Jeff Who Lives at Home

Viewer Rating:gaskinator has rated Jeff Who Lives at Home rating: 4 Star

Jeff (Jason Segel) is a lovable slacker, living in his mother's basement who has been obsessed with the idea of destiny following the death of his father. His brother Pat(Ed Helms) seems to be the exact opposite, a man living the American Dream, but undergoing a mid-life crisis and whose relationship with his wife is strained and unaffectionate. Susan Sarandon plays Sharon, their disillusioned mother who worries that Jeff will never make something of his life, but is distracted by a secret admirer in her office. On one hectic day, fate seems to take a keen interest in their lives and pushes the two brothers together in an unlikely quest to save Pat's marriage.

Jeff, Who Lives at Home is enjoyable light entertainment and on the whole, manages to avoid frustrating clichés. The underlying sub-plot of Sharon's office romance is refreshing and realistic and Sarandon is entirely credible as the hounded mother. Jason Segel, as Jeff, is in his element, mastering a subtle physical humour which can be almost as funny as any of the scripted jokes. When he and Pat are having a heart-to-heart in the bath for instance, Jeff's awkwardness is palpable and inexplicably amusing. For all the criticism that Jeff receives about not being able to understand adult behaviour and responsibilities, he is the one to give his brother advice and help. The story is life-affirming and touching, without falling into the realm of the sentimental and if not a sore stomach from laughing, it will surely leave you with a smile on your face.

Review published on the 02 May 2012 20:03