Movie rating: 3 and half Star

Jeff Who Lives at Home

5445

A low key family drama with moments of genuine humour and comedy, Jeff Who Lives at Home also boasts some superb performances from its leads. This is really something different for both Segel and Helms, and they're equally impressive.
Segel is the titular Jeff, a sheltered sort who still lives at home with his aul' one (well, the still aesthetically pleasing Sarandon). He's given somewhat of a purpose when his brother Pat (Helms) suspects his other half (Greer) of having relations with a man that isn't him, and enlists Jeff to help Dog the Bounty Hunter her ass.
Sitcom star and accomplished scripter in his own right, Segel has a couple of reflex settings. Mostly sweet, he can sometimes veer into pervy territory - check his work in Knocked Up and Freaks and Geeks - and when he does so he's often very funny. Here he's given a well-rounded and written character with depth, as normal family dynamics are explored organically and with care. The relationships are what drives this film forward and they feel real, even within the heightened, somewhat farfetched turns of the plot.
It's obviously no coincidence that the two directors, Jay and Mark Duplass are siblings; the duo have explored issues involving kin before in the similarly offbeat Cyrus, and there directed Jonah Hill to his first impressive dramatic performance. It's safe to say if you enjoyed that film, you'll find plenty here also to float your boat.
An engaging, well-written and wonderfully acted drama with deft moments of comedy.

Watch: Jeff Who Lives at Home

Review by Mike Sheridan | 09:00 | Friday 11th May 2012 | Movie Review

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Comments

• FilmBuff76

  After the charming Cyrus, The Duplass Brothers return for another lo-fi slice of suburban life. Jason Segel plays the the Jeff of the title, a basement-dwelling, childlike philosopher who totally gets the M. Night Shyamalan film Signs. When he gets a call from an angry stranger looking for someone called Kevin, this kickstarts a series of events which will affect the lives of the key people around him. His brother suspects that his wife is cheating on him, so he and Jeff go to ridiculous lengths to find out what's happening. Meanwhile, his mother has a surprise secret admirer in work. Essentially focused on 4 characters over the course of one day, it's a slight character piece that doesn't try too hard to impress. Look too closely and you could poke holes in the wafer-thin plot. However, the spirited performances and unexpected plot twists keep the film chugging along so you don't notice the flaws too much. The Duplass Brothers are definitely talented, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with next. Hopefully, it'll be something meatier.

  Posted 23:30 | Fri 11th May 2012

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