One More Time

In many ways, this compelling film works, despite seemingly stock characters and predictable worst-case scenarios. After all, it centers on an oblivious, ego maniac showbiz dad who missed his daughters' birthdays and viewed them as extensions of himself to ignore at will, who cheated on all his wives, and who still craves the spotlight and tosses out hurtful and insensitive criticism. But writer-director Robert Edwards uses the clichés to good effect. He builds a case for those who've been wronged to cast aside resentment and anger, accept the damage others may have done to you, and get on with your life anyway.

The writing is intelligent, although the characters often sound too much like each other (witty, sarcastic and jaded), to the point that you can't help imagining they all represent the writer's personality, rather than distinct fictional people. Nevertheless, Walken and Heard remind us with persuasive performances that clichés do occur in real life, and it's some people's misfortune to either be one or to have one for a parent.