I have been waiting almost ten years now for a film to match the quality of The Good Girl for Jennifer Aniston. Yes she is the sweetheart of the romantic comedy (being fast approached by Katherine Heigl) and arguably the most successful of the 'Friends' cast, but for me her best perfomance to date is as downtrodden Justine who has a misguided affair with a tortured Jake Gyllenhaal in The Good Girl. If you've not seen it then I highly recommend it, if only to see a different side of Aniston and the chemistry I said was lacking in my review of Water For Elephants (there is a similar age gap between the protagonists).
So Management has satisfied this need to see Aniston in another quiet unassuming role, and she benefits again from a great co-star in the form of Steve Zahn. Actually to be fair to Zahn this is his movie, Aniston is the co-star. It follows Zahn as Mike, son of a Motel owners Trish and Jerry, who works for them as Night Manager and lives on site. He sees Sue (Aniston) check in, and takes a liking, deciding to pursue her with cheap wine courtesy of 'management'. Mike in turn intrigues Sue, who is passing through buying art for her company, and so she decides to have her way so to speak, not knowing what kind of reaction it sparks in Mike.
Now this isn't a scary stalker movie, but Mike does buy a one way ticket to where Sue lives, having fallen in love with her almost at first sight. This is where I see the true strengths of Aniston's acting as she copes with such an enthusiastic admirer without resorting to over the top gestures or facial expressions, its a quiet dignity and pragmatism that comes across from her character, which is what Sue is meant to represent in contrast to Mike's boyish charm.
Of course the relationship continues as it began, completely unconventional. Until he goes to find her once more after a long period of no contact and finds she has moved in with an ex boyfriend (played by Woody Harrelson) across the country, so naturally he pursues her once more!
Mike's pursuit of Sue is sweet and slightly crazy, she has tried not to get his hopes up at various points but obviously cannot help but be charmed by him. Ultimately though there is heartbreak on both sides, as Sue finally breaks his spirit Mike realises he has to grow up, and Sue also realises she has never taken any time for herself in her life. It has a very sweet ending, and though the plot is not itself entirely believable the ending is a show of strength of character. Though I am Atheist the ending brought back memories of a Catholic childhood and the story of Mary and Joseph, how one man stepped up to help a pregnant girl even though the child was not his. Though me saying this gives away the end I hope it does not prevent anybody watching it, some stories are woven so well they are worth watching despite knowing how it ends.
Both Zahn and Aniston are understated in their performances but entirely believable, especially Mike's relationship with his mother. Their support cast are tremendous, I rarely find fault with Woody Harrelsons performances, and Margo Martindale (Mike's Mother) I have loved ever since hearing her Southern twang speaking French in Paris Je T'aime.
First time director Stephen Belber does a good job, he also wrote the script, and though the film took a few twists and turns I did not expect it never compromised on the integrity of the characters or changed tone.
I am not honestly sure what I expected from this film except for it to be quirky, and I was rewarded handsomely in this respect. It has attributes of The Good Girl, Garden State and Junebug, with its own stalker type element. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, but have to say if you disliked any of the three movies I have just listed I don't think this is the film for you and perhaps you should stick to the more conventional Aniston rom-com.
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