I was unsure how to review this movie, just as I've been unsure how to review ensemble pieces like GRAND CANYON and THE JOY LUCK CLUB. Some movies are so sprawling, so character driven, and so complex, that it's difficult for me to write a review that makes sense, but I tried anyway with IN MEMORY OF MY FATHER, a film that I've been waiting to see at least since 2003.Let me first say that without a doubt, IN MEMORY...has been worth the long wait, and that I really enjoyed every minute of it, and in doing so have gotten to know the unique storytelling style of Christopher Jaymes, director, writer and actor in this refreshing, well-edited dramedy about the death of a Hollywood movie mogul, the three sons he leaves behind, and the colorful characters who attend the wake.Chris (Jaymes), having been bribed by the father offscreen to capture his death and the subsequent family gathering on video, hires not only several professional cameramen, but expects friends like Pat (a hysterically hilariously profane Pat Healy) to help too.I deduced early on that some of the characters not only despise one another, but come across as extremely callous regarding the death of the old man. The critics who described some of these people as "narcissistic, shallow and unlikeable" may not be far off the mark. As a matter of fact, a few characters are downright hateful, in particular, Chris, who carries a very visible hostility inside him around certain members of family.But what these critics failed to comment on (or maybe even to notice) are the delicately explored family dynamics. This is dysfunction as gleefully presented as you could ever hope to see. The documentary of Dad's end of life is nothing more than an unwanted chore to Chris, and although he doesn't verbalize it outright, all you have to do is read the angry grimace on his face when he so much as thinks of his father or speaks to Dad's latest trophy girlfriend Judy, who is only 26 years old, and, as one would expect, an extravagant spender of her beloved's money.When Uncle Aled, Dad's brother (played wonderfully by the late Tom Carroll) arrives to pay his respects, he is greeted with distilled cordiality by Matt and Jeremy, and with the usual nastiness of Chris, the youngest of the brothers, the only one of the three who never forgave Aled, or Mom, for running off together and breaking up the "happy" family.Aled has a daughter, Meadow (Meadow Sisto) who is the product of his affair with the boys' mother. She is the ex-girlfriend of Pat, who naturally rattles endlessly on about how he doesn't want to see her, or her new boyfriend Eric (Eric Michael Cole), who unexpectedly spends the majority of the evening in the company of Jeremy, and they have some very entertaining discussions before deciding to do some X and change from their clothes into bathrobes.In the meantime, Chris has another friend, actually an ex, Nicholle (Nicholle Tom), to help him with the documentary by interviewing visitors at the wake. Why Chris wanted Christine (Christine Lakin) to be interviewed is anyone's guess, since she "didn't really know" Dad. Christine is a teenager who has been "hanging out" with Chris, who is in his late 20s.The entire cast shines in this film. I have not seen such a fun performance from Meadow Sisto since CROSSING FIELDS. I already mentioned how fun it was to watch Healy throw his tantrums. Jaymes is excellent as the equal parts pathetic and demonic Chris. Keeslar and Greer were great together. Even more fun were the exchanges between Cole and Sisto as Eric and Jeremy, who, influenced as much by his wife's recent behavior as the ecstasy he's taken, embarks with Eric on a very interesting little "trip".Where is all this going as Dad begins to go into rigor-mortis upstairs? Well, it's not going anywhere in particular, save the depths of these characters, all of whom I've found profoundly interesting.The film doesn't take the obvious route. The three sons appear unconcerned that Dad is dead. They're drugging, screwing and even singing irreverent songs at the piano, hurling insults at Dad's poor older friends, throwing hissy fits left and right, until at one point, Uncle Aled expresses his disgust out loud. No worries. Chris has a perfectly devilish comeback should Aled dare to open his mouth.It is here where you start to wonder, Gee, Chris really is angry. And hurt. If he didn't love his Dad, would he act like this? No, he wouldn't. That is the plot of this film. No matter what the story, and you won't have it spoonfed to you, in the end, the two older boys are doing their best to accept their Dad the way he was and move on in their own troubled lives, while Chris still struggles with unresolved anger and hatred.The comedy, beautifully timed and perfectly, wonderfully, gleefully delivered, had me in stitches. The drama is less obvious, hidden skillfully underneath the raucous laughter. And a film this irreverent would seem as cold as ice at first glance. But there is warmth, in surprising places. For instance, who knew that big-spending Judy would be so sad over Dad's death that she would lock herself in the room with him and put lip balm over his chapped mouth while talking to him about her day as though he was as alive as ever? This film made me dig deep, and made me think very hard, which is why I love it.

I loved this film so much. Every character came to life. The transitions were amazing. And the humanity mixed in with the humor added an incredible complexity. These people felt very real, even though I've seen many of them before in other movies. Knock-out performances by Judy Greer, Jeremy Sisto, Matt Keeslar, Chris Jaymes, Eric Cole, and Pat Healy. Once you get absorbed by this family you can't tear yourself away. Also, the film-making was just great. The camera seemed to be everywhere capturing people at their most vulnerable moments. And the cinematography was outstanding. The music chosen added perfectly to the tone and the editors paced the story so well, cutting from one story line to the next with grace and ease. I never once lost my place in this crazy wonderful world.

I had the good fortune to enjoy a Q and A with the filmmaker tonight. I enjoyed this films honesty and its refreshing perspective of the tiresome subject of human relationships fusion bombing against a bereavement backdrop EI (Big chill,Magnolia). This guy has a gift for what to edit out and show some confidence in his audiences imagination. I could not thank him more for keeping the dialog short,sharp and grasping hard on you,then poof...gone. Really interesting way of telling an old familiar tale. A real joke that he had trouble with distribution. Not surprising though. We have to seek out a good flick nowadays,while junk is at our doorstep. I will certainly keep my eyes open for his book "Self Help" I believe. Though making a film like this is all the self help any normally addled person could ever need.

This was such a great movie. Very entertaining. Did not find myself bored for even a minute. Jeremy's performance was awesome and hilarious!! Christina was charismatic and beautiful as always!! Go see it. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed! I thought the entire cast did an excellent job. This film had the audience in an uproar. I took a couple of friends who aren't into "indies", but had nothing but positive things to say about this film. I loved the way the maker of this film handled the topic of death. Recommended for those who love dark comedies. If you haven't seen it yet, you are missing out!! MUCH LOVE TO CL SMOOTH- Kat