A.C.O.D. stands for Adult Children of Divorce. This is a ripe subject for an indie comedy. However despite a great cast and a nice soundtrack, the film's screenplay undermines an honest look at families. Screenwriter Ben Karlin is no stranger to examining family disfunction but here can't escape his Modern Family sitcom tendencies.
Adam Scott stars as Carter, a grown man caught between the crossfire of his divorced parents. Carter's brother is getting married so naturally the family is forced together. Scott proves here that he can carry a feature film all on his own. He is natural, funny and brings a sense melancholy to Carter. The supporting cast is all great including Richard Jenkins, Jane Lynch, Amy Poehler and Catherine O'Hara.
As A.C.O.D. progresses the problems arise. What starts as a funny and insightful look at divorce and the effects on children devolves as the film goes along into a silly and shallow sitcom of a film. The circumstances surrounding the climax feel so written that any sense of reality or honesty in the script is washed away.
The resolution is also problematic. Director Stu Zicherman never seems certain on what he wants to say with the film. As a result, the resolution lacks closure and a final punch. A few storylines don't even get wrapped up.
A.C.O.D. relies on its talented and charming cast. Scott really shines throughout the film even when the script ventures down sitcom scenarios. It's a shame the film wasn't more focused as the subject matter is great fodder for what could have been a great film.
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