Just Add Water (2008)
An offbeat romantic comedy about a decent guy, Ray Tuckby, with a dead-end life in the dead-end town of Trona, CA. After encouragement from a stranger whom he happens upon, Ray begins to dream again. He sheds the parasites in his life, musters the nerve to pursue his childhood love, and finally takes back his community by toppling the local teenage Meth-baron.
Watch Trailer
Cast
Similar titles
Reviews
The Worst Film Ever
Such a frustrating disappointment
Blistering performances.
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
I like this movie for a lot of different reasons. There was certainly a lot of good characters,, but other than the character Nora,, and Merle Stiker none of them were likeable. The first 3/4 was good but i found the ending a little too much like a Simpson episode where Grandpa encourages Bart and his friend to go after the town bully. For me, seeing the town,, and yes the town Trona actually exists, was a real eye opener. I can't image living in a place that hot,, where nothing grows and your front 'lawn' is dirt. There are no trees... wow.
Danny DeVito lends his presence to what is essentially minimalist entertainment. The acting and character development are totally acceptable, but the story is very simplistic, and is further weakened by unnecessary voice overs. There are moments of black comedy, romance, and action, but the film suffers from an identity crisis, because none of the above features are very strong, leaving "Just Add Water" with sort of a questionable genre. Marginally recommended for those who like isolated desert towns, with goofy characters. The closest similar movies I can think of would be "Sordid Lives" or "Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me" - MERK
This movie doesn't deserve any awards but it doesn't deserve to be slated either. It made me laugh and I really enjoyed it. The premise of the story is quite simple, likable Ray is stuck in a dead-end job, in a dead-end town but through a fortunate chain of events his life changes for the better. This is a fun film, it isn't meant to be realistic and to pick at it for this reason is pretty silly. This is not the new "Juno" it is a different kettle of fish all together. It reminded me of "Office Space" by Mike Judge in that it isn't very complex but does what it does very nicely. It is pretty formulaic but it was a joy to watch. Danny De Vito's narration keeps it ticking over nicely and the cast all do a great job. Some great moments that will make me want to watch it again at some point. If you are in the mood for some easy going laughs that won't tax your mind too much this will sort you out. Give it a go, most people won't be disappointed.
Just Add Water is a moving, quirky, subtly-nuanced fable about suffering, love and redemption. Set in the belly of a culture that's been spiritually and environmentally devastated, enough becomes more than enough, and a small group of determined people decide to reclaim their lives, their homes and their land. Part comedy, part tragedy, part parable, this film is a mirror for our times. Dylan Walsh delivers an understated, heartful performance. The landscape reflects the energy of the people and their predicament. The musical score is excellent, moving, surprising. And the message is one of hope. That we can turn around the destruction that has taken hold of too much of our precious planet. Beautifully acted. Artfully written and directed by Hart Bochner.