Jeff, Who Lives at Home

          We all make our ways through life trying to figure out why we are here. Some people believe that we make our own paths through life, but for others they believe that destiny is in control. Jeff (Jason Segel) is one of those guys; someone who believes life gives us signs on where to go. The problem is Jeff is 30 and still lives in his mother’s basement. Most of his days are spent staying home and dissecting the movie “Signs” as he smokes pot. He believes that is film is a metaphor for life, that the signs will lead you to the right choice every time. Jeff’s older brother Pat (Ed Helms) is completely different, someone who is just floating through life and believes you have to make life happen. Pat does not listen well and starts the downward spiral in his day when he informs his Wife, Linda (Judy Greer) about the new car he has bought. Linda is not happy at all, because she wants to buy a house and see Pat’s purchase as just more proof he doesn’t care about her.

   Jeff’s day starts off a little different, when he receives a phone call asking for a Kevin. When he tells the caller they have the wrong number the caller tells Jeff there is always a Kevin everywhere. Jeff’s mother Sharon (Susan Sarandon) ask Jeff to go to the store to pick something up, and on the trip Jeff starts to notice signs that take him on a trip of discovery. On the bus ride Jeff sees a guy with the name Kevin on his shirt, he follows him, that route takes him where he runs into his brother. Jeff and Pat’s relationship has never been close, but they find a common cause that helps their relationship and both start to follow the signs to a better life.

   “Jeff, Who Lives at Home” is a drama, with some very funny moments in it; the film was written and directed by Jay and Mark Duplass, who last did “Cyrus” as well as some other indie favorites. Jason Segel proves once again he is one of Hollywood raising stars and Ed Helms plays a role he is very comfortable in. The film may have a strange title but a story that is all heart and something that is a joy to watch. So don’t miss this one and take a chance and see one of the better films to come out this year.

Brian Taylor