you see one patient after the other being treated. So if you have fun watching other people's therapy sessions this is your film, otherwise you will be bored to death.

Sneaks up on you

[SKG-2 · 9/10 · 29 September 1999]

There's a moment in MUMFORD where Mary McDonnell, who plays a woman obsessed with buying things, is talking to Loren Dean, who plays the main character, a psychologist whose name, Mumford, is the same as the town he and McDonnell live in, and she gets the look on her face which cartoon characters get when they think of an idea(and the light bulb goes on over their head), and all of a sudden realizes what's wrong with her. In a way, this movie from writer-director Lawrence Kasdan is like that. A lot of people have complained at how slow moving this is, but it's all the better for it to sneak up on you. And instead of just providing quick fix solutions for his patients, Mumford just gently prods and nudges until they find the path for themselves. Of course, this may just be an elaborate way of saying, "Physician, heal thyself," but that may be the point.

If you look at this in one way, you might think Mumford is merely a passive character, who only comes to life when he falls in love and when his secret is revealed. But gradually, you come to realize what's going on. Not only is his reticence a cover(a good one until he's exposed), but it's a way of, as I said, just gently prodding his patients to the right path. So he is active, but just in subtle ways. You need a subtle actor to handle that, and Loren Dean does quite a good job in that department. Hope Davis, who if there's any justice in this world will become a star, is also good as the patient he falls in love with. Their scenes together reminded me of the relationship between William Hurt and Geena Davis in THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST, a Kasdan film this shares a lot with. And the rest of the cast is quite good as well(it's also nice to see Elisabeth Moss, so good in IMAGINARY CRIMES, still getting work, though I hope it's bigger roles in the future).

My only complaint was the scene where Mumford explains to Jason Lee(also excellent) and us what his past really was. The details themselves were okay, but the sequence was shot in grainy video stock(I think; I'm not an expert here), which, while it pays off later, is distracting here, particularly with its point-of-view camera. Still, this is a minor quibble for a movie which will leave you with a big smile on your face the entire way through.

A minor though oddly satisfying film

[allyjack · 7/10 · 5 October 1999]

This gentle film about the attainment of unobtrusive stability has a style that almost expresses its theme too well - it's so polite and pleasant as to almost melt away before your very eyes. Dean plays a psychologist called Mumford, practicing in the small town of Mumford (neatly summarizing the theme of assimilation), who achieves success and local popularity more through sympathetic listening and empathy than clinical technique - no surprise then, that he's not a psychologist at all, but just a man trying to escape the mistakes of his past. Dean's undemonstrative performance is oddly suited to a movie that's clearly conservative, if not regressive, in its distrust of pace, ambition and big business (Ted Danson has a wonderful cameo as the embodiment of all these evils, and the movie's flashbacks to Dean's old life fleetingly adopt the style of something like Se7en). In many ways the film seems merely trite and naive, hardly funny at all even though it's being sold as a comedy, and yet it's certainly coherent and assured - it's as if Kasdan had been making the same basic movie for years and has thus attained a comfortable, almost effortless autopilot: a strange effect given that this hasn't in fact been Kasdan's career.

Dull as a town. Duller as a character. Dullest as a film!

[DTL · 4/10 · 25 September 1999]

The trailer touts this as the best comedy of the year. A comedy it is not. I thrice found myself smiling heartily. MUMFORD is both the leading character and the name of the town the story takes place it. MUMFORD the character is a man sort of like THE GREAT IMPOSTER, a film that Tony Curtis starred in back in the 60's. Like the Curtis character, he discovers during his stay at a monastery that he wants to have a new life, so he invents one. The update is that drugs have driven him to seek asylum with the good padres in the desert. While getting clean and sober he realizes that he is a good listener, so naturally he decides that he would make a wonderful therapist. His training as an IRS agent, the life he left for drugs, shows him how to create the person known as Mumford, including all of the phony credentials that he needs to pass as a doctor. When he looks on a map and sees the town of Mumford, somewhere in idyllic, pastoral, America, we are never sure just where, he thinks "that's an omen, that's the place where I belong." The odd thing is, he does help people. All of the folks he treats, get better from his listening and applying his very down to earth logical approach. The performances by a rather star studded cast are wonderful, but the screenplay and the direction are just so slow moving you want to die. If it were REALLY the best comedy of the year I would have been laughing and that might have kept me interested in this guy, but as it turned out I didn't give a damn. It reminded me of COOKIE'S FORTUNE out earlier this year. I admired the cast greatly, but the screenplay and the direction were so boring that you couldn't care enough to stay awake. Its not that MUMFORD is bad, its just DULL. My advice rent THE GREAT IMPOSTER for $1.99 in the classic aisle and save the 7 bucks on MUMFORD.

Do not go to this movie if you are looking for belly laughs.

[LinOnnLine · 29 September 1999]

Do not go to this movie if you are looking for belly laughs. Do not go to this movie if you are in dire need of comic relief. DO go to this movie if you are interested in the human condition and in diverse ways of looking at life.

I left the film thinking it was not very memorable . . . really quite silly in many respects. But now, days later, I find I am haunted by bits and pieces that creep back into my psyche.

A few of these bits are: 1. A psychiatrist is really not able to change much. People's problems are too deep. 2. Major depression or crisis occurs when two divergent, conflicting thoughts meet head-on . . . the old approach/avoidance syndrome revisited. 3. Love concurs all.

Go see it and see what you think.

A refreshing change of pace

[Jimmy-128 · 7/10 · 7 February 2000]

THE USUAL CAVEAT: THE SURGEON GENERAL HAS DETERMINED THAT SOME OF WHAT I WRITE MAY BE CONSIDERED A SPOILER.

In a country that glorifies the simplistic shoot-em-up, the special effects extravaganza, and the teenage sex comedy, a movie featuring actual acting and at least an attempt to grapple with complex emotions is a pearl of great price. It's so refreshing to see a movie about (gasp!) people.

While none of the actors are going to make you forget Meryl Streep or Robert Deniro, they, for the most part, turn in solid performances and never run away with the action. The only exception to this is Martin Short. His character just doesn't fit the movie, and it's a bit jarring when he shows up again midway through. Loren Dean is nicely low-key as the new therapist in town, and Hope Davis, Jason Lee, and Alfre Woodard are very good in supporting roles. Dana Ivey, one of my favorite stage actresses, also does well in a small role as Hope Davis' mother.

My only problem with the film is that it tries to hard for its happy ending. Everyone's lives are neatly wrapped up, with no niggling loose ends that clutter real life. Simplistic shoot-em-ups have that luxury, but a movie such as this one does not.

A good, if not graphic, look at small town life

[comix8 · 6/10 · 19 September 1999]

I just saw the sneak preview of this movie last night and it was rather strange. If you go to this movie thinking that it will be a comedy, you will be very disappointed. The only funny parts to this movie are in the previews and/or involve Jason Lee (he is not in the movie for that long). A few complaints with this movie include the speed and the graphic nature. I was one of those people who went into this movie expecting a comedy and that was not what I got at all. There were a few parts that seemed to just be thrown in because they could include drugs and nudity in them. That really gets to me because not everyone goes to movies to watch a bunch of high men and their naked wives/girlfriends/random woman. Also, there are a few parts that seem to just drag on for hours at a time. A final problem was with all of the sub-plots involved. It was very hard to tell that the main plot of this movie revolved around Hope Davis. Overall, I am glad that I saw this movie, but I would not say that this is a must see movie like Lola Rennt (my favorite movie of this year). On a scale of one to ten, I give Mumford a 7.

Undeservedly Overlooked Masterpiece

[krdement · 9/10 · 14 February 2007]

Of all of the comments to date, Jotix describes this film best. It is very reminiscent of some of the work of the great directors of Hollywood's Golden Era: Frank Capra, Ernst Lubitsch and Preston Sturges. I cannot imagine categorizing this film. It is not a pure comedy, although it provides moments of cleverness and humor. But there is also a significant element of dramatic tension. It is certainly no intellectual tour de force, however, it is much more than a way to while away 100 minutes (or whatever the length of the film is). It is not a morality play, although you might find something meaningful to take away with you. It is a finely crafted, subtly nuanced, multi-faceted film, mirroring its title character.

You might conclude from other opinions that Mumford (the character) is passive out of timidity or lack of purpose or even in order to preserve his anonymity. However, I believe he is passionate about his "profession" and has a very clear philosophy and purpose. I think his therapeutic prescriptions for his "patients" represent sympathetic, compassionate and very intentional interventions in their lives. However, his persona is low-key and his methods of intervention are indirect. Thus their dramatic impact seems to be just the natural consequence of the patients' living their own lives - just as the good doctor intends.

This kind of subtlety is in short demand and hence supply in the contemporary world of in-your-face computer generated special effects, one dimensional characters and unimaginative dialog. But, if you enjoy films like Grand Canyon, The Accidental Tourist, Local Hero and Passion Fish, you'll like this film. It is driven by a great balance of plot and well developed characters, played by a wonderful ensemble cast.

Delightful with a few reservations!

[TheHG · 7/10 · 30 May 2001]

This is quite an enjoyable movie. The storyline requires a bit of a stretch for reality check, but you will still enjoy the whimsical humor. Also, the slow pace may be a deterrent for those with attention deficit syndrome. If you are the type that likes dramas with intertwined stories, i.e.- human inter-relationships, you will find this movie fits that mold. Look for Martin Short in a bit part as a slimy lawyer. He is a hoot!

How can anyone not like this????

[jbentongross · 10/10 · 25 August 2001]

Mumford is a excellent movie, and really there's not much to it. It is a simple movie not relying on star power but good actors. The story is solid and very convincing, and the actors don't try to overplay their roles, Jason Lee is great as the town billion-aire/genius and he shows why he is such a good actor. This movie is a must see and must own.

I will shrink this one up for you!

[meeza · 7/10 · 26 September 2000]

Writer-Director Lawrence Kasdan has given us some clever-talky films such as `The Big Chill' and `Grand Canyon.' However, throughout the last ten years he has stayed mum in filmmaking and has not directed anything. That is until now! His newest work is called `Mumford.' Ok! I will shrink the plotline for you- it is about a pseudo-psychologist who arrives in a small town and pretends to be a psychologist. The screenplay and character development brought big chills to my cinematic enjoyment. On the other hand, the elements of the film that could have used some therapy were the unemotional plotline and the predictable ending. All in all, I would still prescribe for you to go view `Mumford.' *** Average

Loren Dean not charismatic lead

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 11 May 2015]

Therapist Micky Mumford (Loren Dean) is new in the town of Mumford. Lily (Alfre Woodard) runs the coffee shop. Mumford's unusual methods have garner a large following of clients although he's hiding secrets from his past. Shopaholic Althea Brockett (Mary McDonnell) is married to Jeremy (Ted Danson) with two teen kids (Jason Ritter, Elisabeth Moss). Nessa Watkins (Zooey Deschanel) is a flighty girl. Lionel Dillard (Martin Short) is the defense lawyer. Skip Skipperton (Jason Lee) is the town savior getting rich from modem manufacturing worth $3 billion who wants to pay Mumford for his friendship. Sofie Crisp (Hope Davis) is exhausted from her sickness.

Loren Dean is not charismatic enough to take the lead. There are plenty of supporting roles that he could have taken in this vast town of characters. The lead needs star quality which he is severely lacking. Instead, he's a blank floating from one character to another. I'm not sure exactly what director/writer Lawrence Kasdan is trying to do. This has a bit of whimsy but nowhere near enough to be funny. It doesn't have enough edge to be interesting. At least, Loren Dean doesn't project edge. Luckily, the movie is filled with great actors but the most important role is filled by the lackluster Dean.

A symphony for the eyes.

[Flicker-21 · 10/10 · 14 September 2001]

Being a long time admirer of Lawrence Kasdan's work (The Big Chill, Accidental Tourist, Grand Canyon), I was not surprised by the way this film swept me gracefully along in its gentle, intelligent way. This is a film that has more in common with a symphony than with a novel. How rare to find an American film these days that is so totally lacking in violence and melodrama while displaying such heart and humanity. What I love about Kasdan is the respect and compassion he shows for his characters, foibles and all. As the song goes, "If anyone should ever write my life story........", I want Lawrence Kasdan to make the film of my life! See this movie.

7 on a scale of 10

[len-21 · 7/10 · 2 October 1999]

I don't quite know how to categorize this movie. It cannot possibly be called a comedy because I didn't laugh. One of the people I went with described it as amusing (without the laughs). It was simple. It was comfortable. We had a really great guy to root for. There was a little drama. But, mostly it was just an inoffensive way to kill 2 hours.

I noticed only 14% of the people gave it less than a 7 on IMBd. That is a very small number - usually reserved for great movies. But it was hard to find anything to complain about in the movie. Well, there was the notion that a reasonably attractive caucasian 3 billionaire would be chasing a middle aged black woman who ran a cafe. But, other than that....

I will never remember this movie after tonight, so that says a lot about it. But, if you want to be fairly confident that 4 people will leave the theater without at least one of them complaining about their wasting their time, Mumford is as good a bet as anything.

Of course, I failed to mention that the two strangers immediately to my right fell asleep half way through the picture and woke up somewhere during the credits.

What a stupid movie

[fsolowing · 2/10 · 25 July 2017]

I had read/heard good things about this movie so many times I had no doubts that I would enjoy it.....unfortunately that is so far from the truth. Where to start.... 1. Loren Dean has got to be one of the most wooden, uninterested, bored actors I've ever seen. This was clearly just a paycheck or he has zero acting ability. His role ruined most of the ability to even watch this. While others around him SORTA tried he was so boring I wanted it to be over. 2.normally kind of good actors, i.e Jason lee, tanked in this movie too. It's not their fault the script sucked and wasn't believable but it's their fault they took the role.3. What exactly was the point of this movie? To make fun of bumpkins? To show we all have issues???? I could rant all day but I won't, just trust me and don't waste your time.