StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

Stephanie There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Dames Fogarty If you have an interest in Hollywood: see this movie. More over, if you have an interest in life: see this movie! A small and intimate gathering with a man ( spoiler alert) who has changed favorite beers from Budweiser to Heineken.S.T. believes in birthday magic. He just happens to be an accomplished actor who tells a story with panache, who can make it happen himself. He's obviously gregarious and a listener as much as a speaker; but we get a night at home with Steven Tobolowsky, his wife, and friends, edited to show his skill as a master story teller. Seriously, Homer would have had a run for his money asked to compete against S.T. A master storyteller he is indeed. The eponymous birthday boy regales us, as his guests , with not a moment of mean spirit, not a scintilla of bitchiness, and keeps us riveted for the entire film. It's just a relaxed affair, with the family house as the set, yet you've not seen anything quite like this before. Watch out for appearances by WC Field's least favored co-stars in some delightful moments, too.In all: a delight.

brendastarr I must admit I'm a sucker for a great raconteur. I truly enjoyed listening to Garrison Keillor and Jean Shepherd; they could hold my attention for days. But Stephen Tobolowsky's performance of his everyday stories in "Birthday Party" goes to the top my list.The film creatively transitions from one true life tale to another, and you can't look away. Each narrative is more fascinating then its predecessor and makes you feel like you're sitting right there; at the party and Tobolowsky is telling the story just for you. It's the kind of movie you want to keep watching.Be sure you see this film. I guarantee it'll make you laugh - and it might just also make you cry. That's the magic of an actor of Tobolowsky's stature. He can tell a great story; but best of all - he can make you feel.Two thumbs up, Stephen. Fine Work!

machinelanguage Discovered this film yesterday at SXSW. It's funny, it's poignant, and very engaging. Reminiscent of MY DINNER WITH ANDRE and some of Spalding Grey's work, it's basically a series of unscripted monologues, stories form his life, delivered by this great character actor, as we follow him around on his birthday. It's not so much movie business memoir as it is the life story of an interesting guy with an interesting job.Quietly, it's a film about mortality and the fragility of our place in the world. Stephen is a very accomplished storyteller, unpretentious and engaging. I left surprised at how affected I was. I hope this film gets a release... see it if it's near you.

lrn2smile I thought this doc was really good. Parts of it were funny, some made you think on a more serious plateau. I hate using heartwarming, but it really was a good film. The film kind of let you into the stories surrounding his life, certain things that have molded him into who he is. I think anybody that gets a chance to go see it should. Granted, there are times that it gets kind of tedious, it brings you back in fairly quickly. ANyone who is a fan of his works, or just would like some insight into a good actor and an equally great person, they should watch this. The greatest thing about this movie is that it's setting is so intimate, you feel like he is just talking to you. Anyone that sees that will agree.