One of the most talked about movies of 2000 was You Can Count on Me, even though it was one of the most unseen movies of the year.

Starring Laura Linney, Mark Ruffalo, and Matthew Broderick, You Can Count On Me combines good acting with a great script that has laughs, drama, and everything in between.

Broderick turns in a wonderful performance as Linney's boss who has an affair with her, and his character is very similar to the character he portrayed in Election, another overlooked movie. In fact, I was expecting more of an Election-type comedy than the more serious story that You Can Count on Me is, but both movies have a quirky quality about them that make them great.

Laura Linney turns in a wonderful performance (she earned an Oscar nomination, and if not for the popularity of Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich, probably would have won the prestigious award) as the single mom who has to deal with a man who loves her, a son who is a little distant, a boss that she is having an affair with, and her troubled brother.

The troubled brother is played by Mark Ruffalo, who delivers the most likeable and interesting character in the movie. He is troubled, but he also has a very forward approach to life that is hard to forget. I don't think I would have liked the movie nearly as much if anyone else had played the part.

As for the movie itself, it has a great script that has a lot of serious elements in it but still knows how to throw the perfect line in for a bit of comedy. The story is good and the dialogue is nearly perfect.

The only thing that I didn't like about You Can Count On Me is the ending, which is sort of a letdown compared to the rest of the movie. It really doesn't seem to resolve too many things, and happens very quickly.

You Can Count On Me drags in a few parts and the ending is a little weak, but all in all it is a wonderful movie with terrific acting and great dialogue.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.