It's a Disaster (2012)

Shane: "The world's about to end, and you're gonna do ecstasy?"

By Todd Berger
With David Cross, America Ferrera and Julia Stiles

After reading Tumor's glowing review of this indie film, I knew I would have to give this film a shot.

It's a Disaster asks important question about honesty in relationships, through an especially compelling darkly comedic presentation. At what point in a friendship or relationship will the truth really come out? Does it ever come out?  For the couples in this film, it takes an apocalyptic event that confines them indefinitely to one house in order for them to communicate honestly with one another--a trope oft repeated in road-trip narratives, for instance. When Ella and Pete, seemingly the most stable couple (being married and owning a house) hosts their monthly "couple's brunch", little are they aware that this brunch, unlike the ones previous, will expose some important truths and trigger crucial self revelations. 

In many ways the characters in this film are stock characters: the uptight teacher and doctor, the 'nerd' and conspiracy theorist, the indie artistically inclined vegan pseudo-hippie couple, the controlling wife, the lazy-slob husband, etc. Does this matter? Not in the least--if anything, they emphasize how quick we are to do the same to the people in our lives. It also emphasizes how arbitrary these labels really are. The chemistry between the characters was spot on, and what holds them together, despite their narcissistic and self centered ways, clearly comes across. 

By the end of the film, I was left smiling and couldn't help wondering what would happen if a similar situation were to transpire in my own life and within my own friends' circle. While some may be frustrated by the open ending, it is perfectly in line with the rest of the film as the fate of the characters is less important than the way in which they approach their fate with(out) one another. 

I liked: The dialogue was absolutely brilliant. The jokes never fell flat, and several of them I am certain I will never forget. An honest film, and an honest way of looking at people. Not sentimental or romanticized, nor does it cast blame or judgement on the characters involved. There was a strong sense of play, of understanding, and especially the humor inherent in the absurdity of so many of our daily actions, routines and convictions. A good film to wake one up, make one laugh at one self, not take things so seriously, and go with the flow. 

I disliked: A little more character development for some of the characters could have been nice. For example, we learn very little about Tracy, or even the couple, Buck and Lexi, in context of their specific relationship. 

74/100

Overall, one of the funnier films I've seen with memorable, snappy dialogue and a good message overall. Highly recommend!