Broken English (2007)

Broken English (2007)
Written and Directed by Zoe Cassavetes

Zoe Cassavetes makes her directorial debut in this "indie" romantic comedy starring Parker Posey. Zoe is the daughter of famous actor and independent film pioneer John Cassavetes, and while it seems unfair to try and compare them, it is strikingly peculiar that there is little of the "Cassavetes" feel in this film. That however, is the least of its problems.

The film stars Parker Posey as a loveless thirtysomething in New York City, who continually gets involved with "bad" guys, including a narcissistic, moronic actor (Justin Theroux) and a still heart-broken mope (Josh Hamilton). Eventually, she meets an attractive and sensitive Frenchman, but of course, pushes him away because of her "insecurities". God, I even feel silly attempting to describe the plot. Broken English is so full of cliches, stereotypes, and mushy platitudes that it's hard to muster up the strength to turn away from the Houston Astros/Chicago Cubs game right now. The script is so inconsistent that it gives the always entertaining Parker Posey little room to display her talent -- her offbeat, unique humor comes through in the first act, but disappears quickly and returns only in flashes for the rest of the film. Cassavetes and the film spends the rest of the time sleepwalking through Dr. Phil-esque self-realizations and predictable plot twists. This film is a copy of a copy of a copy of a copy, and I say that in the most degrading, negative way possible. It's a shame to see such a talent like Posey to go to waste in sappy filth like this. Someone check Zoe's DNA.

[97 minutes. Rated PG-13. In English]