The year 2012 hasn’t impressed me much with movies, but one shining spot on the calendar comes from the new adult comedy FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL… which I’ve already seen twice, and wouldn’t mind taking in a third time. Co-written and starring Lauren Anne Miller, and co-starring the wonderful Ari Graynor, FGTC is directed by Jamie Travis (his first big screen feature-length effort), and is distributed by Focus Features. Miller and Graynor have been hitting the road to promote this thing, not just because they’re starring in it, but because they truly support and believe in the project. This is one of those “little” films that is every bit as good as big studio comedies like BRIDESMAIDS (in all honesty, I’m not a big supporter of that film anyway), but needs good word of mouth out there to make sure it gets seen. During their stop in Dallas, I had a chance to chat with Lauren, Ari and Jamie about the movie. This was actually my second encounter with Graynor, as I had previously hosted her Q&A for LUCKY at the Dallas International Film Festival in 2011. She’s been on my radar since NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST, and this is a great showcase piece for the lovely actress with great comedic timing. Lauren Miller has done small parts in other films, but this is her first leading role, and she knocks it out of the park. What’s most interesting is seeing a comedy like this with strong lead roles being played by women. I’m hoping that sort of thing is making a resurgence, as it was much more common in the 1980’s, but lost in cinema of recent years. Check out the interviews below and the movie this weekend.
The contemporary comedy that world-premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, lifting audiences to their feet and lifting their spirits. Two young women, short on the funds needed to live in New York City, agree to room together. But they’re an at-odds couple; Lauren (Lauren Anne Miller) is reserved, while Katie (Ari Graynor of “The Sitter”) is irrepressible. These roommates have nothing in common – until Lauren discovers that Katie is working as a phone-sex operator, and recognizes a good business opportunity. As the money begins to roll in, the two realize the value of not just their booming partnership but their growing friendship.
FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL… opens in select cities on August 31, 2012
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
