James C. Strouse’s quirky rendition of single life as a parent in “People Places Things” is just like real life: not perfect, but enjoyable.
The opening sequence is an endearing series of graphic novel drawings: a guy and a girl, then a guy and a pregnant girl, then a family with two children. The bliss is evident.
This sequence becomes a lot more endearing when we come to learn, moments later, that our protagonist, shy and quietly quirky Will Henry (Jemaine Clement), is a graphic novelist with twin girls, Clio and Colette (Aundrea and Gia Gadsby). We make our introduction with Will at the girls’ fifth birthday party as he looks for his partner, Charlie (Stephanie Allynne), only to find her having sex with another man. Apparently, the bliss was one-sided.
Fast-forward to a year later, and Will’s story really begins. Still getting used to single life, he teaches graphic novel courses at the School of Visual Arts while putting off his next book. He sees Clio and Colette on the weekends, and one of his students, Kat (Jessica Williams), has attempted to get him back into the dating game by setting him up with her mom Diane (Regina Hall).
Meanwhile, Charlie has been dating the man from one year previous, Gary (Michael Chernus). She announces to Will that she is pregnant, and she and Gary are getting married—this from a woman who previously had no interest in marriage. But shortly after this announcement, the babysitter quits, and Charlie dumps the kids with Will for a while.
The film thrives on awkward humor—a comedic style that suits Clement given his background as a member of the comedy duo, Flight of the Conchords. And though the “quotable lines” scattered throughout the film come across as manufactured at times, they do not interfere with the theme—this is a solid glimpse at the effect that splitting up has on the kids. It is also a heartwarming tale of a person just trying to move on and the difficulties that arise in that process. Luckily, the film stops short of that typical cheesy final scene that is seen so often in romantic comedies, a move that, in a refreshing way, leaves the life of Will Henry slightly open-ended.
What makes this film so enjoyable is how realistic it is. Yes, some of the situations throughout the film are a bit contrived, clearly thrown in to cultivate the previously mentioned awkward humor. But the interactions and relationships that Will has and forms throughout the film are dead on. Each is incredibly complicated, but realistic in this sense: There are no cut-and-dried answers to his problems. The characters are honest (some to a fault), and that is what gets them through.
Strouse chose his cast well. Clement immediately wins you over with his shy yet sassy attitude, and Allynne plays her character’s contradictions with spirit. Williams owns her supporting role, serving as the backbone of the plot progression. The Gadsby twins work their magic on screen; their interactions with Clement are delightful.
“People Places Things” is well worth the watch. Coming soon to the Midtown Cinema.
AUGUST EVENTS
(Don’t forget to BYOZ – Bring Your Own Zeroday!)
Midnight Matinee Series
“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982)
Saturday, Aug. 1, 11:45pm
BBC WWII Series (Free)
“Copenhagen” (2002)
Sunday, Aug. 2, 2pm
“Castles in the Sky” (2014)
Sunday, Aug. 9, 2pm
“Wodehouse in Exile” (2013)
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2pm
“Hitler on Trial” (2011)
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2pm
Harrisburg Area Now
“She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry”
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6pm
Classic Film Series
“The Philadelphia Story” (1940)
Sunday, Aug. 9, 6pm
Digital Theatre Series
“Everyman”
Sunday, Aug. 9, 4pm
“The Merchant of Venice”
Sunday, Aug. 23, 4pm
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 7pm
Down in Front
“The Killer Shrews” (1959)
Friday, Aug. 14, 9:30pm
Faulkner Honda Family Film Series
“The Pagemaster” (1994)
Saturday, Aug. 15, noon
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2pm
3rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“Lethal Weapon” (1987)
Friday, Aug. 21, 9:30ish
Block Party
Friday, Aug. 28, 4-8pm
– – – – –
OUTDOOR FILM SERIES
Aug. 7
“The Princess Bride”
Aug. 28 (after Block Party)
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
All Outdoor Film Series movies start at dusk in the parking lot of Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg.
