Best Picture of the Year

 

Yeah, I said it.   Given I haven't seen many movies this year, there wasn't much competition here.  But, these days, when you find an enjoyable film with a few laughs and a few tears that has you walking out with a smile on your face, you embrace it.

Such is the case with "Rental Family."   Run, do not walk to your local cinema.

As directed and co-written by some genius woman named Hikari, this movie has one of the most unique plots ever.   I don't know if the premise really does exist in Japan, but there are allegedly agencies that will send out actors to fill in for your family events.   Somebody to play a bride's father.   Somebody to play a dad helping the daughter he never saw get into a prestigious school.  You name it.  Rental Agency is a business that can help you out of a jam.

Enter Phillip played by the now flawless Brendan Fraser.   He's a commercial actor living in Tokyo and not getting a lot of parts even though he can play a great tube of toothpaste.  The agency hires Phillip who promptly gets a little too involved in the family dramas he is cast into.   Of course, the inevitable happens.  But the journey along the way is phenomenal.  You are captivated by the acting and the writing every frame.   

Looking at this year's Oscar buzz, I'm not seeing much for "Rental Family."  That mystifies me.  I mean, it's my Best Picture of the Year.   That has to count for something.

LEN'S RATING:  Four stars.

Dinner last night:  Long day of flying.