Jenna (Keri Russell) lives with her controlling husband Earl (Jeremy Sisto) and works at a local diner with her two friends Becky and Dawn (Cheryl Hines and director Adrienne Shelly), where she gets to do what she loves most: bake pies. Her plans to escape Earl by winning a pie baking contest are put on hold, though, when Jenna finds out she’s pregnant. An attraction to her new, married doctor (Nathan Fillion) complicates her life further.

CRITIQUE

Adrienne Shelly both acts in and directs this film, and she selflessly passes the leading reins to another. She also wrote this film, making that fact all the more remarkable and sad, considering that Shelly was murdered shortly before the film began its round at film festivals and then release in theaters. The female-centric film she created is a nice legacy. Waitress has a wonderfully warm and humorous story and excellent performances.

Shelly’s script is, of course, the foundation for the entire film, and the down-home charm prevalent throughout is endearing. Connected to this is the realism, usually of a humorous sort, audiences will find in the story. Jenna’s ambivalence about being pregnant is understandable given that the father is so horrible, and viewers will probably be able to predict that when the baby does come, she will fall in love with it.

The clear presentation of Jenna’s talent, the authenticity of her bond with her friends, and her willingness to be loved (shown by her affair with her new doctor) just completely draw the viewer into rooting for her. The dignity with which she handles the end of the situation just adds to this, making Jenna a lead character especially women will love. There’s also a hilarious development with Dawn and a date that just won’t go away who likes to recite spontaneous poetry!

The visuals Shelly captures impress as well. The baking itself is yummy to look at, obviously, but other things like the costuming and some of the camera movement. I particularly like the circular movement of the camera when Jenna and Dr. Pomatter kiss. I suppose the actors could be included here, as they are an attractive bunch but more importantly they are perfectly cast.

Keri Russell is stellar, adeptly carrying a film and I hope she gets serious awards consideration. Nathan Fillion, a favorite of mine as Captain Mal Reynolds in the unjustly cancelled television series Firefly and its big-screen incarnation Serenity, has an affability that screams leading man. Hines and Shelly click solidly into place as well as the best friends. Plus, seeing Andy Griffith, as the crotchety owner of the diner, is always good! Performances from both the actors and the director show a talent that builds onto Waitress’s excellent script.

THE VIDEO

The anamorphic widescreen presentation again makes a smaller film seem bigger here, perfect for home viewing. The pies look tasty in the near error-free transfer on this screener disc.

THE AUDIO

Fox presents Waitress in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, and it’s a solid presentation with clear dialogue and sound effects/music. The Spanish language track is also in Dolby Surround, and there are also English, Spanish, and French subtitles offered.

THE EXTRAS

Audio Commentary: Lead actor Keri Russell and producer Michael Roiff join for a good track. They cover the basic filming stuff, like what scenes were shot when, and they talk about the other actors, praising especially Andy Griffith. The most poignant parts are when Shelly is mentioned. There is an interesting bit about how a scene was changed that I’ll let viewers hear for themselves. Give this a listen.

This Is How We Made Waitress Pie: At around ten minutes, this is a good doc filled with interviews and clips that give general discussion of the film. I love how Fillion describes his character as cinnamon, adding flavor to the more important elements of the film.

Written and Directed by Adrienne Shelly: A Memorial: This is a brief but poignant tribute to the writer-director of this film. The comments her cast and co-workers have to make about her will probably make you tear up, and you will definitely find yourself wishing she had been able to give audiences more films like this one.

Hi! I’m Keri. I’ll Be Your Waitress: Keri Russell is the focus of this very short doc. An interview with her and clips from the film make up the extra and it is nice to watch. She even briefly mentions her own pregnancy.

The Pies Have It!: This is only a couple minutes long, but the gorgeous pies in the film all get screen time again as the cast discuss their favorites. I like when Sisto says he likes “cobbler, but that’s not really a pie.”

Fox Movie Channel Presents In Character: Three interviews make up this extra, one each with Russell, Hines, and Fillion. There is really good discussion of character here. Hines talks about bleaching her hair and Fillion admits to becoming an actor to compensate for shyness. These are excellent interviews.

Adrienne Shelly Foundation Message: This is just a moment for Russell to encourage everyone to support the foundation set up in Shelly’s name that promotes women in filmmaking.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Waitress brings a superb female-oriented story to audiences, with the added heft of the talented director and performers. Humor and warmth fill the screen. The DVD is definitely a must-buy, with excellent extra features. Women, especially, will want to own this film.