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Bug

2001, Movie, NR, 88 mins

Bug: Review

Matt Manfredi and Phil May's entertaining, meditative multi-character comedy demonstrates that every action in the universe results in an unforeseen consequence. Though a short synopsis can't include all the characters who illustrate their premise that without meeting directly, strangers' lives can intersect, they include fortune-cookie writer Dwight (Jamie Kennedy), who stiffs a hard-working waiter (Larry Cox) who's then unable to afford baby food. Later that night, Dwight and his girlfriend can't sleep because of a baby's persistent wailing — the impoverished waiter happens to live downstairs from Dwight. No one represents the tangential effect better than life-affirming security guard Wallace (John Carroll Lynch), who even deviates from his work routine to chide a youngster about stepping on an insect. But every time Wallace plays Good Samaritan, an officious meter maid gives him a parking ticket. When a loser named Gordon (Grant Heslov) can't stop mourning the loss of his pet pig, he dons a bug costume to symbolize his insignificance; Wallace risks his life to talk Gordon out of jumping off a building. Fearful, germ-phobic businessman Cyr (Brian Cox) runs a fast food eatery that Wallace passes every day; unlike the upbeat Wallace, Cyr spends his time fretting that his establishment is going to be shut down. When an officious health inspector slips on a banana peel, Cyr is relieved to meet his lax replacement (Ed Begley Jr.), who overlooks minor infractions; unfortunately, the careless inspector shakes Cyr’s hand and infects him with a variety of diseases. Everyone's actions boomerang, positively or negatively, and like his fellow characters, Cyr learns his lesson about personal responsibility the hard way. Echoing the Stephen Sondheim song, "No one is alone," this sweetheart of a movie contemplates the randomness of everyday life. Although not all links in this daisy chain are equally fresh, Manfredi and May offer food for thought and a steady diet of laughter. leave a comment --Robert Pardi