The Thing About My Folks Movie Review:

True to life situations are often among the funniest on film. This is the foundation upon which The Thing About My Folks stands, which is picture perfect at times until the story gets in the way. Fortunately Reiser's script is dialogue heavy, saving the audience from too many predictable situations with original conversations by two very able actors. The dialogue is able to capture honest and true feelings which many will understand and relate to, paired perfectly with Peter Falk's precise portrayal of an aged and somewhat irritating although loving father.

Ben and Rachel Kleinman (Paul Reiser and Elizabeth Perkins) are surprised one night by a visit from Ben's father, Sam (Falk). Sam has the unfortunate news that his wife and Ben's mother has left him suddenly and without much explanation. When Ben relays this information to his three concerned sisters, they insist that Ben take Sam with him on a short trip to look at a home Ben is thinking of buying in the country. One predictable situation leads to another and before you know it the two of them are on an extended road trip. Along the way Ben fills Sam in on all of the reasons he thinks that his mother left Sam. After a while it seems inevitable that the trip will end up changing the way the both of them look at life.

The road trip film has been done before, and done better, but the true star of this film is not the plot but the dialogue, perfectly executed by Reiser and Falk. There are some scenes in which the film feels more like therapy for writer/actor Reiser than a real script, especially since Sam is only given a few opportunities to defend himself, but by the end of the film it is obvious that there is nothing one-sided about life. Both characters come away with a life lesson, and almost more importantly, a relationship of honesty and trust.

Although The Thing About My Folks turn serious rather quickly, there are still a great deal of humorous moments in which Falk is able to prove he still has some of the greatest comic timing in the industry. This legend captures the essence of an aging parent with such absurd accuracy that audiences all over will swear Sam is based on their own father. Why Falk is not used more in films is a question I believe should be answered immediately.

There is no denying that this is a heartfelt and sweet attempt on everyone's part, and although there is a certain level of believability which I had to suspend in order to enjoy this treat, it was well worth it. This is not a great or important film, but it is still one that is emotionally honest. What saddens me is the fact that this film is doomed to be overlooked despite its charm. Hopefully enough Falk fans will take notice and give this film a chance as it is worthy of that much.

Ryan Izay

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