[Movie Review] A.C.O.D. (2013)

Posted on October 4, 2013 by thegrandshuckett in Movie Reviews // 0 Comments

Plot Summary: A.C.O.D. follows a seemingly well-adjusted Adult Child of Divorce who is forced to revisit the chaos of his parents bitter divorce all over again after his younger brother decides to get married.

Director: Stu Zicherman

Writers: Ben Karlin (screenplay), Stu Zicherman (screenplay)

Runtime: 90 min

Main Cast:

Adam Scott as Carter
RIchard Jenkins as Hugh
Catherine O'Hara as Melissa
Amy Poehler as Sondra
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Lauren
Clark Duke as Trey
Jane Lynch as Dr. Judith

Review: by Anthony and Lee

When we found out there was an upcoming comedy starring Adam Scott that had Amy Poehler in it, we were all in. We already knew this comedy duo was great, and with Richard Jenkins and Jane Lynch added in as well, we were sure it would be a hit.

What We Liked:

While A.C.O.D. was about marriage and relationships, it didn’t try to be a romantic comedy. Many movies try to squeeze just a little bit of romance in, just to say they have it, which makes everything feel rushed and underdone. Thankfully, this movie avoided the common trap. It stuck to the comedy, and we appreciated it for doing so.

It wasn’t your typical movie plot, which is always really nice. It felt new and unique.

The acting was great. Adam Scott is a genuinely good actor, and he did really well as the lead. Clark Duke played his character effortlessly, and, while we didn’t know Mary Elizabeth Winstead was going to be in it, we really liked her and her character.

During the end credits, there are interviews with the crew, some of whom were actual Adult Children of Divorce (A.C.O.D.s). The interviews were really amusing and insightful. They really showed how some divorces affect the children and their views on marriage into their adulthood. There were non-A.C.O.D.s interviewed as well, and the similarities and differences between their answers were interesting.

What We Didn’t Like:

The end of the movie left us wanting. It felt like it was going for a big happy ending, but then stopped just short. It was definitely disappointing. There was an audible groan that resounded through the theater, so we know we weren’t alone in this.