The Answer Man

Riffing on Neale Donald Walsch's Conversations With God, writer-director John Hindman's The Answer Man is an earnest not-quite-satire of New Age wisdom that morphs into a mediocre romantic drama. Cranky Arlen Faber (Jeff Daniels) is the neurotic, reclusive author of inspirational literature based on his bestseller Me and God. For 20 years, this self-styled guru has been hiding in his Philadelphia townhouse, refusing to be photographed, sign autographs, give interviews, or do anything else to publicize his books (much to the chagrin of his agent). But then Arlen wrenches his back so badly that he's forced, literally, to crawl to the office of nearby chiropractor Elizabeth (Lauren Graham), a perky single mother with a seven year-old son, Alex. Predictably, the pair develop a relationship, particularly after Arlen bonds with the child. Arlen also reluctantly befriends recently-out-of-rehab Kris (Lou Taylor Pucci), who is not only coping with his alcoholic father's death but also facing bankruptcy with his beloved second-hand bookstore. Daniels is adept at making misanthropic characters sympathetic (witness The Squid and the Whale), while Graham (Gilmore Girls) has talent to spare, but Hindman squanders their expertise in this meandering melodrama about dispensing wisdom that is totally devoid of impact, despite delving into universal themes such as father/son relationships, overprotective mothers, alcoholism, and the perennial search for the elusive Higher Power. Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary (with writer-director John Hindman, producer Kevin Messick, and costar Lauren Graham), a “From Concept to Creation” production featurette (10 min.), a character featurette (10 min.), the “HDNet: A Look at The Answer Man” segment (5 min.), the BD-Live function, and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)