Comeback Season

Although this straight-to-DVD release was directed by Bruce McCulloch, late of Kids in the Hall, there isn't even a hint of the subversiveness characterizing the work of that wickedly funny comedy troupe. Barely rising above a sitcom, Comeback Season serves up the utterly unremarkable and totally predictable story of a man (Ray Liotta) who cheats on his wife (Glenne Headley), is thrown out after confessing his indiscretion, and must weasel his way back into his wife's good graces—which he does by helping to mend the fractured relationship between his teenage daughter (Brooke Nevin) and their neighbor, a high school football star and arrogant jerk (Shaun Sipos). Stereotypes about men, women, and romance abound in this unassuming little film, which screened at the Tribeca and Austin Film Festivals in 2006, but does nothing to distinguish itself as anything other than fodder for the most diehard, completist fans of Liotta and Headley. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include deleted scenes, cast interviews, and trailers. Bottom line: a small extras package for an unexceptional film.] (M. Johanson)