Alfredo's "Grosse Pointe"

Acclaimed baiter Alfredo delves into the mysterious arena of comedy with his new bait, "Grosse Pointe", based upon the short-lived TV show by the same name.

Directed by David Frankel ("The Devil Wears Prada") and written by Darren Starr (TV's "Sex and the City"), "Grosse Pointe" stars some veterans from the original series (Al Santos & Kyle Howard) as well as a bevel of newcomers (Amy Adams, Rachel McAdams, Isla Fisher, Alec Baldwin, Amy Sedaris, and Bill Hader).

This bait, while well-written, probably won't be extremely successful because of its comedic nature and obvious television background. By the end of the synopsis, you say, "This should be a TV show" and then you realize that it was. This fact makes the bait less believable as a film, which is the same problem that other TV translations face in the contest and in the actual world. The reason they are TV shows is because the storylines are too complicated to be summed up in 120 minutes.

"Grosse Pointe" will probably see success at the Golden Globes where it will most likely be nominated for Best Picture-Musical/Comedy, although I could see Amy Adams remaining strong until the final awards. Her role is quirky and has a major conflict that should provide emotional range, similar to her Oscar-nominated performance in "Junebug". Kyle Howard could also get some surprise buzz as a stoner/free loader who causes laughs wherever he goes. Amy Sedaris plays a producer who wants the attractive guys on the show to take off their clothes in every scene, an idea that is so creepy that is so funny with Sedaris behind it. And finally, Bill Hader, best known for his spot-on impressions on "Saturday Night Live" and in the summer hit "Superbad", who is constantly underminded by Sedaris.

The bait lacks the emotional power to win the Oscar but could turn up some surprise acting nominations and even win.

Grade: B

Awards Contender:

Best Awards Campaign

Most Likely to Become a Cult Film

Best Cast

Best Casting Choice-Amy Adams

Best Tagline

Best Actress-Amy Adams

Best Supporting Actor-Kyle Howard

Best Supporting Actress-Amy Sedaris

Best Adapted Screenplay