The Reel Review
A dental emergency results in a down-on-his-luck, newly sober comedian spending Christmas Eve with his new dentist, with a random chain of events sparking an unexpected romance. Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen star in this holiday romantic comedy that Strassner co-wrote with director Jay Duplass.
Imagine Planes, Trains and Automobiles as a rom-com, and that pretty much sums up this quirky, charming story where circumstances keep putting the duo together, as they gamely help each other through some difficult moments – namely, a wedding reception for the post-menopausal dentist’s loathsome, newly-remarried ex-husband and a comedy show where the comedian famously destroyed his career. Strassner (Parks & Recreation) and Larsen (Law & Order) make the “meet cute” premise believable with genuine onscreen chemistry. Mary Catherine Garrison (Somebody Somewhere) has a scene-stealing cameo as the new wife of the dentist’s ex-husband and Baltimore itself gets the star treatment – Christmas lights on 34th Street, Natty Bo beer, Berger cookies and of course, crabs.
The film’s pacing lags at times and some of the humor is more awkward than funny, but The Baltimorons is still entertaining in the sweetest, low-key way possible, as these two disillusioned souls find each other.
REEL FACTS
• The story is based on star/co-writer Michael Strassner’s own life experience with The Groundlings improv group. He auditioned for Saturday Night Live but was passed over for his friend Heidi Gardner for the 2017 season, and attempted suicide in 2018 after The Groundlings fired him due to his drinking problem.
• Jay Duplass and Michael Strassner spent only $45 on all of the necessary city permits to film in Baltimore.
• New Orleans native Jay Duplass was first known as an actor, having starring roles in the dramedy series Transparent and the anthology series Room 104. Duplass was an Executive Producer of Somebody Somewhere.
Video & Photo
