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The online film magazine Combustible Celluloid offers new movie reviews, DVD reviews, film reviews, actor interviews, actress interviews, director interviews, film books and all things cinema related for the thoughtful and passionate. Online for ten years! Over 3000 reviews!

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The Talent Given Us (2005)

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

Family Unfair

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy The Talent Given Us on DVD

In Andrew Wagner's intermittently funny and grating comedy, a retired couple (Judy and Allen Wagner) drives cross-country to see their reclusive screenwriter son (played by the director). The catch here is that Wagner cast his real-life family to play themselves. His sisters Maggie and Emily are both professional actors -- the latter is best known for her recurring role on "ER." -- but the non-professionals give startlingly nuanced performances as well. Ultimately, "The Talent Given Us" is more like reality TV than a movie, and the gimmick takes precedence above the story. Oscar-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin (Ghost) also appears. Unrated. 97 minutes.

Starring: Allen Wagner, Judy Wagner, Emily Wagner, Maggie Wagner, Judy Dixon, Billy Wirth, Andrew Wagner
Written by: Andrew Wagner
Directed by: Andrew Wagner
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 97 minutes
Date: August 26, 2005