Origin of the Species (1998)

Cool movie

This is a great movie, no stars in the cast (Well, Amanda Peet is a star now, but she wasn't then) and yet, they're great actors, and it's a great story. I could relate to a lot of things that go on in those characters'lives. They're in their late twenties and there's a lot of things about life that they just don't know, they have a lot of questions, issues and dillemas.
They're gathered in this house they's been going to for the past 9 years, and the movie is about their weekend there, they all talk and think about what they want, and it shows them evolving. The title is given after Darwin's book and theory, which are the objects of the house owner's fascination. October 10, 2005

20-, 30-, 40-something - You'll still love it

Ever been at the video store and realized there's nothing you haven't seen and you're just not in the mood for an old classic? That's how I found "Origin of THE Species" (not Darwin's "Origin OF Species"). This 1998 indie film was waiting patiently in the "New Releases" (just released on DVD). With Amanda Peet's smiling face on the jacket, it was hard to pass up, despite an unconvincing synopsis on the DVD case. I'm glad I took the chance.

The dialog-driven plot is simple (and has been done before), but with twists, both half-expected and unexpected. A group of six childhood friends, now in their late twenties (3 men & 3 women, of course), make their annual pilgrimage to the country to share a weekend. All grown up now and with successful careers, they sense that their old relationships aren't as close as before. The sylvan setting of the country, a skinny-dipping pond, the nearby town and a large country house leaves many opportunities for the group to split up discreetly into smaller groups to reminisce, love, joke and argue.

Much of the film occurs in the gorgeous old vacation home owned by the unseen mother of Paul (Elon Gold - not to be confused with look-alike actor Mark Feuerstein), a self-centered but naïve Ph.D.-type fascinated with the study of evolution and primates. The perpetually smiling Gold delivers some lines over the top, but is still credible. Paul is married to childhood sweetheart Julia (Peet - wearing unattractive gold-rimmed glasses popular in the mid-90s), who is debating when or if she should tell Paul about her pregnancy.

Lawyer Stan (LaPaglia - Australian doctor turned actor) is recovering from testicular cancer, and was apparently not expected by the others to show up this year. He appears mysteriously and doesn't socialize much, leaving everyone walking on eggshells as they tiptoe around the obvious questions. Stan's character is the most likeable of the bunch.

Stan's former girlfriend, Kate (Temchen) is also one of the gang. Kate, who had dumped Stan upon learning of his illness, seems to be spending too much time with confirmed bachelor and commercial voice-over star, Fisher (Kelly - who is stuck with the least interesting character in the film), leaving unanswered questions for the others. At times, you can almost hear the tension buzzing between Kate and Stan.

Jean Louisa Kelly plays "Laura," Kate's mousy and criminally shy friend who, early on, confides in Kate that her psychic recently told her that she and Stan are destined for each other - and she plans to fulfill her destiny this weekend. This revelation leaves the jealous, if not-always-honorable, Kate pondering throughout the film whether she should be spending her time with Stan instead of Fisher. Personally, I would have expected someone a little less attractive (more plain?) to be cast as Laura, but again, it still works.

The result is a successful and enjoyable drama, despite the small budget, the relative inexperience of the cast and crew, and the occasional similarity to an episode of "Friends." At worst, it seems like a good Whit Stillman knock-off. At its best, you see each of the characters trying to survive the inevitable realization that they are about to turn 30, and their lives and relationships are not what they used to be. Evolution!

"Origin" is one of those movies with which you will be preoccupied weeks after seeing it. Relating to the characters is easy and natural. You almost wish that you could call Paul to see if his mother decided to sell the house, or to check in with Stan to see how he's feeling. Writer Robert Ackerman provides the level of character development I really enjoy. It makes me want a sequel set ten years later to see how our friends have "evolved."

The DVD has no extras. You'll have to visit the movie's web site for those. You will get fine acting, rich cinematography, and a hauntingly memorable score. Overall, it's well worth your time. September 5, 2005

Sexy People, Sexy Donuts

I loved looking at this story of how post-collegiate, prolonged adolescence evolves into adulthood. On a purely visual level it's "Friends" meets "On Golden Pond": 6 beautiful 20-somethings in an even more beautiful, sun-dappled setting.

Warning to Atkins Dieters: either cover your eyes during the scene of donuts reproducing or be prepared to channel the lustful urges provoked by carbohydrates at their most carnal into some activity that doesn't involve Krispy Kremes. June 1, 2005

A cozy classic

This movie is such a breath of fresh air. Finally there's a movie that's profound, amusing, and relatable. It's nice to watch something that really hits home without begin cheesy or overdone and you can never go wrong with Jean Louisa Kelly or Amanda Peet. April 16, 2005

Easing out of Eden?

This is a coming-of-age story for recent generations (baby boomers forward), for whom a substantial amount of maturing often takes place post-college. While dealing with various personal decisions, six friends try to figure out exactly how one grows up without growing old. The setting, a house in the verdant and upscale NYC suburbs, is made to look positively Edenic--surely, a conscious choice on the part of the filmmakers, though not one that beats us over the head.

Lest "Origin of the Species" sound fraught with heaviosity (to borrow a term coined by Woody Allen), all this is presented with a remarkably light touch, a cast of engaging characters, and plenty of humor. Since making the film, several of the actors have gone on to greater success, and their performances here show why.

March 30, 2005

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