The Answer Man

Reviewer: James van Maanen
Rating (out of 5): ***

For anyone who suffers from the occasional bad back, a new to DVD film The Answer Man -- the first from writer/director John Hindman -- should be a must-see, if only to revel in the facial expressions of its star (a sublimely funny, nasty and so-real-it-hurts Jeff Daniels), as he suffers the moment-by-moment degradations of a spine askew. But there's a lot more going on in this light, bright--if also sometimes quite sad --romantic comedy, too.

Chiropractor happens to be the new occupation of one of the film's three main characters, a warm and caring mother played by Lauren Graham. The other two are the alcoholic owner of a struggling used-book store, essayed by up-and-coming actor Lou Taylor Pucci (Thumbsucker), and a reclusive author (played by Daniels) who has written, some twenty years back, the most successful "God" book in history -- a tome titled "Me and God," purporting to offer answers to life's questions handed down from the big guy himself. How these characters meet, connect and join forces provides the humor and heart in Mr. Hindman's movie, which looks at some of the many ways we manage to sabotage ourselves in our quest for a "life."

The writer/director is on record as a fan of Frank Capra, and while his movie reflects this, it is certainly no slavish imitation: There's enough originality -- and specificity -- to the characters, situations and themes to separate it. From the "answers" Daniels offers Pucci during their sessions on the brownstone stoop, it's easy to understand why the former's book is such a success. And, as much as we come to care for our three protagonists, Hindman also makes it clear how they consistently manage to undercut their own very real possibilities.

Hindman chose his actors carefully and wisely, and sure enough, everyone here, stars to supporting players, including a terrific Nora Dunn and an underused Kat Dennings and Olivia Thirlby, comes through in top shape. Daniels has a gift for physical comedy (Dumb & Dumber), including its rubber-faced mode, of which he makes fine use; when called upon, he's just as impressive as a dramatic actor. Graham brings reams of her usual warmth and ability to be sexily maternal (be sure to catch her work in the under-rated and under-seen Flash of Genius). There's a scene in Daniels' living room during which she cradles the Pucci character that is as moving as anything we've seen all year. Regarding Mr. Pucci, who continues to mature and grow with each new role, he would steal the whole movie, were not everyone else so on-target.

The Answer Man's not perfect. As it winds along to the finish line, the love story begins to play second fiddle to the bookshop, and Hindman appears to have used more of his originality toward the beginning than the end. Yet, the movie builds up such a bushel of good will, and so engaging are its characters, that I think you'll have little problem embracing the Capra-corn of its conclusion. The Answer Man is a lovely beginning to what I hope will prove a lengthy, if late-blooming, career for Mr. Hindman.