Somebody Up There Likes Me

Somebody Up There Likes Me is an enchanting comedy-drama film from 2012 that dips its toes into the surreal realm of magical realism. The film showcases eccentric characters, an intriguing narrative arc, and phenomenal performances – a blend that builds an absorbing story of blessings, curses, and the absolute weirdness of life.

Directed by the inventive Bob Byington and brought to life by a sparkling cast led by Nick Offerman, Keith Poulson, and Jess Weixler, Somebody Up There Likes Me is an atypical film. It's not afraid to venture into the strange, bending the rules of reality on its chronicle over three decades of the protagonist’s life.

The story charts the life of Max (Keith Poulson), a seemingly ordinary man with an extraordinary gift: he doesn't age physically. Over the course of 35 years, while everyone around him grows older, Max miraculously remains the same age. How he came upon this unusual ability, and whether it is a blessing or a curse, forms the crux of the narrative.

As Max navigates through the courses of life with perpetual youthfulness, his actions and their impact on his relationships make for the film's dramatic tension. The central message revolves around the oddity of growing up - maturing emotionally and mentally, despite staying physically the same.

Max's journey highlights critical moments of life – friendships, marriages, affairs, births, deaths, triumphs, and disappointments. He experiences ups and downs while caught in a love triangle with Lila (Jess Weixler), his ex-wife and moody colleague, and Sal (Nick Offerman), his best friend and fellow waiter at a local steakhouse. Furthermore, Max's relationships are tested when his future mother-in-law starts fostering feelings for him.

Keith Poulson delivers a compelling and nuanced performance, making Max’s eccentricity palpable without being caricature-like. His performance personifies a man wrestling with the throws of destiny's punch, despite his perpetual youth.

Nick Offerman, primarily known for his role as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, adds gravity to the film's narrative. His performance as Sal provides an intriguingly brooding counterpoint to Max's unsettling calm. He brings layers to Sal’s character, whose enduring friendship with Max transcends the test of time and turmoil.

Jess Weixler is revelatory as Lila, a woman grappling to live her life, marked by various relationships while watching her ex-husband remain ageless. Her portrayal of Lila paves the way for her character's evolution across the measures of time. Also not to be missed is the cameo by indie-icon Megan Mullally, who portrays a persistent mother-in-law who is as quirky as they come.

Director Bob Byington's vision lends a charm to the film that sets it apart from a typical 'curious case of agelessness' narrative. The movie depicts normality within its premise of weirdness and offers a unique humor that is both thoughtful and biting. The narrative is also beautifully fractured, as it builds the sense of time leap without traditional markers - the only constant being Max’s static age.

Byington's eclectic storytelling style results in a wildly original film that is equally humorous and poignant. His ability to extract exquisite performances from the cast and his approach to subtle storytelling contribute greatly to the film's immersive experience.

The film also boasts a whimsical score from Vampire Weekend’s Chris Baio that underlines the narrative with a dash of enchantment.

In essence, Somebody Up There Likes Me is a flamboyant exploration of time, aging, and the human condition filtered through an absurdist lens. Its unconventional narrative and memorable performances make it an immersive cinematic experience that prompts introspection about existence, longevity, and the inevitabilities of life.

All in all, Somebody Up There Likes Me serves as a mesmerizing cinematic journey. It is a distinct take on life's querulous quandaries, told in a multi-layered, whimsically humorous, and fascinatingly transformative tale. It's well worth the watch for viewers looking for a quirky and thoughtful film that defies conventional categorization. The movie, like its ageless protagonist, exists timelessly - in an unconventional space - somewhere between comedy and drama, fantasy and reality.