Danny DeVito lends his presence to what is essentially minimalist entertainment. The acting and character development are totally acceptable, but the story is very simplistic, and is further weakened by unnecessary voice overs. There are moments of black comedy, romance, and action, but the film suffers from an identity crisis, because none of the above features are very strong, leaving "Just Add Water" with sort of a questionable genre. Marginally recommended for those who like isolated desert towns, with goofy characters. The closest similar movies I can think of would be "Sordid Lives" or "Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me" - MERK
25 Reviews
Doesn't quite make it
MikeyB17933 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Is this movie a satire, comedy, vigilante, romance ...? It works for the first hour or so as a satire and then becomes a combination syrupy romance and revenge-vigilante movie.
Some of the acting is good - the male lead is, but the female grocery-girl love interest is simplistic. The dead-beats and loser-town America were well portrayed and this gave the movie some authenticity - the homes and interiors were certainly not taken from 'Town and Country'.
But when it's said and done the ending is a lame-brain fairy tale. Too bad because I did feel 'sometimes' that this film was going somewhere.
Some of the acting is good - the male lead is, but the female grocery-girl love interest is simplistic. The dead-beats and loser-town America were well portrayed and this gave the movie some authenticity - the homes and interiors were certainly not taken from 'Town and Country'.
But when it's said and done the ending is a lame-brain fairy tale. Too bad because I did feel 'sometimes' that this film was going somewhere.
Modest, formulaic, but nice.
I_saw_it_happen24 July 2008
This is a quite enjoyable movie, well-made and pretty much an atmosphere piece, which is extremely formulaic (you'll know everything that's going to happen more than half-way through), but actually succeeds at being the sort of 'heart-warming' stuff that so many films market themselves as and fail at.
The humor is just offbeat enough to be particular, and I was actually quite happy to see that there were practically no pop culture references; this is significant, because for me, this means there's an actual story sustaining itself, rather than 'shout-outs' to the audience's immersion in contemporary culture.
And finally, perhaps most significantly: Jonah Hall, who I have disparaged in other posts, and whose acting I generally dislike, was actually quite good in this film. In other films, I've felt as if he was simply trying to imitate 'Cartman' from Southpark; there is a bit of that in this film, but Hall makes the role his own, and actually becomes a character you really care about, and feel Ray's pride and disappointment in. Perhaps Hall is developing as an actor, or perhaps this movie simply allowed him to do a better job.
This is a pretty nice 'date movie'. One of the only 'feel good' movies I've ever seen that wasn't saccharin and annoying.
The humor is just offbeat enough to be particular, and I was actually quite happy to see that there were practically no pop culture references; this is significant, because for me, this means there's an actual story sustaining itself, rather than 'shout-outs' to the audience's immersion in contemporary culture.
And finally, perhaps most significantly: Jonah Hall, who I have disparaged in other posts, and whose acting I generally dislike, was actually quite good in this film. In other films, I've felt as if he was simply trying to imitate 'Cartman' from Southpark; there is a bit of that in this film, but Hall makes the role his own, and actually becomes a character you really care about, and feel Ray's pride and disappointment in. Perhaps Hall is developing as an actor, or perhaps this movie simply allowed him to do a better job.
This is a pretty nice 'date movie'. One of the only 'feel good' movies I've ever seen that wasn't saccharin and annoying.
Starts Off Strong but...
boutros2-508-49313921 October 2012
I'm always partial to sunny California movies because I live in a rainy climate. So, a few stars just for that...
However, while this movie started off strong - a sparse, dark comedy, engaging storyline; it ended on an altogether different and implausible note. Which is a shame because it was a movie with a lot of potential, good writing, good story, good casting and good acting.
The "romance" between the two lead characters was a snooze. For the feminists out there, if you take issue with the story of Snow White and what it implies then the love story here may also irk you. The son's romantic life, while again implausible, was more interesting.
The not-so-subtle symbolism of dry, arid land vs. fertile land practically smacks you in the face.
Basically, if you have a couple of hours to kill on a rainy day, watch it. It's mostly entertaining. If you like complex situations neatly wrapped up with a bright Hollywood bow, you're in luck. If you like movies where peace is brought when gender roles are strictly adhered to, even better.
However, while this movie started off strong - a sparse, dark comedy, engaging storyline; it ended on an altogether different and implausible note. Which is a shame because it was a movie with a lot of potential, good writing, good story, good casting and good acting.
The "romance" between the two lead characters was a snooze. For the feminists out there, if you take issue with the story of Snow White and what it implies then the love story here may also irk you. The son's romantic life, while again implausible, was more interesting.
The not-so-subtle symbolism of dry, arid land vs. fertile land practically smacks you in the face.
Basically, if you have a couple of hours to kill on a rainy day, watch it. It's mostly entertaining. If you like complex situations neatly wrapped up with a bright Hollywood bow, you're in luck. If you like movies where peace is brought when gender roles are strictly adhered to, even better.
What a star cast ...
kosmasp17 December 2015
Although back when the movie was made, some of them did not have that star power they had later (and some still) in their career. DeVito is well known of course, or was better known and he has a nice role in this. It's actually a slow burning comedy though, one where Danny does not have to "explode" or go all crazy or anything.
That also means, that some might not have the patience to actually sit through this one. There is good humor in this and it can be a fun watch, but it's not exactly laugh out loud material you're being served here. Not sure if comparisons would make this look better for some (especially to Juno as another reviewer remarked), but if you like small budget movies or find yourself to be a fan of most of the cast, you will have at least some fun watching this (it's more than decent overall)
That also means, that some might not have the patience to actually sit through this one. There is good humor in this and it can be a fun watch, but it's not exactly laugh out loud material you're being served here. Not sure if comparisons would make this look better for some (especially to Juno as another reviewer remarked), but if you like small budget movies or find yourself to be a fan of most of the cast, you will have at least some fun watching this (it's more than decent overall)
Simple, quaint, just enough.
torstensonjohn5 June 2018
This is a satirical romance/comedy about a man who just enjoys the simple things in life and lives in a rundown community run by a meth head teenager. In it there are a couple subtle messages that go without being truly noticed. You will catch them if you are actually paying attention to the characters and their development.
The humor is sometimes dry, useless in some scenes but helps drive the plot line. Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck) is the center piece of this film as Ray, simple, but hopeless man who goes day to day. The cast ensemble includes Melissa McCarthy, Justin Long, Danny DeVito, Jonah Hill who all have smaller roles but ones with substance.
Overall the film doesn't scream laughter or too much in your face romance, it drives home the point about having dreams and being able to dream big enough to see it through. A generally good date movie. I give it 5/10
The humor is sometimes dry, useless in some scenes but helps drive the plot line. Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck) is the center piece of this film as Ray, simple, but hopeless man who goes day to day. The cast ensemble includes Melissa McCarthy, Justin Long, Danny DeVito, Jonah Hill who all have smaller roles but ones with substance.
Overall the film doesn't scream laughter or too much in your face romance, it drives home the point about having dreams and being able to dream big enough to see it through. A generally good date movie. I give it 5/10
Well, it was interesting.
MrOvletine20 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I like this movie for a lot of different reasons.
There was certainly a lot of good characters,, but other than the character Nora,, and Merle Stiker none of them were likeable.
The first 3/4 was good but i found the ending a little too much like a Simpson episode where Grandpa encourages Bart and his friend to go after the town bully.
For me, seeing the town,, and yes the town Trona actually exists, was a real eye opener.
I can't image living in a place that hot,, where nothing grows and your front 'lawn' is dirt. There are no trees... wow.
Watchable JUNK romantic comedy narrated by Danny DeVito
dilbertsuperman15 December 2008
This is a light romantic comedy that is very dopey and really not that funny. It has some moderately humorous situations and characters but for the most part this thing is a terrible bore that winds up being a visual montage for Danny DeVito's endless voice-overs. He also has a bit part.
PLOT: Life in Troma, a desert town is kind of a pain in the ass for Ray, his wife is nuts, his kid hates him, his life gets turned upside down and then something interesting happens to Ray, who normally puts up with everything life hands him... it might have something to do with the cashier at the local mart.. what follows is total fluff, a little bit of strained chemistry as our actor tries to portray a heterosexual male and comes up a little short.
Overall it's a bore with a couple of fun scenes here and there -take a peek if you are bored, don't expect much.
PLOT: Life in Troma, a desert town is kind of a pain in the ass for Ray, his wife is nuts, his kid hates him, his life gets turned upside down and then something interesting happens to Ray, who normally puts up with everything life hands him... it might have something to do with the cashier at the local mart.. what follows is total fluff, a little bit of strained chemistry as our actor tries to portray a heterosexual male and comes up a little short.
Overall it's a bore with a couple of fun scenes here and there -take a peek if you are bored, don't expect much.
Reminded me of Juno ......ALASKA!
stevepat9921 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I'm certain other references to Juno likewise referred to Alaska, a place that abounds with cold, desolate areas devoid of humans and hence devoid of intelligent life. Similar in fact to the town of Trona. IMDb's plot sets the pace noting the film involves a decent guy "...with a dead-end life in the dead-end town of Trona.." So far, the makings of fall off the chair comedy, right! NOT. There is more, much more. Assume the first hour or so has the comedic pace of a slow slug and you have further insight into the vastly overrated INDIE. IQ's less than the cost of a postage stamp....you got em' in droves...just count the beer cans. Add upon this the necessary suspension of the suspension of belief. No law enforcement, teen crooks, food less market, no people, few cars, no tourists, no traffic, no money and yes...just the location for a spanking new Chevron station.
Oh yes, rolling down the aisle comedy...the only family we meet assaults viewers with its low life dysfunctionality from meals, to relationships to parenting,,,,an endless humorless assault. People who dwell in the dust for chance, a moment each day, to obsess over a decades old fleeting memory.
A place where bicycle teen toughies somehow rule and are so brainless they would take on a man who's wealth could see them taken down in a nanosecond. However, going through this looking glass makes all possible.
Smart lines that those who rave about the script and compare to Juno are obviously referring to: To Ray (parking lot cashier) from wife over diner: How many cars did you count today? Ray (the most intelligent man in Trona) to Danny Devito: Do you OWN Chevron? Finally it ended in the manor of a bad keystone cops comedy. It was over, all that was left was for me to wipe the heavy layer of Trona's dust from my face. That happens if you sit too close to the screen.
Oh yes, rolling down the aisle comedy...the only family we meet assaults viewers with its low life dysfunctionality from meals, to relationships to parenting,,,,an endless humorless assault. People who dwell in the dust for chance, a moment each day, to obsess over a decades old fleeting memory.
A place where bicycle teen toughies somehow rule and are so brainless they would take on a man who's wealth could see them taken down in a nanosecond. However, going through this looking glass makes all possible.
Smart lines that those who rave about the script and compare to Juno are obviously referring to: To Ray (parking lot cashier) from wife over diner: How many cars did you count today? Ray (the most intelligent man in Trona) to Danny Devito: Do you OWN Chevron? Finally it ended in the manor of a bad keystone cops comedy. It was over, all that was left was for me to wipe the heavy layer of Trona's dust from my face. That happens if you sit too close to the screen.
Summary
illinoisbrah9927 September 2011
In my opinion, this was a really good film. I particularly liked the way that "country folk" were depicted. The film showed the humorous elements of living in the country as well as a sweeter side of living in the country (living happily without the need for all kinds of material things).
I also liked the way that the love story was depicted. It was the ordinary moments that made their love grow to what it is.
The thing that initially interested me in this movie was that Jonah Hill and Justin Long are in it as well as Danny Devito. As I was watching the film I noticed that one of the characters also stars in "The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang" along with Justin Long in a very similar role. It might be another film for you to check out!
I also liked the way that the love story was depicted. It was the ordinary moments that made their love grow to what it is.
The thing that initially interested me in this movie was that Jonah Hill and Justin Long are in it as well as Danny Devito. As I was watching the film I noticed that one of the characters also stars in "The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang" along with Justin Long in a very similar role. It might be another film for you to check out!
the worst Danny DeVito movie I've seen
hugosalias-imdb8 March 2009
shallow undeveloped story line - a six grader could have done better. I happen to like Devito, which was my reason for renting this movie in the first place. I was looking forward to a good laugh, but the humor was so exaggerated that it was not funny anymore (Charlene's psychological state and the line about french kisses). Having put up with the beginning of life in a deadbeat town, I was hoping for a turnaround in the movie the way it was described on the cover. However the second half hardly hardly went beyond the cover description. Opportunities to develop the plot and characters wer passed up, that I was left wondering why an actor like Danny DeVito agreed to be in the movie in the first place. Maybe it was his only chance to get a piece of Cerina Vincent. Sorry to say so, but I was disappointed
Superbad, is the right word for this movie.
gagahputra8 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Wow. I'm surprised. The fact about this movie is if you watched it really carefully, you may notice that until the half end part of this movie, the script did works.
But after that half end begins when the main character tries to save the town, wow.......that's like a real "rush hour" because all of it seem unrealistic and super corny. Trust me. It will taste like the "Honey" of the dark comedy, minus Jessica Alba. Tries to run from it if you can. Avoid this movie if you can.
Just a hint : Jonah Hill is the best thing happened for this movie, yet his role seem so minor that his character didn't grow or show some humanity in it. Wait, now that i've noticed, every character in this movie is supposed to be good, or neither else bad. It's all black and white and it will be my last time watching movies without review or publicity even months after it supposed release dates.
But after that half end begins when the main character tries to save the town, wow.......that's like a real "rush hour" because all of it seem unrealistic and super corny. Trust me. It will taste like the "Honey" of the dark comedy, minus Jessica Alba. Tries to run from it if you can. Avoid this movie if you can.
Just a hint : Jonah Hill is the best thing happened for this movie, yet his role seem so minor that his character didn't grow or show some humanity in it. Wait, now that i've noticed, every character in this movie is supposed to be good, or neither else bad. It's all black and white and it will be my last time watching movies without review or publicity even months after it supposed release dates.
Instant classic. I hate comparing, but it's this year's Juno...
Mr_Alphonso18 March 2008
I absolutely loved this film. It's endearing from beginning to end. Seeing it tonight at the DGA was a great way to spend the evening. I had no idea what I was walking into beyond the stellar cast comprised of Dylan Walsh, Tracy Middendorf, Danny DeVito and the ever beautiful Cerina Vincent. Rounding out the cast were a couple cameos including a great turn by uber-slacker Justin Long.
Funny. That's the underlying truth. But without the over-the-top syrup that comedies like this strive for. Dylan's stretching his legs into a new category of his career...a fine actor beyond the scope of Nip/Tuck. I'm anxious to see his role as the psychotic dad in The Stepfather remake lensing right now.
DeVito's voice-over carried the comedic scenes into a hilarious threshold and I found myself clapping while busting a gut at some of the sequences...including a nod at Blazing Saddles with a meth'd out woman punching a dog.
And Hart Bochner. What can I say? He forever left an image opposite Alan Rickman trying to broker a deal in the original Die Hard playing Ellis...well, chalk up his resume to a writer/director to watch in the coming years. He's transitioned quite well and created a gem of a little film.
Brilliant. Not to miss.
Funny. That's the underlying truth. But without the over-the-top syrup that comedies like this strive for. Dylan's stretching his legs into a new category of his career...a fine actor beyond the scope of Nip/Tuck. I'm anxious to see his role as the psychotic dad in The Stepfather remake lensing right now.
DeVito's voice-over carried the comedic scenes into a hilarious threshold and I found myself clapping while busting a gut at some of the sequences...including a nod at Blazing Saddles with a meth'd out woman punching a dog.
And Hart Bochner. What can I say? He forever left an image opposite Alan Rickman trying to broker a deal in the original Die Hard playing Ellis...well, chalk up his resume to a writer/director to watch in the coming years. He's transitioned quite well and created a gem of a little film.
Brilliant. Not to miss.
Light hearted insight into life.
Rutger-1124 June 2008
This movie is set in the most hopeless part of American society. Where everyone has a hopeless, pathetic job or no job at all and spend their free time in an equally hopeless and neglecting manner. It's just over the top and presented in a delightful, light hearted way.
It's easy to identify with the lead character who is somewhat more "normal" then the people around him, but too passive to change things. Following his daily routine you realize (at least I did) it's how we all live, just exaggerated.
I found it a sharp comedy in both the humorous and the dramatic sense of the word. I liked it.
It's easy to identify with the lead character who is somewhat more "normal" then the people around him, but too passive to change things. Following his daily routine you realize (at least I did) it's how we all live, just exaggerated.
I found it a sharp comedy in both the humorous and the dramatic sense of the word. I liked it.
Great film, very happy, semi-dark comedy
darryllmonroe-126 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I have always been fascinated by Trona since the first time I drove through it some 15 years ago, reminds me of a full scale model railroad town and it looks like perhaps no other place in California...Trona has a bit of a reputation , it is the least expensive place to live in California and , consequently, you will find a lot of dead enders in this little town, people on fixed incomes , ice heads and everything in between , there is not a lot in the way of law enforcement in the town ....Trona, as is pointed out in this movie, was not always like this , there are plenty of good , hard working people there who remember better days...and no doubt dream of future better days...the town is situated in the most striking high desert any desert lover would fall in love with, it is on the way to Death Valley and was once a hangout for Charles Manson, Manson's last redoubt was the Barker Ranch which is, by way of the crow flying, no more then maybe 10 or 15 miles.....But back to the film at hand Ray Tuckby {Played by Dylan Walsh} is one of these people who remember better days, his personal life, mainly his marriage , has taken a hit and worse yet , the town has been taken over by a skinhead meth syndicate who pretty much run the town, extorting money from the residents and selling drugs and worst of all, sucking the town's young people into there activities ...... A gentleman by the name of Merl {played by Danny DeVito} comes to town to open a gas station. Merl is a very positive person who, at first, is naive to the town's ways.....Merl meets Ray, Ray tells Merl about the town, Merl tells Ray that it is never too late to dream and envision a better life, they form a fast friendship....to cut to the chase, this builds a fire under Ray to take the town back , and to be with a woman named Nora {Played by the lovely Tracy Middendorf }whom he has admired ever since high school, she is a huge upgrade from his estranged wife, and that is putting it mildly..
The movie was beautifully shot and of the three movies I have seen that deal with Trona {"Trona" , "Land Of Plenty" and this film} "Just add water" is the most comprehensive look at Trona yet . The message of the film is indeed very inspiring and does indeed show that one man with a dream can indeed change himself and the people around him {there is even some narration to that affect}
My only quibble I would have with the film is that they borrowed the saga of Keeler California which was on the eastern side of the now dry Owens Lake, This is a whole other story altogether, in short, the city of Los Angeles diverted the Owens River nearly a hundred years ago for there own water purposes, drying Owens Lake and creating an environmental disaster that still has major ramifications......I will forgive this fusion of stories...Trona is on the western side of Searles Dry Lake...the key difference being that it is a ice age era lake and has been dry for 10,000 years......and I certainly would have no objections to it refilling .....regards and enjoy, Darryl....PS "Land Of Plenty" is a fine film as well....
The movie was beautifully shot and of the three movies I have seen that deal with Trona {"Trona" , "Land Of Plenty" and this film} "Just add water" is the most comprehensive look at Trona yet . The message of the film is indeed very inspiring and does indeed show that one man with a dream can indeed change himself and the people around him {there is even some narration to that affect}
My only quibble I would have with the film is that they borrowed the saga of Keeler California which was on the eastern side of the now dry Owens Lake, This is a whole other story altogether, in short, the city of Los Angeles diverted the Owens River nearly a hundred years ago for there own water purposes, drying Owens Lake and creating an environmental disaster that still has major ramifications......I will forgive this fusion of stories...Trona is on the western side of Searles Dry Lake...the key difference being that it is a ice age era lake and has been dry for 10,000 years......and I certainly would have no objections to it refilling .....regards and enjoy, Darryl....PS "Land Of Plenty" is a fine film as well....
good indie comedy...
inkvillain211 April 2008
This movie was funny as hell! It's got a little bit of everything actually - good story, funny parts and bit of the emotional stuff. But mostly just a really well-written comedy that didn't always rely on the same freakin' jokes you see in every studio comedy these days. I swear they have a book of 9 jokes that they recycle in every new movie.
Don't know who Tracy Middendorf was before this but I'm definitely looking for her from now on... totally the beautiful girl from next door and she's great in this. DeVito has a cameo but is great as always...
This movie was funny as hell! It's got a little bit of everything actually - good story, funny parts and bit of the emotional stuff. But mostly just a really well-written comedy that didn't always rely on the same freakin' jokes you see in every studio comedy these days. I swear they have a book of 9 jokes that they recycle in every new movie.
Don't know who Tracy Middendorf was before this but I'm definitely looking for her from now on... totally the beautiful girl from next door and she's great in this. DeVito has a cameo but is great as always...
Don't know who Tracy Middendorf was before this but I'm definitely looking for her from now on... totally the beautiful girl from next door and she's great in this. DeVito has a cameo but is great as always...
This movie was funny as hell! It's got a little bit of everything actually - good story, funny parts and bit of the emotional stuff. But mostly just a really well-written comedy that didn't always rely on the same freakin' jokes you see in every studio comedy these days. I swear they have a book of 9 jokes that they recycle in every new movie.
Don't know who Tracy Middendorf was before this but I'm definitely looking for her from now on... totally the beautiful girl from next door and she's great in this. DeVito has a cameo but is great as always...
BIG DREAMS
nogodnomasters13 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Ray (Dylan Walsh) is a parking lot attendant. He lives in the nearly deserted town of Trona, owned by a meth dealer named Dirk( Will Rothhaar) who bullies and extorts money. The rest of Ray's dysfunctional family includes his wife Charlene (Penny Balfour) who is afraid to leave the house, and his unlikeable son Eddie (Jonah Hill) a confused teen who winds up living with a black prostitute (Anika Noni Rose).
Ray likes the market girl Nora (Tracy Middendorf). She fears she is going to lose her store because of the opening of the Chevron station owned by Danny DeVito. One day, Ray and Danny team up and draw a line in the sand. There is a lot of odd ball type of action, although much of seemed to be odd just for the sake of being odd and not overly funny. There are some humorous scenes, although mostly it is either dark humor or that oddball kind of humor that characterizes indies. It is a good movie for those who like quirky humor. It is not overwhelmingly funny or deep, just cheap entertainment.
Parental Guide: rare F-Bomb, one brief sex scene, no nudity, sex talk.
Ray likes the market girl Nora (Tracy Middendorf). She fears she is going to lose her store because of the opening of the Chevron station owned by Danny DeVito. One day, Ray and Danny team up and draw a line in the sand. There is a lot of odd ball type of action, although much of seemed to be odd just for the sake of being odd and not overly funny. There are some humorous scenes, although mostly it is either dark humor or that oddball kind of humor that characterizes indies. It is a good movie for those who like quirky humor. It is not overwhelmingly funny or deep, just cheap entertainment.
Parental Guide: rare F-Bomb, one brief sex scene, no nudity, sex talk.
Excellent--very funny film!
rowestgate2 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
A smart, funny, trenchant film!. the dialog sparkles throughout, highly literate, funny. And the acting is first rate. I was very moved by the relationship between Dylan Walsh and Trace Middendorf...they were both great. It's always fun to see Devito...and definitely another side of Justin Long. Well directed...well written
Well shot. I enjoyed every minute of the film. The "pole" scene was funny! And I loved the ending....all the characters coming together...except for the bad guys..of course!
Well done. I loved it! A very funny film. I'd like to see more from this director and also from Tracey and Dylan!
Well shot. I enjoyed every minute of the film. The "pole" scene was funny! And I loved the ending....all the characters coming together...except for the bad guys..of course!
Well done. I loved it! A very funny film. I'd like to see more from this director and also from Tracey and Dylan!
Subtly-nuanced, beautifully acted, quirky
froglover2519 June 2008
Just Add Water is a moving, quirky, subtly-nuanced fable about suffering, love and redemption. Set in the belly of a culture that's been spiritually and environmentally devastated, enough becomes more than enough, and a small group of determined people decide to reclaim their lives, their homes and their land. Part comedy, part tragedy, part parable, this film is a mirror for our times. Dylan Walsh delivers an understated, heartful performance. The landscape reflects the energy of the people and their predicament. The musical score is excellent, moving, surprising. And the message is one of hope. That we can turn around the destruction that has taken hold of too much of our precious planet. Beautifully acted. Artfully written and directed by Hart Bochner.
Great Movie
aidsssssrrrrr15 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This was a well acted and well directed film. For $625,000, such an amazing cast was put together, and many scenes could have been improved if they had had a higher budget. This is a great pick me up movie, and the humor is high brow, if you don't like it you probably don't understand the references or miss the humor weaved into the movie. All in all, an enjoyable film. I recommend this movie to anyone who is reading the review, and if you own a netflix account, I do suggest ordering the movie, as it most definitely is worth watching. Danny DeVito is great, and so is the main male lead. The acting by Jake Long is definitely sure to make you laugh.
-Russ
-Russ
A very enjoyable, chill movie with a lovely love story, set in a very cool desert location.
justind-702044 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the cast for this movie and the location, i wasn't disappointed. It's not really super fast paced, bit slow and methodical instead. The movie revolves around a guy that has been in this town since high school, and always remembered the good times, when there was water in the big lake there. He has a wife that's been cheating on him for years and is quite depressed after finding this out. However he finds attraction to his childhood sweetheart that works at the local supermarket and is smitten on him since high school. The movie doesn't really go anywhere but I enjoyed it anyway, the characters are great and believable and this movie is really worth a watch. The female lead is stunningly gorgeous as well that always helps.
Just Add Water - It Rocks!
stevenkentmurphy18 June 2008
Good humor extracted from desperate lows! How do you get humor out of a crack addict? Hart Bochner will show you how with his kick-ass comedy!
Dylan Walsh and Tracy Middendorf topped my list with sensitive and believable performances amidst Bochner's gentle and yet twisted humor.
Imaginative and creative work come from a cast, none of which upstage one another. Balance is key in the ensemble, as the character of Ray Tuckby and his posse attempt to clean up Trona, CA.
Much of the humor is about the treatment of the situation and not necessarily the location. In fact Bochner has turned the desolate area of Trona into a blank canvas to paint on.
Dylan Walsh and Tracy Middendorf topped my list with sensitive and believable performances amidst Bochner's gentle and yet twisted humor.
Imaginative and creative work come from a cast, none of which upstage one another. Balance is key in the ensemble, as the character of Ray Tuckby and his posse attempt to clean up Trona, CA.
Much of the humor is about the treatment of the situation and not necessarily the location. In fact Bochner has turned the desolate area of Trona into a blank canvas to paint on.
An easy going film
mcambarr29 June 2008
This movie doesn't deserve any awards but it doesn't deserve to be slated either. It made me laugh and I really enjoyed it. The premise of the story is quite simple, likable Ray is stuck in a dead-end job, in a dead-end town but through a fortunate chain of events his life changes for the better. This is a fun film, it isn't meant to be realistic and to pick at it for this reason is pretty silly. This is not the new "Juno" it is a different kettle of fish all together. It reminded me of "Office Space" by Mike Judge in that it isn't very complex but does what it does very nicely. It is pretty formulaic but it was a joy to watch. Danny De Vito's narration keeps it ticking over nicely and the cast all do a great job. Some great moments that will make me want to watch it again at some point. If you are in the mood for some easy going laughs that won't tax your mind too much this will sort you out. Give it a go, most people won't be disappointed.
Somethings can be corrected
sjanders-8643014 April 2021
Even a wasteland can bloom again. The lesson is to act and make changes in the most dire situations anything can change. Danny DeVito inspires town resident to get the meth dealer out. Melissa McCarthy makes it happen. Jonah Hall anchors this production. There are toxic people as well as toxic places, and both can be changed. This is a thoroughly enjoyable well acted piece of film.
Wonderful!!
zeevakantiehuisje16 February 2015
I loved this. It's capturing. Of course the stellar cast (Dylan Walsh, Tracy Middendorf, Danny DeVito and Cerina Vincent) has much to do with it, but on top of that it's a really good story. And quite funny too, without ever getting sentimental, which is quite an achievement. A truly brilliant film, don't know why it ever escaped my intention. I loved this. It's capturing. Of course the stellar cast (Dylan Walsh, Tracy Middendorf, Danny DeVito and Cerina Vincent) has much to do with it, but on top of that it's a really good story. And quite funny too, without ever getting sentimental, which is quite an achievement. A truly brilliant film, don't know why it ever escaped my intention.
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