Is it just me, or have independent movies become a joke? For every truly low budget interesting film, there are 50 with a legitimate budget, real actors, and a generic “quirky” plot that has become the blueprint for these kinds of movies. The Answer Man, a 2009 Sundance film from writer/director John Hindman, is not only one of these blueprint movies (with a horrible title, no less), it manages to be one of the most bland, boring films to come along in recent years.
The Answer Man stars Jeff Daniels as Arlen Faber, a reclusive author who’s 
book Me and God became a worldwide phenomenon 20 years ago. Faber never wrote another book, and spends his time living anonymously in Pennsylvania, living off the residuals and being a general grouch to everyone he meets.
One day, he throws out his back, which lands him in the office of single parent Elizabeth (Lauren Graham), a chiropractor who is overprotective of her son. They soon begin to fall for each other, as Faber attempts to not scare her away with his general annoyingness. Meanwhile, book store owner Kris (Lou Taylor Pucci), fresh from rehab, catches Faber trying to return books to his place. In exchange for books, Kris asks Faber to give him advice on life, one question for every five books. Through these two relationships, Faber learns to reconnect with the world and finally show his face to a public that has been
waiting with fervor for him to tell them what God has to say.
I don’t think I have been this bored by a movie since The OH in Ohio a few years back. The movie is awkwardly paced, and half-heartedly tries to be both a mainstream romantic comedy and a quirky indie film (examples: Arlen keeps a closet full of monster toys, Elizabeth straps her son into a car seat that looks like it was designed for a space shuttle, Kris accepts books for advice). Instead of succeeding on either end, it just makes for a painful experience.
.jpg?t=20120209092158)
Article comments
1 - heloise
I just saw this on Netflix stream and meant to write a quicky review and plum forgot this dumb movie. Why was it ever made?
2 - Jonathan Sullivan
Because movies with male leads that are depressed and/or mean ALWAYS get made. Even if they suck.
3 - Heloise
Ditto "Whatever Works." Did you see that one? If a good looking young guy had been a part of the film after about 30 minutes -- I would not have watched the whole thing. I usually avoid Woody Allen movies like this one. But it was not as bad as The Answer Man.
4 - Heloise
The preview did not work. I meant to say if a good looking young guy did not get into the film...I would have turned it off.
5 - Jonathan Sullivan
I did not see Whatever Works. I avoid all Woody Allen movies. Nothing personal, it's just not my taste.