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The Film Arcade

James C. Strouse is best known for films following men’s transformations via either personal growth or an unforeseen event in their lives. Mostly known for being the screenwriter on the indie films "Lonesome Jim," "Grace is Gone," and "The Winning Season," Strouse directed and wrote this tale of a graphic artist who has to piece his life together after his partner cheats on him and breaks apart his family. Alone and embittered, our main character Will (Clement) has to learn how to balance his new life with raising his twin daughters, having a new relationship with his ex, writing a new novel, and engaging with a literature professor from Columbia who throws him for a loop. Threaded together by Will's drawings, this little indie comedy fuses together the drama of a mixed family, and the absurdity of what life throws at us.

  Clement has been turning in a series of varied performances in the past couple of years. He's been a villain in the third MIB film, a New Zealand vampire in "What We Do in the Shadows," and a prison king in "Muppets Most Wanted." This is probably the most down to earth role that I have seen the comedian take on, ever. There's no underlying goofiness, or chance for satire in this emotional depiction of a single father trying to understand the motivations of those around him. He comes across as a caring father who wants to spend time with his daughters, but doesn’t always give them the time and access they need. To balance his relationship with his family there's a side story where he becomes involved with a student's mother, who has her own baggage.

 Jessica Williams gives a subdued yet relatable performance as his student; who becomes enmeshed in his life through circumstance. His twin daughters are also quite sweet and give good turns as little eccentrics who love both their parents, and giggle at their father's exploits. The give and take between Clement's character and the rest of the cast feels seamless. The banter is witty yet relatable, and there's true emotional growth for Will's character throughout. There's true heart to this film, and it's not ridiculous for you to feel absolute sorrow or empathy for our main character. The romantic relationship with the student's mom felt a bit rushed, as they have a conversation that turns from revealing inner demons to a lustful interlude quite quickly, but there was true emotional depth to their relationship.