FILM REVIEW

S.J. Cahn

From the moment he loses a bumper on his car, it’s fairly obvious that

life isn’t going to go smoothly for the lead character of “According to

Spencer.” And while the biggest flaw of this movie is that much of what’s

to come is not surprising, the smaller twists and turns (after you’ve

seen it you may find “bumps and grinds” a more appropriate phrase) make

for a funny, enjoyable film.

Essentially a love story (so immediately you know how it has to end),

“According to Spencer” does provide more than its share of productive and

maybe provocative scenes. After all, Spencer moves into a strangely

gargantuan home where a low-budget adult film is being put together.

And yes, Spencer does end up with a role.

By far, the movie-making scenes are the funniest parts of this movie.

They are (we should all hope) outlandish exaggerations of how actors and

directors behave on the set. As part of a movie screening at a film

festival, they are perfect. Anyone who’s even toyed with a video camera

and a home-done script will find the scenes discomfortably familiar.

There are touches of quirky cinematography to go along with the

insider filmmaking, as well, which makes “According to Spencer” a comedy

worth checking out.

* “According to Spencer” will play at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Lido

Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach.