“I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With” is a fun flick, but only recommended for those who already like -- or better yet, love -- "Curb Your Enthusiasm" actor Jeff Garlin (he plays Larry David's agent in “Curb.”) Having a yen for Sarah Silverman helps, too, because she co-stars in this indie film that's written, directed and stars Garlin.
Garlin plays a likable overweight actor who lives in a Chicago apartment with his mother, and after five years of forced celibacy, is starving for love. He meets the kooky and crass Silverman behind the counter of an ice-cream parlor where he goes after sneaking out of an Overeaters Anonymous meeting, and winds up having sex with her. From there, Garlin's life begins to topple like a toddler with a triple-scoop.
The film is extremely reminiscent of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” -- the music, the comedic timing and mix of scripted and improvisational material. Also, the film feels like the “Sarah Silverman Program,” because Silverman's character Beth is much like her character in her Comedy Central show.
“I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With” is loaded with cameo appearances, including Tim Kazurinsky, Scott Adsit, Dan Castellaneta, Cindy Caponera, Amy Sedaris, Steve Dahl, David Pasquesi (who is great as Garlin's best friend), Mina Kolb, Gina Gershon and Paul Mazursky. Bonnie Hunt is well cast as a neurotic and lonely schoolteacher.
Garlin is wonderful in this film, but it's too bad that overweight actors continue to typecast themselves in “fat” roles. Garlin's weight is commonly referenced in “Curb,” and it's the crux of his misfortunes in this movie, as well. There are numerous scenes where he sits on the hood of his car, parked next to a garbage can, eating out of a bag of take-out, and although these scenes are funny, the Hollywood “fat guy” thing is forever sad thanks to the fate of self-deprecating obese actors like the late Chris Farley.
However, even though "I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With" is stacked with depressing realities, it somehow remains light. (Although arguably funnier than anything in the film was when Garlin appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and said Larry David refused to see "I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With" because it ends in a preposition.)
No, this isn't a great film -- some bits definitely work better than others -- but it's entertaining, especially for those who already appreciate Garlin's vibe and humor.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
