Let me state this first: I never walk out of movies. However, after enduring an hour's worth of this I was forced to. A recurring theme in the beginning of the movie is Annette Bening's character ranting about her husband trying to get her to kill herself. This quite fittingly foreshadows what we as the audience are about to experience. No character is likable, with the exception of the (Alec Baldwin father) who leaves the insanity, as any sensible person would do when confronted with these people. I can't identify with any of the characters, and although the movie is marketed as being funny because of their absurdity, it deliberately avoids possible humor in numerous cases. Yes, it takes itself quite seriously. For a vastly superior film about dysfunction, please go see the excellent Little Miss Sunshine.
I realize that this movie is based on a memoir, and is more or less a true story. However, even if it happened to be a compelling tale on paper, it does not translate well at all to film. Instead it becomes like that cocktail party story we have all heard. You know, the one that seems really funny to the person telling it, but everyone else finds it quite dull because they apparently are not in on the joke. Do not see this movie.
I realize that this movie is based on a memoir, and is more or less a true story. However, even if it happened to be a compelling tale on paper, it does not translate well at all to film. Instead it becomes like that cocktail party story we have all heard. You know, the one that seems really funny to the person telling it, but everyone else finds it quite dull because they apparently are not in on the joke. Do not see this movie.