Waitress serves up fresh

***1/2 out of ****

In a summer of big-budget action flicks, sequels, and remakes Waitress is a fresh tart comedy with a strong plot, heart, and plenty of laughs.

Keri Russell (Mission: Impossible III) plays the extremely lovable small-town waitress Jenna, who has a knack at making pies suited for every mood. Jenna works in Joe’s Pie Diner, with her fellow waitresses; the saucy Becky (Cheryl Hines) and the shy Dawn (Adrienne Shelly)
Jenna is unhappily pregnant with her husband’s, Earl’s (Jeremy Sisto), baby. Earl is an over-controlling, rude, sleaze ball that is sucking the life out of Jenna. Wanting to leave him, Jenna doesn’t know what to do if she does.

Jenna soon develops a relationship with her new, married, gynecologist, Dr. Pomatter (Nathan Fillion) who is infatuated with Jenna. They soon begin to have an affair, finding happiness with each other.

The plot is simple. Everyone is trying to find happiness for themselves and for someone to love back.

Andy Griffith (Matlock, The Andy Griffith Show), gives a side-splitting performance as Joe. Joe is a grumpy old man who owns the diner and most of the town, giving advice to Jenna.
Waitress is hilarious, sad, dramatic, and heartwarming. The cast is terrific, Keri Russell showing her star-power. Cheryl Hines, Andy Griffith and Adrienne Shelly give funny performances. Jeremy Sisto does a tremendous job as Earl making you hate him even after the movie is over.
Waitress was also fantastically written and directed by the late Adrienne Shelly. Shelly was sadly murdered at the age of 40, November 2006. The Indie film actor was just beginning her directing and writing career. Waitress though is a fabulous film to end on, showcasing her magnificent acting, writing, and directing skills.

Nothing fancy or extravagant, Waitress is a realistic film with a terrific cast and crew. When the film is over, you aren’t asking this Waitress for a refund.