Angry Neighbors

Harry March (Frank Langella) is a world-weary writer who lives alone on an island in the Hamptons. He named it Noman in hopes that one day, he could answer a question with, "No Man is an island." He never does. His nemesis is his neighbor Lapham who is building his mega mansion and publishing his self-important, greed-is-good sayings. His only companion is his dog Hector (Cheech Marin) who speaks to him. Of course, he's the only one who can hear it. He has chased away his wife Chloe (Stockard Channing) and family. Kevin (Bobby Cannavale) leads a work crew with the Lapham construction. Kathy Polite (Katie Parker) is the real estate agent pushing for Harry to sell his island.

This is trying to be outlandish at times, but those are hit and miss. I thought the outdoor air conditioner is really stupid and then it comes back in the climax. I don't know why he's searching for horse hair and then it explains it without satisfaction. It's really borderline all the way to the end. I get the attempt at surreal humor. I don't think it's good enough.

I loved this movie. I recently saw another movie about an elderly curmudgeon "A Man Called Otto" with Tom Hanks. I stopped watching it after 20 minutes. It didn't ring true for me. Frank Langella's curmudgeon did. I laughed all the way through this movie. I suspect a person would need to be an elderly disaffected crank themselves to fully appreciate this film. I qualify. As of this writing, I am 8 months away from being 70 years old. I identified greatly with Mr. Langella's character. So unhappy with the changes in the world. Thank goodness, I am not as bitter or as angry as he. I felt sorry for his loneliness and isolation. I have been a fan of Mr. Langella since 1970, the year he starred in "Diary of a Mad Housewfe" and Mel Brook's "The Twelve Chairs". These two movies really showcased his talent and versatility. At 84 or 85 he won't be with us too much longer. He is still amazing. And I've been a fan of Stockard Channing since her 1973 TV movie with Ed Asner "The Girl Most Likely to..." I don't know how to describe Ms. Channing appeal. I have simply always felt it. Especially loved her in "Grease".

As I said in the heading, this movie is not for everyone. But, I would bet that most elderly, intellectually inclined men would enjoy it. "The Vanity of Human Wishes". I love it. And I loved this movie. I would have rated it an 8, but I wanted to counter the low ratings of reviewers who didn't get it.

This is a weird one. I wasn't sure what to expect. I figured it would be two guys going at each other over the fence-line...and let the antics ensue! Nope, nothing like that.

I think this movie would be better enjoyed as a book. But I would never read it, because I dont read books...unless its a book on how to operate or fix something! I'm not the guy in his easy chair, snuggled up to a good book...clock ticking in an otherwise silent house with an animal on my lap...

What's weird about this flick is it is written by the mind of a child in it's nature, yet is deeply metaphorical. You have to get past the simplicity and stupidity of some of the characters and the story-line to get the point. The one hook in the story that keeps you wondering "WTH is he doing that for?", turns out to be a disappointing end, but made a very good point. You also have to get past what appears to be a talking dog...it's really not, but you have to use your head to get what I mean. The dog is not literally talking.

I would not call this a comedy, more like a "smirkedy". I didn't have a single "laugh out loud", but it kept my wife awake through most of it, which is a feat in itself! Probably because this move really leaves you wanting something to happen, and when it finally does, it's like, "really, what child thought that one up?"

Angry Neighbors is one of the most clueless adaptations I've seen in a while, a desperate attempt to make a commercial feature out of something that was more think-piece oriented than plot driven.

In more skillful hands, it might have worked. But the screenplay, by yes, three writers spiraling in Rewrite City, couldn't figure anything that nuanced out. The result is to adapt a metaphorical source literally, close their eyes and just hope it makes sense.

It's one thing to have a talking dog as a projected narrative voice in a book, another to have the dog actually talk. Cheech Marin voice might eventually drive you to turn this off early. Thank him for that.

Angry neighbors does manage one achievement... it makes John Avildsen's butchery of Thomas Berger's Neighbors seem harmless by comparison.

I actually BOUGHT this stinkeroo. Mostly for Mr. Langella, who pulled off a great job despite an absolutely abysmal script. Sadly, it had such promise that I watched from beginning to end, so I have twice earned the right to declare... this movie SUCKS!!!

Worst. Story. Ever.

In fact, I don't think this film presented a story. Or a point. Or anything funny at all.

Anyway, this one is about a guy with a talking dog who might be pissed off at his neighbor, who you will never see, while a woman sometimes swims nude without being nude outside his "island" home. All for various unexplained reasons. That's about it. PEE-YEW!

It's a beautiful flop though, which means the crew is awesome. I already said the players are awesome. So, this can only be a failure of artistic vision and leadership! Top rot!

Sheesh! How do you go wrong with Frank Langella????

PS - Mr. Langella, I hope you were well paid, sir. We don't blame you!