Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming co-wrote, directed and head a star-studded cast whose standout ensemble acting is among the most striking assets in this droll, sharply observed Hollywood comedy-drama.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 30, 2024

The dialogue feels real, full of assumptions and faux pas, often painful and awkward.

| Oct 26, 2021

Leigh and Cumming are somewhat disgruntled members of the Hollywood scene who have not deeply worked out a critique. The film lacks sufficient anger at the current state of affairs and, more generally, a strong purposefulness.

| Mar 5, 2021

| Original Score: 1/5 | Nov 20, 2008

| Original Score: 1/5 | Aug 7, 2008

As first film, it suffers from problems of most movies directed by actors: Big emotional scenes and indulgent acting, but it has some moments of truth

| Original Score: C+ | Apr 20, 2006

...because Cumming and Leigh avoid most (though not all) of the easy choices common to first-time writers and directors, the movie stays on the right side of entertaining.

| Apr 5, 2006

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 6, 2005

... it's fascinating to search for these characters' hearts under the layers of makeup, denial, disguise, excuses, fantasies, and ego.

| Original Score: B | Dec 6, 2004

| Original Score: 70/100 | Mar 16, 2004

Intenso e fascinante, o filme se apia inteiramente no imenso talento de seu elenco e recompensado com atuaes absolutamente irretocveis - e claro que a dupla de diretores merece crditos por isto.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 12, 2003

Leigh and Cumming prove to be adept writers and, like many actors-turned-directors, are excellent at eliciting fine performances from their fellow thespians.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jun 19, 2003

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 10, 2003

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Feb 8, 2003

A raw yet relaxed film buff's film... a wittier, recast version of one of your own dinner parties, with enough high drama to keep the guests talking for quite a while.

| Original Score: B | Jan 16, 2003

| Original Score: B | Jan 10, 2003

Co-directors Jason Leigh and Cummings have delivered an uncharacteristically smart comedy with surprising dramatic turns and excellent performances across the board.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 8, 2002

Focusing on the relationship between Sally and Joe ... The Anniversary Party reveals itself as a devastating parable about love, unfolding much like a stage play.

Full Review | Nov 18, 2002

Unfortunately, more often than not it settles for the bright Yuppie banter ... you would expect of this bunch of characters.

| Oct 21, 2002

An encouraging sign, both for the potential of low-budget, digital video movie-making and for the potential of talented actors to bring fresh ideas to the other side of the camera.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 15, 2002