Waitress (8 out of 10)

Although Jeff Gilmore announced that the premiere screening of Waitress wasn't going to be a wake, it did feel a bit like a memorial service. How could it not with the tragic and untimely death of Adrienne Shelly the director and screenwriter? Well, it couldn't. The great thing is, she left us with a wonderful watchable film. Imagine how awful it would have been if the film was bad. So what a great memorial we have to the artist that was Adrienne Shelly. Waitress is a sweet film with some refreshingly unexpected dialogue and lovely relationships. Good performances. Nice pacing. It's really a joy to watch. Having been a fan of Keri Russell since Felicity, I wasn't expecting much. Not in a bad way but I've always felt that she was more or less playing herself (and that opinion wasn't changed by her work in The Upside of Anger), but her portrayal of Jenna is a true breakout performance. She is, of course, infinitely watchable onscreen and here she finds a new quiet and heartbreaking way to play the abused housewife. The passive strength she is able to relate outside of the dialogue is amazing, and her eventual power taking is absolutely cathartic. Good for her. Maybe there is life after Felicity after all. Russell is surrounded by other spectacular performers. Cheryl Hines, Andy Griffith, Nathan Fillion and Shelly herself are all perfect in their roles and give us great fun. Jeremy Sisto does his best as a miscast Earl - the creepy husband - but he doesn't have the depth to realistically bring the demented abuser to life. He plays at being rotten but never finds it. I had a similar problem with his work recently onstage in Festin. I don't think he's got the chops to tackle these troubled characters. I think he should try something lighter. Truly one of the most enjoyable films at this year's festival, Waitress makes me want to go home and bake an "I'm bummed that we won't get any more films from Adrienne Shelly" pie. - Brahman