DinerRating: 15 14+

Reviews

• Jay, 15

  3 out of 5

  By

  Jay, 15

  Date

  2011-04-26 20:49:54

  A tribute to the counter culture of the 1950s/60s in America, Diner is a unique take on this retro wonderland. A group of friends look back over their experiences as they start to "settle down". Aesthetically, Diner is a treat, likely to invoke memories of times gone by in oldies. The traditional American dream is faithfully recreated, complete with flashy cars, neon lights and tuxedos. In terms of the narrative, Diner lacks any particularly memorable scene but rather a collection of scenarios. These don't really provide any message nor have symbolic meaning but rather provide straight-forward, clean humour.
  The best thing about diner is that it seems incredibly natural and assured. The actors seem totally at ease with the (award winning) screenplay, complimented by great turns from pretty much the entire cast. This film shows how the best acting isn't necessarily melodramatic tear-jerking, but simply re-enacting natural behaviour (with the exception of Kevin Bacon's unhinged Timothy). Despite its general normality, there is an element of quirkiness that runs through the film. It is difficult to imagine having to pass a football test before marriage in reality, say.
  However, at times, Diner becomes something of a soap opera. Issues such as gambling, pregnancy and marriage are used as opportunities for sympathy and tears, which is pretty tasteless. It is when the film takes itself too seriously that it begins to fail. To conclude, Diner is something of a mixed bag, refusing to follow any model absolutely. It doesn’t always work, but provides light-hearted fun regardless.