As some fresh grapes in a bowl slowly begin to wither (in time lapse photography) during the opening credits, there's no doubt this story will revolve around similar, withering relationships. That, coupled with the fact that this film is written and directed by Larry David, the co-creator of the popular TV show, "Seinfeld," leads one to believe that this picture should be a laugh a minute riot. Whether you find it that way depends on your taste for such "sour grapes" -- or in this case sour humor -- that some might find tasty, while others will find completely tasteless.
The "Seinfeld" comparisons are immediate and inevitable, mainly because this film is so reminiscent of David's previous show in both its characters and style. There's Evan, the neurosurgeon who so closely resembles Jerry from the TV show in dress, mannerisms and speech, that you wonder if he's related to Jerry is some manner. Then there's Richie, who's a combination of the manic Kramer character mixed with George Costanza's pettiness. Throw in Selma, an overbearing and doting Jewish mother (sound familiar?), a bunch of inane, but occasionally funny observational comments about life, and a complex, comic plot that eventually ties its segments together, and you've got an hour and a half version of that TV show.
Except that it's not as funny, the characters are too weakly drawn and new to the audience for us to feel comfortable with their behavior and mannerisms (compared to the TV show), and the picture aims below the belt for much of its humor. While David includes all of the necessary ingredients that made "Seinfeld" work so well, for some reason it just doesn't work here. Although some audience members at our screening laughed throughout the production, I'd hazard a guess that two-thirds didn't offer more than a chuckle or two at the material.
The concept is good -- a simple misunderstanding about how or whether to split some jackpot winnings that leads to comic revenge that eventually gets out of control -- and it easily could have been an episode from the TV show. That may part of the problem as this movie feels more like a ninety minute sitcom instead of a feature film. The characters are all standard issue sitcom creations and the comic misfortune -- laced with profanity and situations a bit risque for TV -- is just a beefed up sitcom formula.
While the film tries quite hard to be smart and humorous, the topics it uses for such matters -- self performed oral sex, heart attacks, surgical castration, homeless people, etc... -- are only mildly funny at best and are probably a bit too tasteless for many moviegoers. In addition, the film also uses its well-known, upbeat classical score pieces -- such as "The Barber of Seville" and several Beethoven numbers -- a bit too heavily in trying to add to the overall comic flair of individual scenes.
The "Seinfeldian" humor is present, but doesn't always go far or long enough for great comedic payoffs. For example, when Joan starts eating an apple in their car, Richie asks her, "Would you mind getting rid of the apple?" When she asks why, he replies, "I can't be in an enclosed space with fruit." Just as that bit doesn't go any further, there's a brief moment where Evan makes a comment about Joan calling "girlfriends" "lady friends."
Another observational moment involves Ritchie getting upset that someone didn't hold an elevator for him. While that does lead to a later, mildly funny bit, there are instances of physical comedy, such as when Joan and Evan try to figure out the combination of unlocking a series of deadbolts, that just aren't that funny and/or go on for too long.
The performances -- all true to their sitcom lineage -- are decent, but not comically brilliant. Steven Weber, best known for his role in the long running TV series, "Wings," fares the best as he underplays most of his mannerisms and reactions. Craig Bierko ("Til There Was You"), on the other hand, plays his character exactly like a combination of the Kramer and George characters from "Seinfeld" -- meaning there's some over the top, outrageous acting. While occasionally funny (if not for the inevitable comparisons), some may find his act a bit irritating. The rest of the supporting performances are all okay, but nothing spectacular.
Similar to the saying about beauty being in the eye of the beholder, and comparable to some people loving asparagus while others hate it, this movie will clearly divide its audience. Some will find the humor quite funny and will like its "Seinfeld" type bits. Others, however, will be turned off by the somewhat meanspirited or below the belt attempts at humor, while everyone else will recognize what the film's trying to do, but not be overly impressed. We fall into the latter category, and while we found there to a few brief, funny moments, most of the material just didn't make us laugh. We give "Sour Grapes" a 3.5 out of 10.
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