ALLAN HUNTER at the Movies

WAITRESS is the perfect antidote to a Summer of mindless, big budget blockbusters primarily aimed at youngsters. It is a sweet, warmhearted tale told with immense charm and humanity, and marks a tremendous achievement for actress turned filmmaker Adrienne Shelley, while rendering her awful murder last year all the more poignant.

There’s a hint of ‘Chocolat’ to the story of Jenna (Keri Russell), a waitress in a Southern diner with a gift for making the most unusual and delicious pies. She even gives her creations special names like Kick In The Pants Pie.

Unfortunately, Jenna is stuck in a loveless marriage to boorish husband Earl (Jeremy Sisto). Her sense of being trapped is only intensified when she discovers that she is pregnant. Then she meets Dr Jim Pomatter (Nathan Fillion), and embarks on a passionate fling that makes her realise that she can take control over her life.

Part of the pleasure in ‘Waitress’ comes from an expertly written screenplay that never judges the characters. Instead, it portrays them with all their flaws and contradictions. Jenna is horrified at the prospect of motherhood and fooling around with a married man, but Keri Russell gives such a warm and winning performance that she easily wins our sympathy.

The film is filled with great supporting performances from Adrienne Shelley and Cheryl Hines as fellow waitresses, and from veteran Andy Griffith as the owner of the diner whose grouchy exterior conceals a heart of gold. ‘Waitress’ is a small, modest film, but one that lingers long after those noisy blockbusters have disappeared from sight.

Nationwide release

Director: Adrienne Shelley
Stars: Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Adrienne Shelley, Jeremy Sisto, Cheryl Hines, Andy Griffith
Screenwriter: Adrienne Shelley
Certificate: 12A
Running time: 108 mins
Country: USA
Year: 2007

© Allan Hunter, 2007