I am NOT really a Will Ferrell fan for the most part. He occasionally hits on a role that works with him perfectly and when he does he’s worth watching (the evil fashion designer Mugato in ZOOLANDER, for instance..) but for the most part he plays the same type of one-dimensional, forced, juvenile comic lead I expect of most SNL alumni movies post-Eddie Murphy.

Until now.

Everything everyone who praises this is saying is correct. It really IS a wonderful, life affirming movie with nicely understated humor. It’s funny but doesn’t beat you over the head with its jokes. It’s warm and moving but without deliberately yanking on your heartstrings. And if you watch this movie and DON’T really think about whether you’re living your life or just existing, then I really feel sorry for the state of your soul.

Hopefully Ferrell can play more roles like this in the future..