Four More Days of Mumblecore at the NWFF

Somebody needs to tell director Andrew Bujalski that not everything needs to be a movie. True, that's kinda the point of the mumblecore movement, which focuses on "real life" and at least semi-non-scripted scripts. After Mutual Appreciation and Funny Ha-Ha, his latest feature-length film Beeswax is yes, a more mature effort, as it covers late-twentysomethings' business dealings, as well as the requisite friendship, family, and romance. In the end, nothing much happens. Just like real life, I suppose, but most filmgoers use movies as an escape, not to deal with the same ol' boring minutiae of the day to day.

That's not to say the film isn't worth seeing. Bujalski of course captures naturalistic, organic performances from non-actor actors (and real-life twin sisters) Tilly Hatcher and Maggie Hatcher. And the chemistry (and awkwardness) between characters is palpable. I just want a little more by way of forward movement the next time around.

• Beeswax plays at the Northwest Film Forum twice daily (7 p.m., 9 p.m.) through Thursday, November 5. $9 non-members, $6 members.  Happy Monday tickets available at the door tonight for $4.50 non-members, $3 members.