Float, Breathe and remember the Fish!

I originally watched this movie because Holly Hunter was starring and her movies tend to have depth and meaning. Then the credits role and Jodie Foster is directing, how could you miss? You can't.

This is a warm, witty and brutally honest film about family and how we put up with them. Holly Hunter plays Claudia Larson, a single mom who not only just lost her job but she kissed her significantly older boss as well. And she has no idea why and she is due to visit her parents for Thanksgiving. To top it off as her daughter (Claire Danes)prepares to send her off she reveals that she's going to have sex with her boyfriend. Could things get any worse?

Yes, the annoying little brother could show up to start taking pictures of you naked in the shower, your mom could resurrect a boyfriend you dumped two decades ago, dinner could turn into a battle zone. Sound familiar?

Robert Downey Jr as that annoying brother is his usual manic self yet manages to stay somewhat within character and has some very touching moments.

Cynthia Stevenson and Steve Guttenburg are hilarious as the ultra uptight sister and brother in-law. They help define marriage and compromise or perhaps the lack of.

The real winners here are Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning who are infuriating but lovable as Mom and Dad. Both have pivotal scenes all their own, and in my opinion the best part of the movie is as they watch Claudia walk down the airplane ramp and Charles Durning say's "Look at her. We made her."

There is also some great chemistry between Claudia and Leo Fish (her brothers new partner) played by Dylan McDermott. Watch this movie right before Thanksgiving or Christmas and it just might help keep you sane. Or watch it with and hope they understand.