Home > Chicago Movies > Movie Review > Introducing the Dwights

Divorced, still-aspiring comedienne Jean (Brenda Blethyn) fears that her family ties will sever when her inexperienced, 20-year-old son Tim (Khan Chittenden) finally lands a girlfriend (Emma Booth, Tara Reid's more-talented Australian doppelganger). Meanwhile, Tim works to keep an eye on his mentally handicapped brother Mark and keep in touch with his ex-country singer dad.

Big question: Do the Dwights feel like a real family or a group of goofballs cooked up for onscreen laughs?

Catch it: "Dwights" really gets the awkwardness, fear and fun of budding relationships, from the first sexual discoveries to the mixed signals that delay the action from happening. Also palpable is Jean's resentment towards the kids that took her attention away from her career, resulting in a tight leash that may not give her sons the chance to be has-beens like their parents.

Skip it: If you can't stand to see the integrity compromised of Kirsten Dunst's cheerleader comedy, "Bring It On." Mark can't help but be intrigued by the somewhat more adult spin-off, "Get It On."

Bottom line: Like Jean, the movie's sense of humor could use some sprucing up, and ditto for Cherie Nowlan's somewhat dull direction. But this charming little number keeps its quirks in check as a family comes together, with an authenticity that you can't buy with a bigger budget.

Bonus: Any women who have felt insecure about their breast size--or significant others who have listened to the woes--can be reassured by Tim's admission to Jill (Booth): "If they were any bigger, they could be a bit frightening."

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