The main reason to see this film is to see some great actors who never get good roles turning in some quietly powerful performances. Ron Eldard. It's insane that this guy doesn't get more work. I think it's because he's not quite good-looking enough to play leading men and he never turns in flashy performances in smaller roles. As an aimless small-town lothario in DIGGERS, he packs a wallop in a tiny line during a post-coital scene. "I just did what you told me to do." Whoa.
Josh Hamilton (the original Dennis in THIS IS OUR YOUTH) plays a philosophizing pothead with quick-witted, self-effacing bliss. He jets about the pictures like Robert Downey Jr's younger brother; transparently jazzed to be playing a character who hasn't been completely lobotomized. Ken Marino, who wrote the script, is also impressive. It's a nice actor-writing-a-part-for-himself moment. Marino plays a heavy-drinking father of five who throws hissy fits with the best of 'em. He resists cloying for your sympathy until the very last moment and the payoff is great.
Which brings us to Paul Rudd. Remember when he was in CLUELESS? This guy has come a long way. Even if his character is the most thinly-written, Rudd does a bang-up job of coasting believably from grief to rage to melancholy to just plain funny. Honestly everyone is kind of above the material. It's not that its a bad film. It's just totally a film you've already seen. It really doesn't gain momentum until 40 minutes in. Once the narrative gets some traction, DIGGERS keeps you engaged until it struggles for a resolution. That resolution may be about as satisfying as last few sips of a melted Slurpee but it doesn't leave with you brain freeze. It's a warm and welcoming piece and you should definitely check out on DVD. (It's already available!)
Bottom Line: If you're fans of any of these guys, check it out before they start doing theater again!
3 comments:
Do you think Paul Rudd is underrated? He has been in so many movies, starred in none, but added a piece to all of the films. Like the 40 year old virgin.
Definitely. I think Paul Rudd's greatest asset is also his greatest liability. He doesn't take himself that seriously. I saw him perform with some Upright Citizens Bridage or Stella or whatever they are called people in a basement theater in NY and he had about three lines and he was phenomenal. He has charisma to spare but there's always this lurking feeling of "inside joke" with everything he does. In this piece he gets pretty vulnerable which is awesome.
Does anyone know what that song is that's being played as the boat sinks (it's also heard in the beginning) I really like it.
The movie was great, left you feeling good and despite it not being action filled or overall exciting it made you feel a lot for the characters.
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