Dramedy: Duane Hopwood

Duane Hopwood (2005)

I had some friends that worked the overnight shift at UPS, and would have some drinks after work. Obviously, the problem was that "after work" was 8 in the morning. So, while I was on my way to work, they were working on a case of beer at 9am, and pretty buzzed by 11am or so. David Schwimmer stars as Duane Hopwood, and Duane has a similar problem...

Duane is a pit boss at an Atlantic City Casino. He works the overnight shift, which means he's had a few by the time he sees his two daughters in the afternoon. After his wife (played by Janeane Garofalo) divorces him for being a drunk and doing what drunks do, Duane starts his downward spiral into addiction.

Judah Friedlander (30 Rock) Dick Cavett, and John Krasinski (The Office) play minor parts in this lightsided look at a regular guying sinking into his alcoholic "rock bottom," as people who seem to truly care for him watch helplessly.

The problem I have with many indie flicks are that they just seem completely pointless. This was that type of movie. The storyline should have utilized the talents of Cavett and Krasinski, who have but a few lines and only appear on camera for a couple of minutes throughout the entire film. Friedlander plays the comic relief, a more prominent role than the others, but it just didn't allow him to fully exercise his comedic talent either. Overall, it was a disappointment.

don't bother


Link: sevenload.com