 American Splendor 2003  R, 100 min.
Genre: Drama
Director: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis, Judah Friedlander, James Urbaniak, Harvey Pekar, Joyce Brabner, Earl Billings, Madylin Sweeten, Toby Radloff, Danielle Batone, Danny Hoch, Shari Springer Berman
By day, Harvey (Paul Giamatti) works as a file clerk at a V.A. hospital in Cleveland. By night, he drudges up stories about his experiences and turns them into the comic book, "American Splendor." The mix of reality and fiction works very well in this film–so well, in fact, that "American Splendor" won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
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The Nanny Diaries 2007  PG-13, 105 min.
Genre: Comedy / Drama
Director: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney, Alicia Keyes, Chris Evans, Donna Murphy, Nicholas Art, Judith Roberts, John Henry Cox, Paul Giamatti, Sakina Jaffrey, Sonnie Brown, Lewis Payton Jr., James Urbaniak
Annie Braddock (Scarlett Johansson) has recently graduated from college with a degree in economics when she finds her life taking a sharp turn after she fails in the business world and, while commiserating in Central Park, is offered the job of Nanny to preschooler Grayer (Nicholas Art). Annie lies to her mother Judy (Donna Murphy), takes the job, and moves to New York City's Upper East Side where she discovers a lifestyle she has never known before. Grayer's mother, Mrs. X (Laura Linney), spends her time shopping and is too busy for Grayer but has definite ideas of how he should be raised. Then there's workaholic Mr. X (Paul Giamatti) who ignores Grayer, yells at Mrs. X., and treats her with contempt. Mischievous Grayer, himself, is a problem, but Annie learns to deal with his shrieking fits and other behavior problems. Annie's friend Lynette (Alicia Keyes) counsels her and recommends quitting the job, but Annie just cannot leave Grayer and, despite all the problems, for the time being continues on with the job.
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Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's 1997  N/R, 90 min.
Genre: Documentary
Director: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Chasen's, one of Hollywood's landmark restaurants for seven decades, closed its doors in 1995 with a gala celebration. This is the story of that restaurant told by the people who made Chasen's a near legend–from the rich and famous to the waiters. It is well done, not only showing the tearful remembrances, but also depicting the business side and the change in people's eating habits and "trendiness."
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| 1. American Splendor (2003)
2. The Nanny Diaries (2007)
3. Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's (1997)
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