Jeff, Who Lives at Home

There are very few movies that have made me tear up upon the rolling credits: “Up," "The Green Mile,” “Remember the Titans" and now “Jeff, Who Lives at Home.” This film is a heartwarming film that will tug at your heartstrings and then make you stand up and cheer.

For Jeff — played brilliantly by Jason Segel — it’s a day like any other; sitting around his mother’s basement watching infomercials and smoking pot. Slowly but surely, Jeff witnesses signs from the universe and sets out for the adventure that was meant for him. As Jeff gets deeper into his journey, he runs into his estranged brother, Pat (Ed Helms), and the two discover that every moment in our lives happens for a very specific reason.

I want to do nothing more than applaud everyone that was involved with this film. I don’t know what it was about this film, but it was so real, that I could connect with it on so many levels. Jay and Mark Duplass have constructed such a simple tale and such vibrant characters, from Jeff’s monologue about the universal significance of M. Night Shyamalan’s “Signs” to Pat and Jeff having a heart to heart while sitting in a bathtub. Jay and Mark are a great filmmaking duo, and I can’t wait to see more from them.

The real reason for these characters' warmth and validity was due to powerful performances by Segel and Helms. I’m a huge fan of both of these actors and I was stoked to see them have the chance to flex those dramatic muscles.

What I think I liked the most was that Helms got a chance to play a different character. He always seems to play the overly nice guy, but here he gets to play someone in need of redemption. He’s completely lost sight of what’s important in life, but underneath he wants to find his way. My favorite scene is when Pat and Jeff are at their father’s grave and talk about a mutual dream. Their sweet moment turns into a juvenile fight because Pat has to make fun of Jeff.

I’m not really sure what to say about Segel beyond the fact that he was so endearing in his performance. His character was so innocent and trusting that it was heartbreaking to see his family push him away. My favorite scene with him is when he hitches a ride on the back of a delivery truck. He tries so hard to inconspicuously follow the delivery driver, but Segel’s size makes it comical. Segel is such tremendous talent, and I’ve never been disappointed by his films.

“Jeff, Who Lives at Home” is a beautiful movie and one of my new favorites. Seeing it in 1080p makes it all that more beautiful. I think that this movie is one that deserves multiple viewings, and I have a feeling it is meant to be in everyone’s movie collection.

While I would’ve liked to have some behind the scenes featurettes, sadly there are no features in sight. I guess they just weren’t meant to be.

Film: 4.5 Yaps Extras: N/A