Movie Notes: Finding Amanda

April 22nd, 2009

Finding Amanda

= 1 star

Starring Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Steve Coogan
Directed by Peter Tolan

Synopsis

Television producer Taylor (Matthew Broderick) has a gambling problem, which proves problematic when he treks to Vegas to rescue his wayward niece Amanda (Brittany Snow) who is working as a prostitute. Note: this is supposed to be a comedy.

The Good

Broderick is charming, I found myself rooting for Taylor – the guy just can’t catch a break.

The Bad

Uninspired direction results in a surprisingly slow and unfunny movie, despite the glitzy Las Vegas setting and some clever writing. Most of the time is spent in cheesy hotels and casinos which should have been much funnier, perhaps as satire. Meanwhile, a dinner where Taylor exposes his niece’s white trash husband is a great example of how not to direct comedy.
Brittany Snow makes no impression, and Steve Coogan’s comic talents are wasted.
Way too much dialogue, half entirely forgettable.

Conclusion

This flick drags interminably which is quite sad given the location and subject matter. It makes Las Vegas look like Florida, prostitution like flossing teeth, and gambling like an utter waste of time. One star because I felt sorry for Broderick. Don’t bet your movie retnal money on this loser.

IMDB: Finding Amanda
Wikipedia: Finding Amanda
Rotten Tomatoes: Finding Amanda 40%

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