Henpecked and mild-mannered inventor Charles Pennywell (a solid and likable performance by William Le Massena) and his overbearing nag of a wife Rose (sharply played to the deliciously shrewish hilt by Eileen Hacket) receive a mysterious box in the mail that they are explicitly told not to open. But can they resist the urge to not do exactly that?
Director Jodie Foster keeps the engrossing story moving along at a snappy pace and maintains a charming lighthearted tone throughout. The smart script by Bob Balaban and Franco Amurri makes a spot-on stinging point about the dangers of being overly vain, greedy, and selfish, with the incredibly irritating character of Rose getting her just harsh desserts at the satisfying end. Underrated character actor Richard B. Schull makes the most out of his colorful role as a friendly postman. The crisp cinematography by Steven Ross provides a pleasing polished look. A neat show.
Director Jodie Foster keeps the engrossing story moving along at a snappy pace and maintains a charming lighthearted tone throughout. The smart script by Bob Balaban and Franco Amurri makes a spot-on stinging point about the dangers of being overly vain, greedy, and selfish, with the incredibly irritating character of Rose getting her just harsh desserts at the satisfying end. Underrated character actor Richard B. Schull makes the most out of his colorful role as a friendly postman. The crisp cinematography by Steven Ross provides a pleasing polished look. A neat show.