Waitress (2007)

Uncomfortable, unfunny, and at times even a bit uncouth, Waitress is an indie romantic comedy that tries its damnedest to win some lightheaded respect but is weighed down by its crushingly melancholy story. Though the resolution offers a bit of sugar, it's just too little too late to drag up the previous ninety minutes spent with miserable, insecure people bemoaning their respective situations. A big part of this has to do with its attempts at deadpan humor. If used right, this can result in wonderfully sly laughs and clever winks. Here the tone is so morose that almost all the good lines are sucked into a void. I give it credit for finishing strong, but as a whole the film is just too much bitter and not enough sweet. Good to see Nathan Fillion is still getting work.

4 out of 10.

Note: A bit of additional research turned up why this film might've fallen short: writer/director/supporting actress Adrienne Shelly was murdered in her New York apartment in November of 2006, before the film was complete. I stand by my review, but offer my condolences.