City Island

CITY ISLAND could've easily gone wrong, with all its twists and turns, but for the most part, it gets family dysfunction just right. Irreverent and surprising, it's a hilarious way to lose a few hours, especially when those hours are spent with a cast that's on its game. Garcia, who shot to fame for his broody, sensual roles, plays the paterfamilias here with great zest. (His real-life daughter is cast as his oldest here, too.) Margulies, also known mostly for her dramatic turns, gives him lots to work against as his combustible wife, Joyce. But it's Miller as his droll, sarcastic son who commands the screen; his disaffected teen could almost join a pantheon that includes the likes of Ferris Bueller and nearly every character portrayed by Michael Cera.

The film's a riot, but it could've been much better with focus. City Island seems to be a metaphor for authenticity, but it's not made clear. The film starts off shrouding the area with a distinct identity, but all that gives way to a comedy that could've been set anywhere. Alan Arkin as an acting teacher is underused, and Mortimer seems more plot device than actual player. Like City Island itself, they're woefully wasted.