Home Again (2017 Hallie Myers-Shyer & scr)

Daughter of Nancy Myers (who produced) and Charles Shyer (House Calls, Goin' South, Private Benjamin, the Alfie remake), this is her debut and we thoroughly enjoyed this comedy which operates within its own cosy Hollywood fantasy existence of beautifully designed houses. (In fact the 1929 Spanish-style hacienda in Brentwood "is like a character in the film,” says production designer Ellen J. Brill. “That’s what happens in Nancy Meyers movies.” See here.) It also trades on the popular theme of films and film-makers (it's a bit disappointing that not more of the family connection to the genius director is made).

Pico Alexander, John Rudnitsky and Nat Wolff are the film-makers who encounter Reese Witherspoon and her mother Candice Bergen.  (It's a great moment when the boys relish the feel of the sheets. And when they realise whose house they are in.) Lola Flanery and Eden Grace Redfield are the girls and Michael Sheen the estranged father. With Lake Bell as an arsehole client, P.J. Byrne (agent).

Much to its credit, it doesn't end quite where you expect it to, either. Moves along briskly and is funny. Shot by Dean Cundey (now 70) and featuring an interesting soundtrack of oldies including vintage Yes.

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