La Philo de Phil

Both my partner and I watched this last night and I always ask her what she gives a movie out of 10, 10 being the highest rating. My partner gave it 8 and I gave it 9. Greg kinnear is one of the best actors around and his acting skill clearly showed through in Phil. Great story, full of lows and highs but would love to have known why 'he' did the unthinkable at the end. Well worth the watch!

Greg Kinnear is so bland he makes Bill Pullman seem exotic. In this film, his reach way exceeds his grasp. Kinnear just isn't a deep thinker. To think of all the worthy artists who will be denied a chance at directing while this ninny gets his shot. Weak, weak, wek.

Quite literally one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I cannot believe I made myself sit through the entire thing. At least now I know what Purgatory is like...

The film is about Phil, a divorced dentist and father (of a daughter with whom he doesn't know how to communicate), who's going through an existential crisis. After a suicide attempt he doesn't have the guts to carry out, he meets a patient - Michael - who has a positive and enthusiastic take on life, gives him advice on how to overcome problems, talks fondly of his adventure in Greece with his friend Spyros, and has what could be called an ideal life: money, a beautiful and passionate wife, and a great daughter. Phil starts stalking him from afar, trying to learn what the secret of a perfect life is. And on one of those occasions Michael - who believes he's alone - hangs himself. Finding out why Michael did it turns into an obsession to Phil and he introduces himself as Spyros to the widow, in an attempt to discover what drove Michael to throw such a good life away. We'll soon know whether he'll find what he's looking for or further aggravate his own personal problems. It's a curious story, a light drama with hints of comedy and a solid effort by Greg Kinear in his directorial debut. Emily Mortimer is great in the role of Alicia, Michael's widow. Check it out.

Despite it's dismal rating of 5.4 at the time of this writing, I watched the movie because I have been a fan of Greg Kinnear for a long time. About 20-25 minutes in, I almost shut it off....glad I didn't. What I thought would be a dark comedy turned out to be a kind of "feel-good" comedy with some important life truths...The grass isn't always greener, count your blessings, etc. Somewhat predictable at times, I was also caught pleasantly by surprise a few times, especially at the end. Phil also seems to be Greg Kinnear's directorial debut. Nice job Greg, I look forward to your future endeavors whether acting and/or directing.

There is only one word I can say about Greg Kinnear's "Phil": SUPERB Brilliant performances, engaging story, lovely music, and so very much more! I just hope that that AMPAS will have the wisdom to recognize PHIL and Greg Kinnear come Oscar time

Actually, it's not the actors per se, but the script and the film itself. After paying for it, I wound up turning it off less than midway. It's one of those films that is not believable, not funny, stupid and ludicrous. Oh, and did I say predictable? It reminded me of certain British films and TV shows in which the so-called humor has cruelty implicit in it, and for me, is impossible to watch. Watch at your own risk!