Lisa Kudrow in Kabluey: Movie Reveiw

Lisa Kudrow: A Long Way Off From Friends

Granted, Lisa Kudrow is perhaps not the first name to come to mind when considering independent, existentialist comedies. Apparently unconcerned with the public’s notions of her, she manages to be hilarious and startlingly honest in Kabluey.

She plays Leslie, mother of two boys who bring rambunctious to new levels. With a husband off to war and no one to help her keep them in line, she has begun to give up when her semi-estranged brother-in-law suddenly gets fired (read: is no longer running a laminating machine). Salman (played by Scott Prendergast) decides to move in and help her, despite having no idea about how to care for children and having proved himself incompetent multiple times already.

Kudrow’s role, besides involving comedy, could not possibly be more different than ones she has done before. There is no trace of slapstick, no hint of the ditzy blonde she has often been pinned into before. Surprise: take away the one-liners, take away the sarcasm, and she is still funny. Even the more dramatic scenes here are believable and consistent.

Has Anyone Heard of Scott Prendergast?

Answer: not really. This creative and hilarious screenwriter has not hit upon huge blockbuster material yet, but does have several film credits under his belt. He goes for the subtle laughs, often as an actor remaining silent and choosing a mere glance to communicate, a comedy technique reminiscent of David Duchovy or, in another generation, Michael Cera. He manages to make this klutzy and failure-ridden character likeable, which is no small task, since he spends a good percentage of the film in a huge blue man suit.

The blue man suit is of course the object of much comedy in this film, and also perhaps the only part of the film that becomes heavy-handed. It seems to be a schtick that would have worked better on stage, or in fewer scenes. The existentialism does become a little much at times for a comedy, as Prendergast spends so much time waiting out his day, sweating inside his suit and trying to pass out flyers without the use of hands. Whether Prendergast was commenting here on the plight of mankind, the effects of the war, or just the things a man will do for a paycheck is arguable. It does not make the film less enjoyable, only less entertaining.

Jeffery Dean Morgan Is a Long Way From Home

Fresh from his charming character in P.S. I Love You, Morgan plays a thorough villain in Kabluey. He is a minor character as Leslie’s boss and the sinister distraction she chooses to get her away from her family. His success in this role is not really predictable, but he is entirely believable, even a little despicable when the town begins to talk about his and Leslie’s affair. The role speaks well of Morgan’s talent, if not his usual good guy stance.

All in all, this is a great film for those with a bit of patience and an ear for subtle comedy. Fans of the Office, and small-time satire like Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, and Darjeeling Limited should give this film a try.

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