Fourth of July

source: Fourth of July

I think Louis was attempting an abstract direction by making the family's disfunction as the antagonist in the film. There are only a couple movies that pulled this off such as Silver Linings Playbook but I think that Little Miss Sunshine was closer to what Louis was going for since the family had to band together and become a family unit to complete their collective goal. What made that script work is that the little girl's passion and drive was the clear force behind the character's changes whereas in the Fourth of July script, it is not all that clear what is going to bring about the shift in the plot. I think the idea was to have Joe's character's honesty, compassion and wistful piano be the proverbial 'mirror' which forces each to become better people. Unfortunately, Jeff's bold confrontation only seemed to have an effect on the father - and only internally. Louis demonstrates this by using some weird editing choices(e.g. Color filters and handheld camera) which weren't consistent with any other parts of the film. I did have some positive takeaways however. I grew up in New England and I can't recall many other films where the famous blunt personality type taking the center stage as much as it does in this movie, so in that way, the script is a bit of a fresh take. Also, it was nice to discover that many of my favorite comedians, the foremost being Joe List, proved to be such excellent dramatic actors.

Such a good movie. The dialogue is great and the each character is important. They all gave a great performance. The family is so harsh and funny to watch. That said, I wouldn't want them as mine. Awesome movie Louie!

Classic Louie, raw emotions delivery. I love everything that this guy puts out. Hope to see more from them. Good job guys!............................................................ 150 characters need it? Really?

Not many film makers deal with the problems of being a modern man as interestingly as Louis CK does, and I very much hope he will continue to do so. Louis CK plays a supporting role as a therapist in this movie, it's a fitting role - as a writer/director his approach is quite therapeutic. Acceptance follows confrontation, and love follows acceptance.

Realistic look at family and life. So many laughs, but it's a story abt anxiety, love and acceptance. Entertaining throughout. It's refrshing to see that original ideas can still be made into a movie.

Thoughtful, believable study of a sensitive individual, now in adulthood, attempting to reconcile his resentments towards his parents and family while simultaneously being accepting of their (and his) faults and foibles. Exceptionally well-performed, realistically written, and directed with unerring good judgement. If you're looking for a comedy, beware, while there are a handful of smiles, this is a drama in the best sense of the word.

The storyline is not so strong and is too simple for a full-length movie. It could have been shortened to an episode in his TV shows like "Louie" or "Horace and Pete". The acting was great though so it is worth watching. Louis CK is a great writer for plays, but not so much for movies.

I don't think I've ever seen a movie like this before and I mean that in the best way possible. It's incredibly honest and I think touches on very real dynamics on family and shows them in a very realistic way. Jeff's father is especially sympathetic. Painful movie but it still has a lot of hope too.