Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

This artistic collaboration between Mr. Cumming and Ms. Leigh is full of surprises. That these two established stars, used to playing edgy, dark, and unconventional roles would create such an ensemble piece makes me wonder what were they smokin'? Who could, after all, think actors, playing stereotypical Hollywood types, could be so boring, self-centered, and banal? And all in one evening? Anniversary Party is a perfect example of why most actors should not direct, not write, and then make it even worse by acting in the central roles. How can veteran screen stars like Alan Cumming, et al, can be so unconvincing in these one-dimensional characterizations? It's quite a hoot seeing Alan Cumming, that confirmed out-of-the-closet fashion maverick, trying to convince us he's a straight, middle-of-the-road Hollywood artist named Joe Theirran. We only have to see his Titus, Plunkett and Maclean, and yes-even Spy Kids to set our heads spinning at this sleight- of-hand nonsense.Jennifer Jason Leigh swaps her trademark controlled, neurotic ladies to wander about as Sally Theirran, looking like a victim of too much self-direction. Ms. Leigh's Delores Claireborne and Ms. Parker sparkle in our minds, only to disappear with the onslaught of this cinematic nightmare.The wonder of Indie films is that they show us a different perspective, away from the narrow frame of Hollywood auto-focus. They contain a spark of non-conformity that keeps us coming back again and again, always eager for that fresh and original view.So why make a movie that looks, acts, and feels like the standard Hollywood B movie? There's never a scene where the players cast off their self-consciousness to take ecstasy in the creative process. This film examines a rather large group of friends in the movie industry; most that are paired just a bit too conveniently. There's the obligatory set-up scenes of potential tension and disharmony, centered on Joe and Sally's sixth wedding anniversary celebration. It becomes apparent (and pretty quickly, too) that all the guests have their own issues they've brought, together with the gifts.The evening plays a bit like "All About Eve", complete with bedroom confessions, kitchen confidentials, and poolside revelations. If only there was even a fraction of the tension and drama!

I can't find much to say about this film. It was as dull as laundry day and filled with self important yet completely vapid people who cannot get along with anyone because they are all so concerned with themselves. They whine and moan and complain so much that after a while you'll feel like killing them all. It was made by Jennifer Jason Leigh, which to me is quite telling. This woman is regarded by many in Hollywood to be a great actress, which does in part explain why American movies are so awful. She is a dullard. Her name in the cast list of any movie is like a warning that a dull movie lies in store - and she MADE this one. I got the impression from the film that she thinks that it represents how people truly are and what "real life" is - but if for some reason she happens to be reading this, let me say emphatically to her that it does NOT. Of course it does paint a picture of her tragic little world of NY to LA movie types - but that is her problem, and there is a real life beyond Hollywood's artificial one (it's telling how these adults take Ecstacy, a kiddie drug that provides users with artificial emotions to go with their artificial lives). I do not want to be a part of that world and do not want to attend their parties, therefore I am sorry that I watched this. It might be a good wakeup call to anyone who dreams of movie stardom though. These people are so full of themselves because they are so empty of everything else. Actually I have to amend that statement - they are full of something else, though the twain may be hard to discern.This film, the type of people in it, and Jennifer Jason Leigh - they all deserve each other. I can't wait until Hollywood falls into the ocean.

Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming both wrote and directed this mess.An anniversary party is supposed to be one of joy but this is anything but that.A whole host of people come to celebrate-that is with their frustrations as well.Cumming is an up and coming Hollywood director who has just casted Gwyneth Paltrow to appear in his next film. She will essentially, as Sky Davidson, play Miss Leigh, his wife in the film. We are also supposed to believe that Paltrow, a blonde beauty, has just completed the film Babi-Yar, a holocaust film, where she plays a milk-maiden who takes a bullet to the head. She is named Gitel but this far from Fiddler on the Roof.When the dog Otis got lost, I thought we were going to go back to A Come Back Little Sheba atmosphere. In fact, I was right. While searching for the dog, Leigh finds Cumming in the arms of another and reveals that she has an abortion. Leigh looks simply awful in the movie. She really appears to be on drugs-the latter kills Cumming's sister, Lucy, at the end of the film.With all this going on, we have Kevin Kline, who portrays an actor who has just won the Oscar and John C. Reilly, who survives a drowning.Against the music of charades, that game is played. What is the purpose of all this? How do you invite your neighbors to such a party when you have been feuding with them regarding their constantly barking dog?The film is absolutely ridiculous at best.

Written, produced and starring Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cumming. Joe(Cumming)and Sally(Leigh)throw a party to celebrate the ending of a year apart and their 6th wedding anniversary; and currently going through the motions of wanting to start a family and a move to London. Some of their closest friends past and present plus their neighbors are invited to this gathering. One of those attending is an actress(Gwyneth Paltrow)starring in Joe's novel turned into a movie. Sally is an actress herself and struggling with emotional matters. Friend Cal(Kevin Kline) and his wife(Phoebe Cates)are among the invitees.The party really starts to lose control at the get-go. Jealousies, politically incorrectness and bickering neighbors make the party awkward. As the party moves out to the pool and the mood elevating drug Ecstacy is passed around, diverse personalities watch this get-together spiral into confusion.This drama is also a cruel comedy and some may find this movie not even worth watching for two hours. I really enjoyed Leigh, but thought Cumming annoying as hell. Not really being a Paltrow fan...I found her very interesting. The cast also features: Parker Posey, Jennifer Beals, Jane Adams, Denis O'Hare and John C. Reilly.