Spooner (2009)

Directed by: Drake Doremus

Starring: Matthew Lillard, Nora Zehetner, Shea Whigham, Kate Burton, and Christopher McDonald

Genre: Independent, Romantic Comedy, Comedy

Rated: R

Socially awkward Herman Spooner (Lillard) is facing eviction from his parents’ house on his 30^th birthday. The closer he gets to the big day, the more he tries to stall. With a job he’s not very good at and no friends to speak of, his parents’ home is a comfort to him. Then he meets Rose (Zehetner), a pretty, goofy girl willing to go after what she wants, and he realizes he has to do the same if he wants to keep her.

This is a cute little indie romance. Both of the lead characters are quirky, though Spooner definitely is moreso than Rose. She’s carefree and willing to follow her dreams, wherever they may lead her. He has a rough time communicating with anyone and is something of a joke to his colleagues. Yet she finds his social awkwardness charming, and the audience can’t help but feel the same.

What makes this film work is the chemistry between Lillard and Zehetner. They seem to really be enjoying each other’s company, and are almost kids again when they’re together. Burton and McDonald (who also played Lillard’s father in SLC Punk!) really feel like loving but fed up parents. They want to maintain a strong relationship with their son, but feel that it really is time for him to leave the nest and get on with his life. The only unlikable characters are the knuckleheads that Spooner works with – because they are meant to be obnoxious jerks, especially his boss (Whigham).

It was nice to see Lillard play the lead in a romance for once. Back in the ‘90s, he was always a secondary character to hunks like Freddie Prinze Jr., despite the fact that he is far more talented. It was great to see him have his turn to shine, and his performance made you root for his character despite the stupid things he does. Like his parents, the audience wants to see Spooner land on his own two feet and make it on his own.

The film doesn’t follow the traditional romantic comedy formula either, which I really liked. Neither character sacrifices something they want to be with the other one, both just live their lives and hope to make it work. It’s not a typical romance, but these aren’t typical characters, and I feel their relationship is grounded more in reality than those in many other films.

Overall, this is a cute indie romantic comedy that slightly breaks tradition, with quirky likable characters and a simple plot. The performances and chemistry between the actors make this film a fun, feel-good flick.

6.5/10