So, you're a 29 year old aspiring moviemaker who survives as a nite-shift graphic designer. You happen to be pals with Steven Soderbergh and Nancy Tenanbaum though. One day, Steve and Nancy say to you, "If you could just think of something that could be done really cheaply, we will give you the money to make it." What would you do?

Well, if you were Greg Mottola, you would lock yourself in your apartment for four weeks and come up with a screenplay first draft to The Daytrippers. Having just finished reading the script, Nancy would lean in close to you and say, "This is exactly what we thought you should do," as Steve Soderbergh picks up the phone to make some calls.

Actually, the above scenario happened ten years ago, as apparently low-budget indies take much longer to produce. From the way Mottola describes it, the more money you throw at it, the less time it takes to make. Who would have thunk it? Well, that ten years was put to good use.

Its a nice slice-of-life where the cheap production only distracts on the lighting. Lots of snappy, fun cameos (the alimony-dodging dad was a favorite). When towards the end of the movie it is revealed that Eliza is a gradeschool teacher, the wife and I turned to each other and laughed at how Hope Davis nailed this personality type (oh come on. you know what I'm talking about). The emotional climax scene was difficult to watch thanks especially to Anne Meara. To be sure, Rita could have been played as a caricature, but like Doris Roberts' Marie from Everybody Loves Raymond she never quite lets you dismiss her as the harping nag you know she really is. Some pottymouth talk. Recommended. Read more...