day 95 - Waiting

Ok film fans, the week is still young and, much like last night, I'm still in need of some laughter. And tonight not just any kind of laughter will do. I'm looking for the kind that comes from relating to the situations onscreen because you've been through it yourself. Obviously making a connection with any kind of film enhances your appreciation for it, but with comedy it almost a whole genre unto itself. These slice of life comedies rely on our understanding of the situation, whether it is romance or a job.

Waiting... is a coming of age/workplace film that looks at the workers of the restaurant industry, many of whom are either in or just out of school. The employees of Shenanigans deal with boredom, rude customers and an uptight boss with humor, games and parties. If you've ever had any type of job in the wonderful food service industry you'll get the source of the comedy. The film revolves around Dean (Justin Long) who is beginning to questioned his job at Shenanigan's when he learns a high school classmate now has a lucrative career in electrical engineering. He's thrown into turmoil about his dead-end life and what he should do next when he's offered the Assistant Manager job . Dean's friend and roommate Monty (Ryan Reynolds) is in exactly the same boat, but he couldn't care less as he's more concerned with partying and getting laid.

Over the course of one chaotic shift, we get to know the rest of Shenanigan's quirky staff: Mitch (John Francis Daley), a quiet new employee, Monty's tough-talking ex-girlfriend, Serena (Anna Faris), Shenanigan's over-zealous manager, Dan (David Koechner), and head cook Raddimus (Luis Guzman), who's obsessed with a senseless staff-wide competition known only as "The Game". Having worked as a waiter in college this film always makes me laugh. My fellow waiters and I weren't as crude as the Shenanigan's crew, but I still remember the sense of monotony we fought against during each shift. Looking back on it through this film takes me back to a simpler time and makes me laugh, but there's no way in hell I'd want that job again. And that's just the kind laughter I needed.