A.C.O.D.

Writer-director Stu Zicherman's debut is basically a feature-length sitcom made slightly smarter and sharper than most network fare thanks to a strong cast. The title is an acronym for Adult Children of Divorce, which includes restaurateur Carter (Adam Scott)--the son of still-warring Hugh (Richard Jenkins) and Melissa (Catherine O'Hara)—who has grown up playing family peacemaker although his own relationship with Lauren (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) suggests he has serious commitment issues. After his brother, Trey (Clark Duke), gets engaged, Carter must persuade his parents to attend the ceremony with their new significant others, leading him to seek advice from his childhood therapist (Jane Lynch), who earlier used him as a subject in her studies of non-adult C.O.D.s. Naturally, this leads to emotional crisis as both Hugh and Melissa try to manipulate matters to their advantage. The film intends for us to sympathize with Carter, but the character's self-centeredness makes that difficult. A.C.O.D. serves up some sporadic fun in the antics of Jenkins and O'Hara, but most scenes feel arch and overblown, and the big finale is utterly contrived. A wan, ultimately unsatisfying dramedy, this is an optional purchase. [Note: Blu-ray/DVD Combo extras include various PSAs from the film (7 min.), a cast and crew discussion (6 min.), brief outtakes, and a “What Does A.C.O.D. Stand For?” featurette. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus digital and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)