Jeff, Who Lives at Home is a comedy, but it is also fairly poignant as well.
The main theme is how seemingly unrelated things in life are in fact very much connected.
Jeff is played well by Jason Segel and is ably supported by Ed Helms who plays his older brother. These two actors are superbly cast. Segel epitomizes the role of the ‘gentle giant’ and Helms is able to convey extreme humour and emotional vulnerabilty at the same time.
At first it seems that ‘Jeff’ is an unambitious stoner who seeks refuge from life in his mother’s basement. But it becomes apparent that his unconventional philosophical take on life may not be entirely foolish.
And although Jeff is somewhat of an outsider figure, both his mother (Susan Sarandon) and brother, who lead conventional lives, suffer from existential dilemmas as well. The film’s treatment of relationships is of interest.
I think Jeff, Who Lives at Home is decent. It is a ‘feel-good movie’, but it isn’t plagued by the schmaltziness that often accompanies these kind of films. Overly sentimental films make me want to kill myself. I’m looking at you Tom Hanks.
