Recently released movie “This is Where I Leave You” proves to be both humorous and heartbreaking with an all-star cast including Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda and many others. It will have you laughing one moment and teary-eyed the next.

           

The film is loosely based on Jonathan Tropper’s best-selling novel of the same name.

Four siblings are forced to come together after their father’s passing and to mourn their father’s death, they must stay in their childhood home for one week with their overbearing mother. Soon, the entire family unites, creating a full house. With three brothers, a sister, a mother, significant others and exes all under the same roof, tensions arise. However, each member of the family comes to realize how much they need each other for love and support.

           

The film follows Judd Altman, who has recently discovered that his wife is cheating on him and has been fired from his job. To make matters worse, he must go see his dysfunctional family. From the start of the movie, the audience feels sorry for Judd, but by the second half, they’re rooting for him.

Judd begins to open up to his family; he realizes how much he needs them and vice versa. This movie has a profound story that emphasizes the importance of family, especially when one’s life is unpredictable and out of control.

Each of the actors brings a unique hilarity and insightful depth to their individual characters. In addition, the actors provide a wonderful performance as an ensemble as the viewers clearly see the image of a genuine family dealing with the struggles and quarrels of everyday life.

The tension between the members of the Altman family capture’s viewers’ attention through the character’s dialogue. Beginning with the family’s first get-together, the dialogue features sarcastic and disrespectful comments. As the characters develop, an obvious shift reveals—words of trust, endearment and teasing begin to replace sarcasm and disrespect as the family members become more dependent upon each other.

           

The transition of the characters creates an effective, interesting plot. As the characters develop, the audience begins to feel a deeper connection with them. Watching the characters grow throughout the course of the film allows each audience member to find something in common with one or many of the characters. As a result, the audience can easily become immersed in the life of the film, escaping reality for a little while.

All good movies allow the audience to become fully absorbed in the story, allowing viewers to forget they’re actually watching rather than experiencing. “This is Where I Leave You” is one such example. It will make you think and feel just enough to have an enjoyable experience.