Would you like fries with that...

Saw a really good flick last night. "Waitress". Go see it. I tried hard to find a photo that I could download from the net, but, alas, I was a failure. So I submit another pic of a hottie. Back to the movie. If you hail from the Southern United States, you will absolutely LOVE this film! You may love it even if you are a Yankee -- that is all fine and good (we'll pray for you anyway), but for those down here in Dixie, it can really hit home. The setting is a small, unnamed southern town that I will swear I have passed through on occasion during my 38 years. This town really could be Mayberry. Going nostalgic - must stop. Our girl Jenna (Kerri Russell) works as a waitress (duh) at Joe's Pie Diner. Keeping it short: unexpected pregnancy, abusive husband, unlikely love. Andy Griffith hisveryself, shows up in Mayberry in what proves to be a completely charming role. What took me by surprise was the appearance of Mr. Nathan Fillion as Jenna's doctor. Mr. Nathan was the star of my favorite TV series of ALL time (except for Dallas, Dynasty, The Golden Girls, and Designing Women) -- Firefly and the follow-up movie, Serenity. It was just odd seeing him as something other than Capt. Mal floating out amongst the stars.

The real beauty of this little indie flick lies in its genuine sweetness. That's about the only way I can put it. It makes the film work perfectly. The good thing is that it does not dip into that driveling, sentimental crap that makes one prone to vomit. Its just plain nice to watch a movie that makes you feel good and at the same time, touching on themes such as hope and redemption. The most powerful and poignant aspect of this piece of art has absolutely nothing to do with the film in and of itself. Unfortunately, last fall, director and writer Adrienne Shelly, who herself does a bang-up job in one of the supportive roles, was found murdered in New York City. Not sure at all about the circumstances involved. However, the reality of her death certainly takes her final creative offering to deeper level. I found myself thinking, afterwards, about her fellow cast members and the hole that they must have in their lives due to their friend's untimely departure and how they must be dealing with that loss. What a send-off, though. Great picture. Do yourself a favor and experience it for yourself.