Leaves of Grass starring Edward Norton, Tim Blake Nelson and Keri Russell

2009- Written and Directed by Tim Blake Nelson

Billy Kincaid (Edward Norton) is an established, respected and published philosophy professor. He is adored by his students-maybe too adored- and his future definitely looks bright. And most importantly, he has done a good job avoiding his family roots so far.

His mother (Susan Sarandon) and identical twin brother Brady (yep, of coure Norton) still live in Oklahoma and he hasn’t spoken to them in years. After all, Brady is a pot dealer and proud of his lifestyle. But when Brady’s threatened by the big guys, he finds the perfect solution. He tricks his brother into coming home. Billy’s arrival resurface family issues while Brady continues to implant his more than flawed plan. But Brady won’t be the only one complicating Bill’s life…

This movie is fun, as long as you don’t get too excited by all the labels IMDB has put on it. It says comedy/drama/thriller/crime Yes, it has many funny moments and some romantic scenes. But this is not an action movie. It is a fun drama (or call it a dramedy if you like) worth watching especially for Edward Norton fans.

Norton plays two opposite characters with brilliance. Plus, I like Susan Sarandon and can’t still get used to her playing the mother of a grown man. Yeah, I am fully aware that she is in her 60s now but she still looks really youtful and pretty. Hell, I wouldn’t mind if she had played Norton’s love interest, let alone her mother. But then again, Edward doesn’t exactly look over 30 so they make a good mother-son duo.

Bill’s love interest is Keri Russell (August Rush, Felicity, Bedtime Stories) and Brady’s pregnant girlfriend is played by Melanie Lynskey (Up in the Air). Richard Dreyfuss appears in a small role but his character is one of the most vital ones. After all, all hell starts to break loose due to him. Yes, Dreyfuss makes an impression again. But for me his best will always be Mr. Holland’s Opus.

All in all: Good cast and fun script. It is not Edward’s best film but it is worth watching nonetheless.

7.2 on IMDB.

7 from me.