A black-and-white indie drama that reminds me very much of _Manhattan_ (1979). If fact, our lead, Justin Rice, as Alan, would be a great Woody Allen stand in, but instead of being neurotic and funny, he's cool and plays guitar. Anyway, the story is more focused than other mumblecore movies I have watched. However, that is not saying much. We are just sort of along for the ride as Alan goes through his life. Details are introduced, but never go anywhere. This is really just a hangout movie. We're just chilling with people. The movie is entirely too long. That being said, I like how some of the scenes just keep going, and play out in real time; where as others needed to be edited or completely cut. I will say, I enjoyed where this was going, but then there's the ending. It just ends. _Funny Ha Ha_ (2002) - which was made by the same guy who made _Mutual Appreciation_ - did the same thing: it was this fun ride, but then it's like the budget ran out, so... credits. This was okay. I'd never watch it again. If you like talky indie dramas where nothing happens and there is no ending, check it out.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: a group of people is talking in different locations with no OST in sight. There are no stakes and no drama. It’s a window into their world. You probably know this type of movie. Cheap to make, it usually works as a time machine. Noah Baumbach’s Kicking and Screaming once transported us into the 90s, and now, Andrew Bujalski did the same for the 00s. Despite nothing happening on the screen, there’s a certain charm. The characters seem real and uninterested in stirring Hollywood-style drama. They simply exist. And that is enough. The movie is shot on black-and-white film with a 4:3 aspect ratio, which might be offputting to some, but once again, it works. Because of the extreme focus on characters, it’s hard even to guess the year the events take place: these characters might as well exist today, although a total lack of smartphone obsession and modern lingo feels liberating. Back then, phones were more of a hassle - a way to contact you when you least desired it. At the very heart of the movie is music. No wonder: it stars Justin Rice of the indie rock band Bishop Allen and features music from the band's debut album Charm School. Music is by far the thing that dates the movie the most: that slightly melancholic and yet upbeat indie rock is nowhere near as popular today. By the movie’s end, I was somewhat mesmerized by its simplicity. Have I seen this kind of movie before? I sure have. And yet, it’s definitely worth a watch.