Little Help, A MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -4

Jenna Fischer, Chris O’Donnell. Comedy/drama. Written & directed by Michael J. Weithorn.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Laura (Jenna Fischer) has gone on her looks and charm most of her life, but it has caused jealousy among some and contempt in others. Suddenly life seems to be coming apart and she has little to cling to. When her cheating husband dies, she finds herself in an ethical dilemma: sue the doctors or lose her home. Meanwhile, her young son, at odds with her mother, has lied to his fellow classmates at his new school, telling them that his dad died in the towers on 9/11. As Laura struggles to stay afloat in this vortex of deception, she finds that the one person with whom she can connect and communicate is, ironically, Kathy's smart and sensitive husband, Paul. Paul had always had feelings for Laura, going back to when they were in high school together - though at the time Laura barely knew he was alive. Now, twenty years later, their respective circumstances begin to draw them powerfully toward each other - despite the obvious complications and dangers that this implies.

PREVIEW REVIEW: I found myself getting involved because it’s about something – the bending of the truth in order to better one’s life. Films don’t really deal much with moral dilemmas of late, so it’s refreshing to see film characters wrestling with themes of truth and doing the right thing just because it is the right thing. The performances are strong and the direction tight, keeping the drama lively. But oh my, is there a lot of strife. Arguments, yelling matches complete with obscene and profane language from every member of the family, family discord, and a constant mood of frustration throughout make it difficult to sit through. I keep thinking, don’t people have enough problems without going to the movies to feel depressed until the semi-happy ending?

What’s more, it was sad to view a family completely devoid of spiritual values. Then there is the disrespect for laws concerning the use of pot. And in her frustration, the lead accepts a date and has sex the first and only time they go out.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Freestyle Releasing