Birds of America is a decent enough film without ever being great. It has all the heart and humour that was expected when you consider the cast involved and yet it seemed to be lacking that vital ingredient that perhaps would have improved this film.I think a major problem is that there are just too many subplots going on for the audience to really connect with all of them. It feels like the director Craig Lucas is trying to insert every cliché of independent films into this one picture but when all these elements come together it doesn't make a great film.Matthew Perry and Lauren Graham are there normal great selves but their story is only one of many that are linked in this film. Overall an enjoyable enough film that doesn't really do enough to make you want to watch it again.

After I watched The Ron Clark Story and Numb, I started to think Matthew Perry is a really good actor besides Friends. This movie is another proof to my hypothesis. I really enjoyed the movie. Ben Foster portrayed an odd guy who has some type of sentiments about life and people. His character reminds me Frank Ginsberg in Little Miss Sunshine played by Steve Carrel. Lauren Graham annoyed me while the whole movie. First she acts like a good, tolerant wife who wants a better life and more money. Then at the end of the movie, she changed, and just wanted to be a mother and a real good wife. However, what are the reasons that changes her, I really don't know. Hillary Swank has a role which is not a great role considering an Oscar winner. I think anybody can play her role. I give 8/10 to this movie. The only thing that I did not like in this movie, Betty Tanager character was not well written. Ben Foster and Matthew Perry are great in acting. My suggestion, if you liked Little Miss Sunshine, you will love this movie.

I know a nine is going to seem high. But after a slow start, this movie begins to grab at you. There are moments you feel the boundaries of realism have been touched upon, but somehow it all meshes together and becomes the heartfelt story it's meant to be.At times, you might suspect the actors were learning improvisational skills on the job, as they most definitely improved scene after scene. Give this movie the half hour investment of boredom you might endure, and you'll be grateful for the half hour you "suffered" through.Matthew Perry hasn't had the best of luck in reviews of his movies. I think this movie should certainly help to redeem any sagging career thoughts swirling is his head.

You might be getting a little tired of movies about dysfunctional families. I know I am. I think I've seen at least three at Sundance this year. But Birds of America manages to break the mold and feel fresh and alive from the outset, delivering a warm, funny, zany, tender and compassionate film that left the audience smiling and satisfied.Morrie (Matthew Perry) is an uptight university professor anxiously seeking tenure, which requires the approval of his department head, who lives next door. Morrie and his wife Betty (Lauren Graham—Gilmore Girls) live in a house he inherited at 18 years old after his mother died and his father committed suicide. As a result, Morrie raised his brother Jay (Ben Foster) and sister Ida (Ginnifer Goodwin), both of which grew into their problems. Ida is substance-abusing and promiscuous, and Jay a deeply gentle and sensitive soul whose actions are almost completely unfettered by advanced thought. They reunite in the family home when Jay gets run over by a car (he was laying in the road) and Morrie, who still feels more parent than brother, asks him to move in for a while. Without asking permission, Jay invites Ida to join them, stressing Morrie and Betty's relationship and jeopardizing his career with their outrageous behavior.Matthew Perry is surprisingly good in his deadpan portrayal of an overwrought brother who cares deeply for his siblings, often at his own expense. Goodwin is a pleasure as well, as the addictive personality with the carefree spirit. But Ben Foster (3:10 to Yuma) is great, and despite having such a naturally funny role, manages to never play Jay for laughs, creating an endearing and memorable character. Growing up without parents, these three have formed an unbreakable bond, with unconditional love and acceptance, and a tenderness and compassion unlike any I can remember in movies. Elyse Friedman has crafted a remarkable script, and Sundance veteran director Craig Lucas (Secret Lives of Dentists, The Dying Gaul) brings it to life with a funny but light-hearted and gentle touch.