Birds of America (R, 2008)

Morrie Tanager (Matthew Perry) has been bequeathed the family home and the role of its patriarch. He has had to raise his younger brother Jay (Ben Foster) and sister, Ida (Ginnifer Goodwin) since he was 18 years old. Now in his 30s, and striving for tenure at the university, Morrie is forced to run the family once more when the loony siblings come home to roost. Jay was found lying in the street wearing only a hospital gown, while Ida has been having sex with hitchhikers whom she picks up on her way to photography assignments. When Jay is accused by the police of "touching" a little girl, Morrie finds that his job and his marriage are threatened, and he begins to unravel.

Though released directly to DVD, BIRDS OF AMERICA has a perky pace and some laugh-out-loud moments. The performances in this movie are taught and intelligent. Morrie's wife, Betty (Lauren Graham of Gilmore Girls) and the neighbor's wife (Hilary Swank) play wonderful straight women to the wacky Tanager bunch.

The three Tanager siblings bring a sense of intimacy to their performances, lending credence to their family ties. Their family bonding through alcohol and pot may be another symptom of dysfunction, but it's more believable for who these characters are. Mature audiences who like dark comedies and quirky family dynamics will get the most out of this renter.

Studio: First Look Pictures
Director: Craig Lucas
Cast: Hilary Swank, Lauren Graham, Matthew Perry
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 85 minutes
Theatrical release: October 20, 2008
DVD release: October 21, 2008
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language, some sexuality and brief drug use.