Russell's performance propels "Waitress"

"Waitress"
Starring: Keri Russell, Nathan Fillon, Jeremy Sisto
3 stars out of 4

Any restaurant movie usually uses the jokes and crude mannerisms of the servers and kitchen staff to amuse the audience. "Waitress", is in a whole other league. This is a small film, coming from director Adrienne Shelly, who died before her fine film got released.

Most of the film takes place in Joe's Pie Diner, a small little miracle of a place that boasts a fine pie menu, and an even pie maker. Keri Russell plays Jenna, a depressed 30 something who escapes her daily miseries by dreaming of new and creative pies to make, these scenes are always refreshing. Russell is an absolute wonder in this tiny film, her husband Earl played by the sometimes underated Jeremy Sisto is controlling and unaware of Jenna's depression, and need to run away to escape her un-satisfying life.

Jenna soon realizes she is pregnant, "It must have been that one night Earl got me drunk", she says. She is un-easy about her demanding boss Kal finding out, that only her close friends know. Her friends Dawn and Betty have there own male problems themselves. Betty is cheating on her husband, and Betty is dating a man that makes up poems for her on the spot, there relationship stemmed from a 5 minute date.

Jenna's prenancy is un-wanted, but she tells her new doctor she will keep it. The charming Nathon Fillon plays Dr.Pomatter, new in town, Pommatter takes an immediate liking in Jenna. They began an affair which leads to weekly checkups, and sneaking around, these scenes are played out comically, rather than dramatically, which helps the story. I cant forget to mention Andy Griffiths role as diner owner Joe, a fiesty old-timer who wants his meals prepared to perfection. He also gives comedic insight into Jenna's overstuffed life. Both characters are important to eachother, leading to a surprise later in the film.

"Waitress" worked for me in several cases, the acting by Keri Russell is phenominal, much of the dialogue and situations are humorous on a certain respectable and southern level, also the film is unique with its basic plot, and charming characters. While I had a hard time loving the film, I respected it for its originality and charm. Its really a solid film that will grow from word of mouth, this a was little suprise I didn't see coming. Keri Russell's role is proff that this girl can act, if this movie came out later in the year, I feel her performance could be nomination worthy.