Thanks to his visage as a sophisticated, down-to-Earth father figure, Richard Jenkins more often than not gets handed straight man roles. And though he does well with them, the man is destined for more. He’s got comedic intensity inching out subtly in every direction, and hopefully his new role in the comedy film A.C.O.D. will let the masterfully humorous side of Jenkins shine.
The titular anagram stands for Adult Children of Divorce, which is the theme of the film. The chant-worthy Adam Scott plays a man whose younger brother is engaged to be married. Their parents, Jenkins and an as of yet uncast mother, are not only divorced, but vehemently opposed to the very idea of one another. This makes the otherwise joyous endeavor of planning a wedding a nightmare for the siblings. Fortunately for his brother, Scott’s character Carter attempts to shoulder the responsibility of keeping his parents civil. But the likelihood is, civility will turn to war.
From this description, it seems as though Jenkins won’t simply be playing the sensible dad. As one of the two driving forces of the main conflict, he’ll have to be inherently, and terrifically, flawed. And in a comedy film, flaws mean laughs. Especially when it comes to actors like Jenkins and Scott, the two best parts of the Will Ferrell/John C. Reilly movie Step Brothers.
We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table, R.J. We’re sure it’ll be stellar.
Source: Deadline
