THE HOUSE OF YES (1997)

Written & Directed By: Mark Waters 
Based On The Stage Play By: Wendy MacLeod 
Cinematography By: Michael Spiller 
Editor: Pamela Martin 
Music By: Rolfe Kent 

Cast: Josh Hamilton, Parker Posey, Genevieve Bujold, Tori Spelling, Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook


Jackie-O is anxiously awaiting the visit of her brother home for Thanksgiving, but isn't expecting him to bring a friend. She's even more shocked to learn that this friend is his fiance. It soon becomes clear that Jackie Kennedy's obsession is nothing compared to her obsession with her brother, as it also becomes clear she isn't the only member of the family with problems...

This is another of the films where the film would ultimately fail without the great lead performance of actress Parker Posey. She is or of my favorite modern actresses and this performance is a shining example of why. She takes to the role with so much energy and exuberance. She is larger than life in the role crazy, hilarious, alluring, seductive and crazy. Like a Broadway diva who is I. Her element in a production that Is beneath her but she makes it sparkle with her presence.

She gives a career defining role that finally provided her a project in which she could show off her dramatic skills as well as her impeccable comic timing. I only wish the film was as good as she is in it

It's not director Mark Waters fault as obviously this is written with a star making role in the lead. Who has all the great lines and motivations that some above and beyond any of the other characters. The lead role has more richness then the others.

This was a hot commodity at the Sundance film festival the year it came out. --Luckily director mark waters would go on to prove his talents with his next film MEAN GIRLS here he shows promise. He just needed better material. I'm sure this film taught him lessons.

This was an off Broadway play first and it shows. As the film tries to be broader, it is expertly filmed, but never overcomes the staginess and the characters feel more quirky then real.

The film presents scenes with tasty dialogue. That never answers as to why we should care or Follow these characters. It gives the audience good scenes with no heart and no real consequences. Since it already bypassed normalcy at the beginning.

As the film sets up the characters to be normal and bland compared to the colorful lead. Making it seem like the other characters are there for the lead to bounce off of and to take up space to a degree Giving us two sides that are meant to balance each other. If the film had gone a bit more gonzo in tone. It would have probably gone over the top. Here it is evenly measured with each character having a quirk to them. That loses any energy once Ms. Posey is off screen.

Freddie Prinze Jr. Gives a performance that feels like a performance or an audition. It never feels like a real person on character.

Tori spelling actually gives a decent performance. As the audience surrogate introduced into all of this madness.

The film is a dark comedy for the sake of comedy no one grows or leans a lesson.

It's a film that seems purely meant to entertain. That falls short. 

Grade: C