A Little Help
It's a movie for everyone whose life has been thrown off-course, out of whack, or simply not turned out the way they planned it. In other words, it's a movie for everyone, period. Set in suburban Long Island in the summer of 2002, with the psychic wounds of 9/11 still fresh, A Little Help is a story that takes a comic, searching and profoundly empathetic look at a few pivotal months in the life of dental hygienist Laura Pehlke (Jenna Fischer)-an ordinary woman whose life suddenly flies off the rails-and her heroic efforts to re-establish a sense of security and normalcy for herself and her son.
Insights
Plot Summary
A recently widowed dental hygienist from a small town tries to start her life anew. She inherits her husband's struggling chain of dental practices and discovers he was leading a double life. She then attempts to navigate this complex reality, including dealing with his other family, while trying to maintain her own identity and future.
Critical Reception
A Little Help received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Jenna Fischer's performance but finding the film's tone and narrative somewhat uneven. The dark comedy elements were noted, but some reviewers felt the film struggled to balance its dramatic and comedic aspects.
What Reviewers Say
- Jenna Fischer delivers a compelling and nuanced performance.
- The film's blend of dark humor and dramatic situations is ambitious but not always successful.
- The narrative occasionally feels predictable and struggles to maintain a consistent tone.
Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a decent watch, with many appreciating Jenna Fischer's portrayal of a woman in a difficult situation. Some viewers enjoyed the quirky humor, while others felt the story could have been more engaging or better executed.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the novel 'A Little Help' by Robert Goolrick, which was a bestseller.
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