FilmSnobReviews

Title: I Smile Back
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Adam Salky
Starring: Sarah Silverman, Josh Charles, Skylar Gaertner
Runtime: 1 hr 25 mins

What It Is: There’s something wrong with Laney Brooks (Silverman) perhaps it’s typical housewife ennui, bu it more than likely has to do with the fact that she’s off her anti-psychotic medication. With that she’s back to snorting coke, cheating on her husband and genuinely not giving a crap about anything and all of this while still driving her kids to school. After one particular breakdown, it is time for Laney to try to piece her life back together, not just for her family, but for herself.

What We Think: I’m really getting tired of these stories about prescription drug addled housewives. Ones whose life are mundane and seemingly only find excitement when the drugs kick in. Sarah Silverman is great in this movie, she just deserves to be in a better movie. This is the same thing that happened to Jennifer Aniston last year with Cake. Just a brilliant performance that overshadows an otherwise mediocre film. Salky doesn’t bring anything to the table from a direction standpoint. I really liked Josh Charles in this as well. Also, the ending does that thing that indie films do that I hate, and if you’ve read me long enough you know what I mean.

Our Grade: D+, I really disliked this film. It seemed to dislike itself as well. I’m all for telling stories like this but at least make them interesting, and likewise, have the balls to give the damn thing an ending. I cannot recommend this film, and honestly don’t care if you check it out or not. I found the whole thing altogether frustrating. If you just really need to see this (you don’t) it’s available now on VOD, so theres that.