This movie is actually pretty good if you've worked in a relevant industry. The movie is from a server's perspective, and involves what they endure. Sure the customer's are over the top, and it can be a little offensive at times (Germans and gays won't like the stereotypes portrayed), but as a whole, it works. Aaron Ashmore in particular was awesome playing his cocky a-hole of a character. John Bregar is like the spitting image of Chris Evans, circa early 2000's.
... View MoreI watched this film at one of the festivals. I didn't have any expectations for this film before watching and I am glad I didn't have any. Comedy is not about one liners. While wit lightens the telling, it doesn't alone make it a true comedy. The film didn't get any better till the end. Actors did what they could do to this script, otherwise the film would have been much worse. Writer and director has to first understand that even comedy has some structure to follow (like drama) and that is completely missing. This is another perfect example that shows comedy cannot be forced.Writing: 3/10, Acting: 7/10
... View MoreMy sister and I recently attended a preview screening of this in Toronto, I watched the trailer and knew this was going to be a simple, fun movie. It's not that I had low expectations, but I didn't set any either.I have to say I was pretty impressed with what I saw. There's no new formula here, it's revenge in the workplace, the difference is unlike the insipid "Waiting" it's fun, and tactful, not gross and unnecessary, and while it was somewhat predictable, I still enjoyed the ride and enjoyed the characters. If you've ever served time in the wait/customer service industry, than you too can relate (as I certainly did) to the tiring everyday, irritating situations and customers and strange/rude situations encountered in the industry of "dealing" with people.Kudos are also in hand for Margot Kidder (who I didn't even recognize until I saw her name in the credits) she looks great (even if she couldn't move her mouth), and as a rabid 20+ year fan of Kids In The Hall, it was a guilty pleasure, and awesome to see Dave Foley, (he still looks great, and hasn't lost a beat of the dark sarcasm that endears us to him so much). Also, loved the German corporate buyout guy (Franz), perhaps my favorite character next to Foley.A simple, thoroughly enjoyable little film. And a great Canadian export.
... View MoreI saw Servitude a few hours ago at the Grand River Film Festival in Waterloo and I was really impressed. Not only did it include a great cast (Linda Kash, Dave Foley, Enrico Colantoni) and a great director (Warren P. Sonoda - Textuality), but I found myself laughing constantly. What drew me to go see it was that the plot seemed a lot like the book "Waiter Rant" and it actually was quite similar. Not only were both main characters waiters but they also blogged about waiting tables. I wonder if this movie was at all inspired by that. Both were hilarious. I really enjoyed all the problem customers (the old couple, the passive-aggressive family, the pack of young male douche-bags, the cheap blonde lady) and the unique characters that make up the wait staff. I'd have to say my favourite character was Franz, the Nazi inspector. Never lock a German guy in a room full of Schnapps and pretzels.... I also found myself really feeling for Josh and his girlfriend and career along with the other characters and their hopes and dreams.One thing that kind of bothered me though was that the movie seemed a lot more like a TV show than a movie. Maybe because it was mostly just in one location, which can't be helped because it's about being a waiter at a specific restaurant. Someone said that it would make a great TV series (during the Q&A) and I agree, especially since there are probably so many funny anecdotes about people waiting tables. All around a really awesome movie and definitely worthy of being Canada's first great comedy (in a while)! I can't wait for it to come out so I can see it again and show it to people!
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