Smart People (PG) * * * *

By ROBERT WALDMAN, Vancouver

Words of wisdom are hard to convey when we enter the murky world of the mixed-up/messed-up Wetherhold family. Life on campus takes a back seat to family upheaval as we track an otherwise normal group in Smart People, a savvy undertaking from Miramax Films now setting off debates at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking). the Fifth Avenue Theatre, Esplanade 6, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Theatres around B.C.. Sure to spark interest come Oscar time this oddball feature marks some notable musings from it’s A list cast of actors.

                First time director Noam Murro leaves no stone unturned as we meet members of the Wetherhold household. Led by weary professor Lawrence Wetherhold the head of the pack doesn’t exactly come across as the ideal teacher – or father of the year. While dad teachers two children prove that independence is a valued trait. Daughter Vanessa has a mind of her own and a wit that runs roughshod over older siblings and parents. Son James is a bit of a laggard while brother Chuck serves up perfectly timed choice words as he enters into this rather muddled house of academia.

                Shock waves penetrate the veneer of this group when a woman arrives on the scene. Smart and sexy is Janet Hartigan who forms a unique bond with Lawrence. Dating is difficult at the best of times only here the romance explores all the pitfalls of missed communication, confused messages and untold truths.

                Bold and highly realistic Smart People is a perfectly executed story of diverse people trying to relate to one another and their outside distractions. Dennis Quaid (Vantage Point) conveys just the right image of a washed-up nerdy college prof who looks hopeless in the love department. Canadian born superstar Ellen Page (Hard Candy) continues to impress and dazzle as the acid tongued quick witted Vanessa, the best thing that the Republican Party could ever hope for. Again Page proves that the locally shot Juno was no fluke as her presence and delivery are thoroughly memorable and again likely hog the limelight in this expertly acted tale of romantic woes and missed opportunities.

                Adding more zest to this 95 minute sophisticated relationship story is Thomas Haden Church (Spider-Man 3) who lights a fire as the lazy brother alongside Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and The City) living it up as a professional who somehow falls for a man seemingly out to lunch when it comes to wooing women.

                Fresh and funny in a bittersweet way about sums up Smart People, an engaging tale of family turmoil and the complexity of connecting and relating to outsiders (and presumably your own inner self).

                Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com