Taking Chances

This endearing and thoughtful indie effort is well worth the watch. There are some hysterical scenes, particularly those between the hero (Justin Long) and his best friend (Keir O'Donell), and everything the Mayor (Rob Corddry) does. The story has a few small holes, but that doesn't get in the way of recognizing that this is a powerful satire of small town America down on its luck. The narrative exposes the fragility of American values when greed and corruption take hold. The hero turns out to be the only one in town that remembers why America is America, and for that his neighbors decide he must pay a price. Lots of turns that you don't see coming, including a big one at the film's climax.