Waitress has many things in its favor, great writing, excellent acting, inspired directing and pies. Jenna’s pies deserve billing as characters. They are unique to the situations whether real or imagined, have fabulous names such as “Bad Baby Pie,” and share with the film itself goodness that will make you cry.
As the film begins, Jenna (Keri Russell) a waitress and creative pastry cook in Joe’s Pie Diner somewhere in the South, has just discovered that she is pregnant. She is worried that this is one more thing to trap her in her loveless marriage to Earl (Jeremy Sisto) and de-rail her plans to escape via entering a pie making contest with a large cash prize. Her co-workers Becky (Cheryl Hines) and Dawn (Adrienne Shelly) are supportive, if not exactly understanding.
They have issues of their own to deal with, but talking to them helps Jenna make up her mind. She tells them that she is going to have the baby, and go on with her escape plans. But first she is going to make a pie and imagines the recipe for the above mentioned “Bad Baby Pie.”
Soon after this on a visit to her OB-Gyn Jenna finds that her old doctor has retired. The replacement is Dr. Jim Pomatter (Nathan Fillion), and something sparks between Jim and Jenna. Eventually there are choices to be made whether to stay or move on, and it is with great love, honesty and determination that Jenna carries out her plans.
This was the last work of Adrienne Shelly, who wrote, directed and acted in the film. Her vision for WAITRESS was brought to life by the excellent cast that she selected. Keri Russell is amazing as Jenna, giving her much depth and strength and yet keeping her human. In spite of the dark moments in Jenna’s life, we never feel that she is a victim in her circumstances.
Jenna doesn’t whine, although she does tell it straight about the realities of pregnancy, and she unabashedly says her husband is terrible. Jenna doesn’t look for pity, but finds ways to takes care of things, and her basic goodness is apparent throughout. Andy Griffith as Joe, the owner of the pie diner gives a great performance as a grouchy old man, with wisdom hidden in his complaints and a tender side that few see.
One wants to hate Earl (Jeremy Sisto) for his bullying ignorant way of dealing with Jenna, but even his character is somewhat sympathetic when the audience sees that he is terribly insecure. Nathan Fillion is perfect as Dr. Pomatter, combining the conflicting ideas of ethics and passion in a completely believable manner, and Cheryl Hines as Becky is right on as the friend who tells it like it is for everyone else, but manages to keep her own life mysterious.
The film is presented in widescreen format on a single disc, with a running time of 104 minutes. It is in English and Spanish, with subtitles available in English, Spanish and French. Special Features include a Commentary for the Film by Producer Michael Roiff and actress Keri Russell, “This is How We Made Waitress Pie,” “Written and Directed by Adrienne Shelly: A Memorial,” “Hi I’m Keri. I’ll Be your Waitress,” and “The Pies Have It.”
There is also “Fox Movie Channel Presents In Character With: Keri Russell, Cheryl Hines and Nathan Fillion,” and finally a message from Keri Russell about the Adrienne Shelly Foundation. Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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