No one will ever convince me that Rip Torn isn't one of the funniest folks around. Facial expressions, eye brows, and loud voice make him the big grin for you on any production he is in. This one included.With Grandma on everyone's mind and siblings who are carrying years of hurt feelings and grudges this gets some dark clouds at times. The reason for this is the fact that what we Americans hide from others is just normal American family dynamics. A bit embarrassing and a bit too well understood. I actually squirmed in my seat a bit.Hank Azaria, Ray Romano, Zooey Deschanel, Debra Winger, the Garcia "Boys", Glenne Headly, Piper Laurie, and the entire Cast are absolutely in perfectly played roles. I will not give away the double blast ending. Suffice it to say that the audience will take a serious left jab from Grandpa on tape and then a decisive right uppercut by the "Garcia Boys" that brings down the house. Finally, Odo (you should know who he is) made me laugh as an old member of the clergy. I have been to weddings and funerals where he would be a doppelganger replacement for what actually showed up.I liked the movie. A lot of people, cast and crew gave a lot of great contributions to make this film. It is wonderful Saturday evening fare with a couple beers and a lot of Cheetos. Maybe a salami and fresh Mozzarella on some crunchy bread if your still hungry. Get comfy on the couch. One arm around your "Other" and a smile on your face. You will enjoy the evening.WFH.

Dysfunctional families dealing with the loss of a member and uncovering their skeletons in the closet while burying the deceased isn't news on film. There's comedies about it, drama as well and the mix of both. "Eulogy" tries the latter resulting in something that is eternally confusing, loudly funny in its first minutes then the laughs are fading away the more its conclusion approaches. The patriarch (Rip Torn) has died and now his sons (Hank Azaria, Ray Romano and others), his suicidal wife (Piper Laurie) and other members of the family have a lot of things to do, including dealing with each other in the worst possible way since they can't bear one another. The only one with some decency is the granddaughter (Zooey Deschanel) chosen to deliver the eulogy on the grandfather's funeral, amazingly waited because later there'll be the reading of the old man's testament. Writer and director Michael Clancy's proposition is to deliver the highest amount of unbelievable yet sometimes hilarious situations ever presented on screen. Women's fight; the horny pre-adolescents sons of Azaria making fun of the family; fine, they're great provider of laughs but other "jokes" like the suicide attempts of the matriarch doesn't cause any effect on the viewer. And it's a pity that there isn't enough space to treat serious subject in a serious manner, just a little.Good film but a small, almost insignificant work for a great cast in average roles. Higher note than the one I'm giving is a mere exaggeration, it's not that brilliant. It's just fun at certain parts. 6/10

The dysfunctional family has proved bountiful fodder for many a movie. The problem with "Eulogy" is that once it begins to veer towards parody, it begins to loose touch with its audience has becomes progressively less and less funny.It's a great pity since "Eulogy" boasts an interesting cast who all deliver top notch performances. Deborah Winger is a delight, as too are Hank Azaria and Zooey Deschanel. Even Ray Romano effortlessly shrugs off his Raymond persona in a nicely delineated performance. Clearly as a director Michael Clancy is doing something very right, but as a screenwriter he pretty much sinks this one.Pity….

This movie manages to put across a strong point without all the usual soppy stuff. There are some of your expected twists. But not once did i find myself thinking "well i have seen this before...". Because there really is no time for that. The movie will have you guessing all the way through, "what is this all leading too?".The story moves fast and you have to be very awake to keep up with what happens. There are many little clever quirks and remarks that you will need to pay attention too. It helps add to the meat of the movie.The characters are portrayed excellently by the cast. From the young to the old. The casting is excellent. This is a good movie for those who think they have family issues...