Not for the easily offended, but rather for the easily amused, “Waiting-” is the new restaurant comedy from writer and director Rob McKittrick.
“Waiting-” takes place during one day at Shenanigan’s, a restaurant that can be likened to Bennigan’s or T.G.I. Friday’s. Dean (Justin Long), a waiter at Shenanigan’s since high school, begins to reconsider his life choices when he learns that an equally intelligent high school classmate now has an engineering degree. Meanwhile, Dean’s party-loving friend and co-worker Monty (Ryan Reynolds) is put in charge of training new employee Mitch (John Francis Daley). In the course of the shift, Mitch observes the rest of Shenanigan’s colorful staff: angry waitresses Serena (Anna Faris), Amy (Kaitlin Doubleday) and Naomi (Alanna Ubach), wannabe gangster busboys, an over-eager manager (David Koechner) and the eclectic kitchen staff (Luis Guzman, Chi McBride and Dane Cook).
Featuring a diverse and multi-talented ensemble cast, “Waiting-” makes it look like the actors had a blast filming the crude but funny movie. The subject is fresh, unlike much of the food at Shenanigan’s, and the script is hilariously written. The film is an ode to day-in-the-life movies, such as Kevin Smith’s “Clerks,” and does a good job of not seeming too drawn-out. The characters are relatable and honest, and some convey a true grittiness that one would expect to find at a place like Shenanigan’s. Be warned: After seeing this film, you may never look at your waiter in the same way again. But the movie is really a must-see for anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant or just wondered what goes on behind the scenes. Interesting, humorous and often disgusting, “Waiting-” will leave you wanting more.