Waitress (2007)

Keri Russell stars as Jenna in Waitress, an indie film about life, struggle, and the persistent will to change one's life for the better. It also features Nathan Fillon, Cheryl Hines and Andy Griffith.

Jenna is a waitress in the local diner. Her job is dead end, and she gets yelled at by her boss hourly along with her fellow employees, even though she is also the resident pie maestro. Her husband, Earl (Jeremy Sisto), is the proverbial jerk who mentally and physically abuses her, is constantly suspicious, and takes her money. The conflict comes when Jenna discovers she is pregnant, and will have the child even though she openly states that she doesn't want it. She makes preparations to leave her life behind, and also to compete in a pie baking contest. Her obstetrician, Dr. Pomatter (Nathan Fillon) provides a welcome outlet to her miserable life, and what starts innocently rapidly progresses to an extramarital affair. Along the way, veteran actor Andy Griffith portrays Old Joe, the diner owner, who gravitates between cantankerous old timer and wise oldster.

Overall, while the plot of Waitress is a downer, the acting is strong. However, the characters have the depth of a tidal pool- at low tide. The waitresses are just too stereotypical in their dialogue, and you wonder if folks in this situation could really be that simple. I think that this film had more potential but it is an acceptable movie to view for some more serious drama.

Overall Grade: B-

Reviewed by Jonas