Stephen Tobolowsky and I are kindred spirits. We both LOVE to tell a good story. The only difference between us is the fact his great stories revolve around actual events that have happened to him, where as I enjoy repeating great stories that have happened to others. Never the less, Tobolowsky sets the stage for what you might assume to be tall tales, but are true life events he is kind enough to share with the world. Those that pick the film up will not be let down by the amazing and fascinating stories that are shared.

You may not recognize who Stephen Tobolowsky is by name, but his face is familiar. You can catch him in movies such as Thelma and Louise, Basic Instinct, Little Black Book, Deadwood, Freaky Friday, Garfield, Failure to Launch, etc. He is, surely, one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, but has found the time to recant some of his favorite stories from his active lifetime. When viewers first turn on the film, they'll notice that it isn't a big budget ordeal, which makes it comforting since you'll be tuning in to watch a ton of personal tale telling. The movie is shot by the director, Robert Brinkmann (Encino Man, Serving Sara, The Cable Guy), while Stephen is preparing to celebrate (I'll give you three guesses...) his birthday. First, we are greeted by a scene of Tobolowsky being filmed on the beach telling his famous dolphin story. We hear about how on a past birthday, he gets the nerve to swim out to a deep section of the ocean, where he can't touch the floor. While out swimming, he notices a fin and begins an inner monologue of panic. Rather than screaming for help, he stays put and comes to learn it isn't a people eating sea creature after all, but a dolphin protecting his pod.  Much to his own surprise, while finishing the tale, he spots actual dolphins in the ocean behind him. Very apropos!

While Stephen is preparing for his big event, viewers get to hear stories about his early audition memories, his attempt at becoming Ronald McDonald and learning to be patient after an elderly gentleman takes his time walking across the street (We can all learn from this story so make sure to pay attention!). Each story is told with so much charisma and charm that they make you laugh or pull at your heartstrings (sometimes both). When the guests finally do arrive, you've heard some amazing experiences and seen how to cook a great brat! One of my favorite pre-party stories for laughs is titled "Lobsters on a Plane" and is an account of one man's determined journey to bring seafood home. Any flight attendant is sure to roll their eyes and offer up their own interesting in-flight comedies.

When guests (the audience) finally arrive, Tobolowsky truly blossoms. Guests at the party include Mena Suvari, Greg Wagrowski and Amy Adams who get to listen to his vivaciously told story about being chosen as one of the top 100 coolest people in Los Angeles. That's a side splitter! Other tales include stories of Ammonia Pot, Being Beaten By Monks and LSD Christmas before hearing behind the scenes chatter from his days working onBird on a Wire and Mississippi Burning. Viewers even get to hear the heart warming account about finding out he is going to be a dad for the first time, quite a sentimental and teary-eyed tale. After the party has ended, other sad stories include Stephen remembering his good friend Bob Darnell and Meeting with Bob (R.I.P. to a wonderful ashtray).

Stephen Tobolowsky does an amazing job of entertaining viewers in a minimalist movie. You laugh, you cry, you smile, you snort. It is a film without action, without any kind of script, but a powerful movie none-the-less. It engages the audience and welcomes viewers as if they were sitting at the birthday sharing a beer with Tobolowsky and friends, exactly what you would hope for from a movie told from the heart.

If you haven't heard enough stories, viewers can head to the "Special Features" and catch ninety more minutes of those that were not fit into the film. Additionally, there is a trailer for the Aspen Comedy Arts Festival. This movie comes highly recommended for a down home romp into the life of Stephen Tobolowsky and his misadventures, as well as offering a great lesson in life, love and humility.