Lunch (2012)

What a waste of my time!!!

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

For the past four decades, a group of writers and directors, of film and television, have met for an informal lunch every other Wednesday. Over the years, the attendees have changed as have the meeting locales, with this day's get together at Factor's Famous Deli.Many of the men you can see are physically aging, and several of the attendees have passed on since the filming of the documentary, thus the youngest of the group John Rappoport half-jokingly states he's been named the "designated cane" of the group. However, the minds of these legends are laser sharp, as they tell jokes, spin witty stories, and gently kibbitz with one another.This is not a "can you top this" environment, as it's more laid back and friendly than anything else. There are also side interviews, away from the lunch table, where these brilliant men can relate some fascinating tidbits form their lives and careers.The director of the film, Donna Kanter, has given us a light-hearted, interesting, and humorous movie that I enjoyed, as I was sitting and eating lunch with these legends.

For the last 40 years, a group of elderly comedy writers and entertainers have gathered to have lunch every other Wednesday. There are some legends and old-timers from various aspects of entertainment. They tell jokes, reminisce about old times, and remember fallen comrades. Monty Hall talks about his history starting from Winnipeg. Arthur Marx talks about his father Groucho. Arthur Hiller talks about his directing most memorably about Paddy Chayefsky. Sid Caesar is a bit frail but he's still very present and does do his foreign language bit. There are quite a few jokes, discussion about Jewish humor and some Irish humor. This is simply a great fly-on-the-wall documentary. Their speech may be a little bit halting now but they are still very sharp.

Lunch is a great documentary. It has famous Hollywood writers in one place sharing stories, from their personal life (like Arthur Marx talking about his relationship with his father Groucho Marx) to what was going through their head while writing those classic sitcoms (like MASH). These writers have lots of memories. I loved hearing them. It's nice to hear the story of how they formed this special lunch group. They each feel honored to be part of this lunch. I feel like it's a privilege for the rest of us to be part of it through this film. I love watching TV sitcoms and watching movies at home. If you are like me and are a fan of good TV and movies, you will enjoy watching this film.

I live for comedy. A good laugh gets me through the day and I love it how a funny guest can liven up any party. The documentary "Lunch" is like having a dinner party with some of the most lively, entertaining guests imaginable. "Lunch" follows a group of legendary comedy writers who meet for lunch every other week in Los Angeles. At easch lunch they discuss the old days, current events and what its like being old. Each subject is handles with wit and grace and each member is interviewed and their current situations are shared. The documentary breezes by and I was left wanting more. This documentary is a must for any fan of classic TV. You won;t regret it.