DVD: Management

Overlooked on its cinema release last year when it came out in the same month as the astounding (500) Days of Summer, this film had a hard time proving that it was something different and had something unique to say.

At home on DVD however, this film is well worth checking out.

The story is fairly sweet and simple and follows the life of a lonely and single hotel night manager Mike Cranshaw (Steve Zahn). One night art saleswoman Sue Claussen (Jennifer Aniston) comes to stay and Mike falls for her at once. He brings her a complimentary bottle of wine that night and that begins a cross-country twisted romance of one dreamer trying to find his perfect female partner and hitting all kinds of road blocks – emotional or otherwise – along the way.

Steve Zahn does bring a quirky likeability to all his roles and here as Mike he is the lynchpin of the film, his character drives the narrative forward and is actually the centre of the film. His performance is sweet without being creepy or sad and you do find yourself rooting for the little lonely weirdo. Aniston’s role does not stretch her in the way that The Good Girl did but here she shows that in the future with the right dramatic roles she might truly shine.

Support is good from Fred Ward as Mike’s dad as he is as rugged and dependable as ever but most scenes are stolen by Mike’s best friend Al (James Liao) who is the real comedy gold in the film, supporting his mate throughout and encouraging him on some hare-brained schemes that deliver some very funny moments. The writing from Stephen Belber is good in places but does fall back on cliché and stereotypes and doesn’t build upon the promise he showed when writing Richard Linklater’s Tape.

His first time directing is also okay, but in time he could develop into someone interesting to watch but this is a good way to while away those a night with your lady.

DVD Extras: None, but the Blu-ray has a commentary, deleted scenes and a trailer.

Management is available to buy on DVD and Blu-ray.