Isn't It Delicious (2013) User Reviews (18)

Delivers Good Hard Laughs

[LCragg · 7/10 · 5 January 2015]

Isn't it Delicious, a dark family comedy wryly and irreverently visits the issues, How do you choose to live this one life? And how do those choices, good bad, and ugly affect your friends and family? From the adage that only the lucky grow up, and you know you've grown up when you have a really good hard laugh at yourself, this film provides lessons about growing up, delivering some hard laughs, and truths which sometimes keep us from crying.

Chalfant's performance provides heart wrenching, pain and authenticity. I realize this film was made on an ultra-low budget and sometimes it shows, but the story line stands strong. The film is worth a look as it takes a comedic look on the reality that one's life is so short in the infinite cosmos.

A life-altering movie

[r.gates · 9/10 · 23 December 2014]

Isn't it a shame that a film like "Isn't It Delicious" hasn't mainstreamed yet? This movie has it all - a great story, an unsympathetic heroine who ultimately turns us into loving believers, a great supporting cast, a pretty universal situation where life confronts death straight on and catches us having to deal with all our own emotions around family and dying. And yet there is nothing sad about this movie. Kathleen Chalfant is so worth watching, as is this film. I really am baffled as to why the people who need to see this film may not have the opportunity to do so. Death and dying are not subjects that make a big splash as a "date" movie but there are many people over the age of 60 who could so easily relate to this film. I hope they have the chance.

Flakey family deals with the inevitable in this gem

[deirdrenyc-890-966306 · 8/10 · 26 December 2014]

I saw the film in New York. It had lots of genuine humor, some moments of "Wow! I'm glad that never happened to me" and a sneakily-moving end. It's hard to love characters that are hard to love, but each had their humanity out for all to see.

While it's clear that the film was a modest one, the emotional content is the element on which no expense was spared. I was surprised by the emotional depth and quality performances that the producers and director managed to achieve in this small-budget gem.

It's clear the roots of the film were nourished deep in the pain and pleasure of life. I'm glad that the film showed the way that those two realities play off of one another. Great performance by Kathleen Chalfant!

Fantastic Direction & Acting! Very moving & funny!

[ClodaghBowyer · 10/10 · 4 July 2013]

I loved this movie! I was laughing & crying all the way through. The story itself was so original and refreshingly honest. Very different. I was blown away by the acting. The cinematography was just gorgeous. Kathleen Chalfant is not only one of the most physically beautiful woman to ever walk the face of the earth, but also one of the most mesmerizing, transcendent actors I have ever seen. I have always enjoyed watching her on stage, so to get to see her on film was such a treat. That said, the whole ensemble was crazy good! Even the smaller roles were stacked deep. For instance, Suzanne Hayes was hysterically funny, & totally right on the money, so authentic. The authenticity in this film was poignant. Wonderful wonderful movie! Director Michael Patrick Kelly is one of the best. What a masterpiece he created with his producer wife, Suzanne Hayes. I've seen some of their documentary work, which is also incredible and makes them the cream of the crop. It is inspiring to see a husband/wife (Suzanne Hayes produced) team collaborate all through both of their lives & continue to take risks and raise the bar for this art form!

Self-Absorbed White Affluent Boomer Banality

[av_m · 2/10 · 27 August 2022]

If you like watching prosperous boomers deal w. Their problems of affluence, this is the flick for you - replete w. Boomer-paced rom-com (glacial), boomer self-obsession (unrelenting self-absorption), boomer banality (tedious scotch-over-ice soul-searching), boomer-style "snappy" dialogue repartee (unpleasant people quipping unpleasant snarkiness) - AND a lousy sound track.

Oh, and, of course, the complete lifestyle spectrum of entitled offspring, each more privileged than the next to be supercilious and superficial, how ever could they have gotten that way?

And, beware, much inter-generational and inter-adult-sibling soul-searching and eventual kissy kissy reconciliation peace, love and understanding.

What more could you want - to not watch. :-)

Outstanding movie!

[vfransen-736-149861 · 10/10 · 12 July 2013]

This movie made me laugh way more than cry, which is precisely what we all need to do in today's world.

The cast is extraordinary--all the women are beautiful. Extraordinary filmmaking, with attention to lots of details. The script is stellar. The story moved me.

I applaud this marvelous work. It certainly takes lots of talented people to make such a film. Among the special touches are an homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey and many other unexpected twists and turns.

I recommend others treat themselves for a satisfying film experience. You'll be glad you did.

An excellent indie film

[ldeweerd-1 · 10/10 · 10 January 2015]

This lovely film proves that you don't need millions of dollars to make a compelling movie, just a story and characters that the audience can invest in and care about.

For my taste, there are never enough films featuring a strong, complex woman in a leading role, let alone a woman over 50, and the marvelous Kathleen Chalfant gets to shine here, along with an outstanding supporting cast.

This film is equal parts funny and touching and was clearly made with tremendous care and passion, which is evident on the screen. Highly recommended!

Funny, inspiring, and uplifting movie.

[Kent-underwood · 10/10 · 8 January 2015]

I saw this wonderful film at the San Antonio Film Festival. Isn't It Delicious is

one of those rare films that brings you face to face with the impermanence of this world. Watching Joan sweep up the remains of her broken relationships reminds us that the time to love our friends and family is now. The superb cast of Isn't It Delicious delivers this message with a laughing while crying dexterity that leaves you feeling the immediacy of the moment long after the credits have rolled. This deftly woven screenplay manages to address the topics of familial dysfunction and terminal illness in a way that uplifts rather than depresses. Well done! I've recommended this film to all my friends and family.

This is a definite "must see" movie.

Terrific acting by Ms. Chalfant

[Connecticut_Bob · 10/10 · 6 January 2015]

Kathleen Chalfant turns in a memorable performance as the prickly matriarch of a Connecticut family who learns her days are numbered. In the time she has left, "Joan" has to try to heal old wounds and make amends for her actions.

This low-budget gem has all the elements of a stage production that has been expanded for the cinema. But the performances are what this film is about! Ms. Chalfant is joined by veteran stage and screen actors Keir Dullea, Mia Dillon, and Malachy McCourt. And a fine supporting cast rounds out the family, featuring Broadway's Alice Ripley ("Next To Normal") and up-and-comers Nick Stevenson, Jonah Young and Alexandra Mingione.

Directed by Michael Patrick Kelly and written by Kathleen Kiley, the film pulls you into the lives of these dysfunctional, but ultimately hopeful people, and by the end you'll find yourself cheering for them to find the happiness and contentment that has so far eluded them!

Tears and laughter

[brycereelz · 10/10 · 26 December 2014]

Isn't It Delicious is a thoughtful film for Baby boomers (and others) dealing with family end-of-life issues, as well as family dysfunction - including addiction and co-dependence. But that doesn't mean the film is a downer. The dialogue is sharp and crackles with intelligence. The principal actors -- Kathleen Chalfant, Keir Dullea, and Alice Ripley, as well as sharp-as-a-tack Malachy McCourt -- all bring depth and understanding to their roles, and Jonah Young stands out as younger brother Teddy.

Although made on a shoestring, Delicious takes viewers on an emotional ride that quite a few more accomplished filmmakers seem unwilling to undertake. The director, MIchael Kelly, executive producer Alfred Caiola and producer Suzanne Hayes, have worked intelligently with the material to create a rich and satisfying film experience.

Great acting, great script, great direction

[toddo-874-538080 · 9/10 · 10 November 2013]

Caught this film at the Big Apple Film Festival, and what a wonderful surprise! Very expertly made with an absorbing script, and absolutely terrific performances from the entire cast. It should get wider distribution if for no other reason than Kathleen Chalfant's brilliant work, which is Oscar-worthy in my opinion. This is one of the best performances I've seen on film in years. She grabs this complicated, difficult character and imbues her with humor, humanity, and compassion... a real tour-de-force. This film has the feel of real life, with all the good and bad that implies. Rare to see family dynamics so honestly and believably drawn... it gives the entire ensemble a lot to work with. The direction is spot on, with some gorgeous cinematography and terrific pacing. Michael Kelly work miracles with his limited budget, and gets great performances from everyone, most notably Alice Ripley, Keir Dullea (how great to see him on film again!), Mia Dillon, Nick Stevenson, Suzanne Hayes, Alexandra Mingione, and Ger Duany. Funny and moving right to the final moment... don't miss it!

Funny and tragic, brilliantly composed by Kathleen J. Kiley

[jcolingreene · 10/10 · 21 October 2013]

The juxtaposition of humor and tragedy shoots right at the heart, leaving viewers laughing, weeping, and contemplating their own lives. Kathy Kiley's brilliantly funny, touching screenplay is felt in every scene. Her deep knowledge of the human predicament and her ability to articulate it with wisdom and humor make for a poignant piece that all can relate to. What is especially wonderful and unique is the way that Kiley's story blends Buddhist philosophy with alcoholic dysfunction, and somehow makes it work! Watching the protagonist's journey from fear and inertia, through family relationships and old baggage, and on to a new-found vision of life is moving, inspiring, and a lot of fun. The actors seem to have a real grasp on their characters, and that is nice to watch as well; it is as though the actors are learning about themselves as they play out the screenplay. Just a profoundly human, messy, sweet and illuminating story that all must see.

Delicious is for sure

[kkonig · 8/10 · 27 December 2014]

"Isn't It Delicious?" The answer is yes! The cast is led by the luminous Kathleen Chalfont who manages to create a character cantankerous and irritating and endearing at the same time. The film is not always easy to watch, as it should be when dealing with death and dying, but as also it sparkles also with humor, well, you laugh, you cry. Particularly amusing was the comic use of the theme from "2001: A Space Odyssey", presumably a tribute to the handsome and engaging Keir Dullea who plays Ms. Chalfont's long suffering husband. Kudos to director, Michael Patrick Kelly for his light touch and for what I understand is a husband and wife producing team of Mr. Kelly and Suzanne Hayes, who also has a delightful cameo as the fun and frothy lesbian side-kick to Ms. Chalfont's character's lesbian daughter. Here's to indie films!

Family issues/ Life

[pwspt · 10/10 · 6 November 2013]

Do not miss this movie! It may be your neighbors next door or somebody we all know! It is beautifully filmed, and brilliantly written by Michael Patrick Kelly and Kathleen Kiley. Furthermore the main actors were truly "DELICIOUS"! Keir Dullea was right on the money, Alice Ripley was scrumptious and what an honor to see her act on the big screen after winning a Tony! Kathleen Chalfont was amazing, and has been seen last week on "Elementary" and "House of Cards." Ms. Chalfont is truly vivid in her dramatic/comedic performance as the lead with Mr. Dullea. Suzanne Hayes is so funny and fabulous! The brothers Jonah Young, was truly organic and lovable, while his brother Nick Stevenson and his wife were very NY WILD! It warmed the heart, made us all feel our own fears about life and death, and was a dysfunctional family trying to find out the truth. It was most realistic and riveting. It is on it's way to the masses!

Michael J Slimak

A delicious film!!

[beegirl56 · 10/10 · 27 December 2014]

A beautifully crafted ensemble film! It will grab you from the very start and keep you delighted and absorbed right through to the end. Wonderful performances all around of these wonderfully flawed and very human characters. This is a hilarious, heartfelt and authentically written story. Excellent work by the husband and wife team of Suzanne Hayes and Michael Kelly. Mr. Kelly's direction is superb. Suzanne Hayes, as well as co-producing, also delivers a shining, funny and nuanced performance in the film. This gem of a film doesn't just entertain; it has something profound to say about life. It is one of those rare films that stayed with me long after I left the theater. Do yourself a huge favor and don't miss it!

A must see for anyone with parent issues, which means everyone!

[nospammers-09171 · 10/10 · 21 January 2016]

This movie was excellent, and i found it perfectly alternated between the irreverent and divine, cherishing life only after raw and realistic conflict. Joan's decision to die on her own unique terms was only trumped by her extreme reluctance to make peace with all those she damaged. How ironic! There is a thorough mix of dark humor, classic noir, rage against past choices, drugs, sex, and yet, it is all strangely normal for a struggling New England family. I never knew what was going to happen next. Each raucous fight somehow brought the characters closer to each other. In the end, everyone was whole. How did that happen? Magic! This is a strong must-see.

An Intelligent Film With a Heart

[denisecolette1 · 10/10 · 29 December 2014]

I loved the film for many reasons. I felt it told a realistic story about a family dealing with death and not in the way we would expect. The stellar cast, which includes Kathleen Chalfant, Keir Dullea, Alice Ripley, Malachy McCourt, Mia Dillon, Nick Stevenson, just to name a few, deliver performances that left me thinking about living large in the face of death.

The movie was made on a very low budget, and while some may bemoan the lack of polish in some scenes, I wasn't taken out of the story at all. In fact, it made it that much more real for me.

While some may think this is just another film about dysfunction and dealing with death– it isn't. Dark humor was used in a very artful way. The director, Michael Kelly, takes a non-sentimental approach to the material, and as a result, we are allowed to experience the humor and sadness without a filter. The film is raw and real.

Moreover, Isn't It Delicious addresses a very taboo subject in our society: death. Unlike some of the films that whitewash death, with soaring music and fairy-tale endings, this film takes a heads-on approach and leaves us uplifted.

I can say with certainty I hope I go out blazing like Joan Weldon.

Review

[laurenceweeks · 10/10 · 10 November 2013]

Writing this review I should disclose right off the bat that I am an old friend of Michael Kelly's, and knew him to be a very talented filmmaker. I went into the screening at the Big Apple Film Festival expecting to see something really good, but I had no idea. Make no mistake about it—this is no art house movie. It's a major motion picture.

It's hard to pick out particular performances in a movie where the acting is so uniformly excellent and the characters so consistently portrayed. Alice Ripley does stand out for her portrayal of the vacuous Caroline Weldon, giving the character a tremendous arc of emotional depth by movie's end.

The exception here is Kathleen Chalfant's knock-it-out-of-the-ballpark portrayal of Joan Weldon, the matriarch of a dysfunctional family that is a cross between a Woody Allen movie and King Lear. Indeed, her interpretation is Shakespearian in its depth. The transformation of her character is spellbinding. What a tremendous actor!

Credit must go to Kathleen Kiley's script. You know a script is great when you really hate all the characters ten minutes in, after which you can't wait to see what they do next. Michael's direction has given the script a Quentin Tarantino sheen which made the emotionally wrenching subject matter a lot easier for me to digest and extremely entertaining to boot.

I could go on and on. Suffice it to say that I will be very disappointed if this film doesn't go on to play in movie houses across America. It's that good.