JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Mumford (1999)
That Old School feeling
DVD Cover
Starring: Jason Lee, Mary McDonnell, Zooey Seschanel, David Paymer, Loren Dean, Martin Short, Hope Davis, Ted Danson
“Hello Mother. I want you to meet Dr. Mumford.” – Sofie Crisp
“Mumford? Like the town?” - Mrs. Crisp
A twisting plot full of life lessons crosses genre’s in the mysterious romantic comedy Mumford. The name of a small middle American town, it also happens to be the name of a young and gifted psychiatrist, Dr Mickey Mumford (Loren Dean) in said town.
“I may be young, but Doc, I can tell you that I'm very immature.” - Skip
Treating a host of quirky characters and dealing with warped human interaction, Mickey has a skill for listening. Unorthodox in his methods, he treats a shopoholic housewife, Althea (Mary McDonnell). A terminally depressed teen, Nessa (Zooey Deschanel) and a chronic fatigue sufferer Sofie (Hope Davis), all seek the services of the trusty doctor with unique observations.
“You know what this feels like? - When I was in high school the thing I wanted most when I was stuck in class, the thing that I was desperately in pursuit of, was a hall pass. That's all I ever wanted. I loved moving freely around the school while everybody else was trapped in there. That's how I feel right now. Like I have some giant - all day - hall pass.” - Althea
Befriending the billionaire boy genius Skip, (Jason Lee) the modem designing backbone of the mini economy, doc begins to reveal secrets about his patients and soon himself.
“Everybody has a story, Skip.” – Mickey Mumford
From skateboarding champ, to kevin Smith films and now Earl, no wonder your laughing
John Doe says
Examining yearnings for companionship and perspectives on social hierarchy the emotional complexities of life are revealed within this 1950’s salute that meets the new millennium.
Avoiding the sugar and spice trappings of the subject there is a classic style charm that allows for scenes of Frank Capra meets Billy Wilder cinematic homage and modern dialect used in more innocent surroundings.
A harmless romp that says volumes about the culture of today, Writer/Director Lawrence Kasdan (The Big Chill, Body Heat, Silverado) confidently controls the character absurdities for humour that never becomes farce or sentimental cliché. A skillful manoeuvre within the doe eyed world that he sets the fictional drama.
The varied performances drive to focus our attention as the character play of witty dialogue and human study reveal itself. Loren Dean is the lead and his reverse Mr Smith goes to Washington exterior convinces.
The flurry of recognisable faces that make up the cast list adds dimensions to the lines. Mary McDonnell (Donnie darko, Battlestar galactica) is middle aged beauty wrapped in neurosis, while never over playing she is miles away from Mrs Darko or President Rosalind Russell.
Jason Lee (Chasing Amy, Mallrats, My Name is Earl) is brings his harmless charm stealing the screen without trying, as a bonus we even get to see him skate.
Ted Danson is smarmy and arrogant, making him easy to dislike. Zooey Dreschanel (Almost Famous, Bridge To Terabithia) displays all the signs that have endeared her roles as memorable.
John Doe is adamantly opposed to feel good cinema that plays up to stereotype or caters to the tissue packing crowd. So it surprised when Mumford turned out to be an inventive reworking of a traditional story, with a positive message that still maintained an element of ironic subtlety. Leaving JD grinning at the cleverly dosed themes and character theatrics, give it a chance.
The DVD:
Transfer: Widescreen/ 5.1 Dolby Digital
Extras: Trailer
Movies and Life
This definitely sounds appealing, one that I'm going to look out for.
Thanks for the info,
Tracy
Celebrity Obsession
I can't wait to see him skate!!!
This sounds like a movie I'll enjoy
Film & TV on DVD
Mumford is one of those movies that slipped under my radar just because I prejudged it as schmaltz. It does have its moments of syrup but overall it skips across genres and amuses.
Not the sort of film I normally review, but it has become a fave over the years and was perfect viewing while sick.
Look forward to reading what you think of it.
Film & TV on DVD
Im a sucker for jason Lee too, in fact he was the reason I saw this to start with...though I couldn't sit through Heartbreakers.
Do you like My Name is Earl?
Movies and Life
Yes, I'm definitely interested in it, but my list of 'must sees' that come from your blog is growing!
You choose such interesting, quirky films that appeal to me. I think thats one of the beauties of blogging, learning from other people.
Byeee
PS Glad it was good viewing for you when you were sick.
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
that good, eh? Doesn't look like something you'd usually review... must mean that it was pretty good...
Film & TV on DVD
Happy that you dig the films.
Hi Cib,
Your right Mumford isnt the sort of film I normally get into, but there is something about its tone and handling that make it easy to warm too......plus there is a reverence for cinema language i always lap up