The Oranges is a juicy comedy

Richard Gere’s agent, Ed Limato, called director Julian Farino to tell him Gere was interested in the script, but Farino only wanted Hugh Laurie (from the TV series House) to play the role of David because he said that Laurie was the only person who had the innate decency that could carry this movie. 

Allison Janney as Cathy Ostroff, Oliver Platt as Terry Ostrof, Hugh Laurie as David Walling, Alia-Shawkat as Vanessa Walling, in The Oranges. Photo submitted

There has been a dearth of good comedies recently, but this little indy is worth checking out. The Oranges, with Hugh Laurie, Catherine Keener, Allison Janney and Oliver Platt belongs in the nice little movie category. Two average New Jersey families who, over the years, have become inseparable pals, are shaken up by an unexpected romance that blooms between Hugh Laurie and the grown daughter of the other family.

Although not a belly-laugh type of comedy, this movie is full of funny moments. Sometimes lives need shaking up in order to get out of a rut. Much of it takes place around Christmas and the accompanying over-zealous decorating of their suburban houses is a counterpoint for the otherwise bland lives of the occupants. Alia Shawkat of Arrested Development and Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl do nice turns as the daughters. Lots of good people and a nice soundtrack make this one worth the watch.