Jeff warns viewers exactly what kind of movie “Jeff, Who Lives at Home” will be from the opening line. The motion picture begins with Jeff (Jason Segel) explaining his love the movie "Signs" — he says it’s a collection of seemingly random events that come together in the end, and that it gets better with each viewing. Jeff attempts to live his life inspired by that theme by searching for signs and connections to his life meaning. His journey often crosses paths with his brother Pat (Ed Helms), who is having troubles with his marriage. Together they attempt to find solutions in their lives.
The titular character is lovable and easy to connect to, despite his oddball nature. He hasn't let his less-than-stellar life keep him from being blindly optimistic, while his brother Pat sees only life’s negatives. The brothers have opposing philosophies that give Jason and Ed countless opportunities for comedy and drama. They mesh beautifully thanks to Segel, Helms and a brilliantly crafted script. Susan Sarandon also gives a notable performance as Sharon, their mother. She kick starts Jeff's journey by forcing him out of the house on an errand.
As stated from the beginning, the final connection is what the entire film is about, so pay attention: every piece of information has some value. The movie's short length keeps the subtle moments from muddling the larger story, which is good since much of the story is predictable. Sharon's story, although enjoyable, is the most predictable and the least related to the main thread.
This is the kind of film that makes you think about life. It reminds us to look for the magic of every moment, not brush it aside. Its story isn't anything new, but great acting and a solid script make it special. The subtle connections warrant a second viewing, but even taken only once, this is a charming journey.
4 "Signs" out of 5
Written by Chris
Edited by Aaron
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