Iffy for 14+
Indie tackles tough topics but is as sweet as pie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although this quirky indie dramedy is ultimately heartwarming, it tackles very mature themes like spousal abuse (emotional and physical), loneliness, infidelity, and unhappiness. Protagonist Jenna's husband Earl constantly ridicules and demeans her, treating her like a possession. In one scene, he hits her in the face; other times he grabs and pushes her. Two different sets of couples commit adultery, but in one case the characters decide to part ways. In the end, the movie is very sweet and ends up being about a woman's immediate, undeniable love for her baby.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about starting from scratch, building self esteem, and staying loyal to friends. Why do you think Jenna stayed with Earl, even though he was a horrible husband? How should you deal with abuse if you encounter it in your own life? Families can also talk about the fact that Jenna says that her doctor is the first person who ever listened to her and cared what she had to say. Teens: Who really listens to you? And, on a lighter note: Which of Jenna's elaborate pie names is your favorite, and which one did you want to try?
What to watch for
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Violence: A few upsetting scenes of domestic abuse: Earl pushes, shoves, and grabs Jenna. In one scene he strikes her in the face and then immediately begs for forgiveness.
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Sex: Jenna and her doctor kiss passionately and have an affair, but the sex is fully clothed and very discreet. Earl and Jenna have a humorously short sex scene in which viewers hear his loud orgasm. Another two characters -- both married -- are caught kissing.
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Language: Minor: many utterances of "damn," and otherwise the occasional "ass" and "bitch." Lots of name-calling ("stupid," "crazy little freak," "ape," "psycho," etc.).
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: One of the waitresses smokes a cigarette in several scenes.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
As Tempting as a Slice of Naughty Pumpkin Pie... by Faialchick
This movie boasts a great cast, particularly the 3 waitresses Kerri Russell (Jenna, the protagonist), Cheryl Hines as a tarty overbleached aging waitress and the late Adrienne Shelley as Dawn (she was also writer & director). The dialogue is funny and frank, the southern accents and charmy are never too syrupy for this Northerner and the desolution in Jenna's voice, manner and spirit to her unfortunate lot in life rings realistic and true. The tryst with the OB is presented in an usually hilarious way and you know that part of Jenna's allure to the good doctor is definitely her pies which are baked with passion and named according to her particular emotion that day (Damn Baby is going to Ruin My Plan to Leave Earl pie is one). The pregnancy complicates Jenna's plan to leave her insecure abusive wad of a husband Earl but it's what fuels a lot of the story. Andy Griffith is excellent as a curmugdeonly old man who only Jenna knows how to handle and Adrienne's Dawn is sweet & awkward.
5
Not a chick-flick by wboas
What a great film. I was "dragged" by my wife to this film, and was pleasantly suprised by what I saw. Great acting, and an incredible story. Keri Russell is great. Cheryl Hines is hilarious. The tragic story of Adrianne Shelly just adds to the story. All the characters are wonderfully developed by the actors. I cannot give this any higher a rating. Go....see....enjoy.
5
Waitress by BK Blogger
This gem has an authentic center, Jenna (Kerri Russell). Through the use of voice over you get her unique life perspective connected with her passion for food and her inability to move out of her marriage. The day before I saw Knocked Up and yes, it was authentic in its way, but the crude language gets in the way. Here we can breathe with Jenna as she finds her way out of her boxed in life with the support of a wonderful Andy Griffin, girl friends, a love interest and the coming of a baby. And the end doesn't disappoint. See it.
5
Not a Stupid Blockbuster by ahebert
Liked this movie immensely. Well-written and well-acted, thought-provoking, empowering to women. Shows us that while some people are exactly as they appear on the surface, some people are not and we may have to dig a little deeper to find out what's really going on and be rewarded for doing so. Also shows that the things we're dreading the most can be the most rewarding. While it's not a silly blockbuster, I'm not sure it's a guy movie but, I still like to support independent films and I highly recommend it.
5
Loved it. by love2act
I loved this movie. It is hilarious and heartwarming. Keri Russell portrays a pregnant woman who's struggling as a waitress to try and make enough money to get out of an abusive relationship. This movie is a can't-miss. Great to see with family, on a date, or a girl's night out.
4
Don't Wait to See Waitress by gasparm
Like the film Year of the Dog Waitress is a quirky "dramady" with a soft and hard center. Trapped in an abusive relationship...Jenna, A wonderful Keri Russell finds herself pregnant and more unhappy than ever. She seems only happiest baking pies and tarts at Joes Pie Diner owned by Andy Griffith(who turns in an (Oscar nomination performance) as an irasible old man taken with Jenna's charms. The entire cast is outstanding, and the debut writing and direction by the late Adrienne Shelley is excellent, and certainly heartfelt. Waitress explores many themes and like the Year of the Dog provides the film goer with lots to think about long after the film is over. I highly recommend it.
5
I think I'm in love! by tigerlillie
I walked into a Union Square theatre and asked for tickets to whatever was playing next. To my great joy the tickets I was handed were to "Waitress". This movie was a delightful character exploration. A story about finding oneself never tasted so good. I left the theatre examining my life and feeling good about the fundamental strength and goodness of people. Which is odd when you think about it because there are parts where people are not-so-good and parts that would shock my grandmother; but in the end - well, you just have to see it.
4
a slice of life by peter1950
this movie was the best little movie i've seen this year. keri russell was just delightful and nathan fillion was uterly charming.i laughed and really felt for these characters. oh--- and andy griffith was a hoot as the town coot. it was nice to see a movie that had nothing to do with special effects and the bombastics of a summer movie. go see this slice of life movie!!!
3
Uneven, Amateurish by Kevin Mac
The concept was good and casting was well done, but the execution was what you?d expect from a film school project. The interspersed scenes of Keri Russell making & naming new pies based on life?s events were funny. The pace was interrupted at times with moments of poor acting. The character of the husband was so shallow and one dimensional, it was distracting. It was as though he were modeled after an Andrew Dice Clay routine. The waitresses were amusing, but were sometimes out on a limb with only mundane dialog - especially in the opening scenes. The paternal Andy Griffith character was right on target. All in all, the movie is worth seeing, but don't expect too much.