Mumford ★★★ 1999 (R) Writer/director Lawrence Kasdan creates another ensemble gem in this story of small town psychologist Mumford (Dean), who uses unusual methods to help the quirky townsfolk deal with their problems. His ability to actually listen to people helps out the young skateboarding millionaire (Lee) who employs most of the town, a shopaholic wife (McDonnell), her loutish husband (Danson), and nearly everyone else in town whose screws are a bit loose. Everyone except a slimy lawyer (Short) who the good doctor fires as a patient. He begins to dig up facts that may prove that Mumford isn't even a doctor. Since there's no big plot payoff or mind-boggling twists, some viewers may find it a bit boring. Those who enjoy deeper character development will love it, however. 112m/C VHS, DVD. Loren Dean, Alfre Woodard, Hope Davis, Jason Lee, Mary McDonnell, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Zooey Deschanel, Martin Short, David Paymer, Jane Adams, Dana Ivey, Kevin Tighe, Ted Danson, Jason Ritter, Elissabeth (Elisabeth, Elizabeth, Liz) Moss, Robert Stack;
Director:
Lawrence Kasdan;
Writer:
Lawrence Kasdan;
Writer:
Ericson Core;
Cameo:
James Newton Howard.
