Ed's Next Move

Running time: N/A

You don't need to be from Wisconsin or New York to understand the pain of being the 'dumpee' in a dying relationship. And when your future ex-girlfriend makes a comprehensive list of your character flaws ("It's quite detailed."), what's your next move? For Ed, the hero in writer/director John Walsh's directorial debut, your next move is to regroup, gather your belongings and move to New York City. Between the hunt for mice, obtuse neighbors, and lectures at parties about the cons of numbers in our society, Ed (Matt Ross) creates a sometimes funny, sometimes moving portrait of the difficulties of starting over. This simple story is a fine framework for director John Walsh's reflections on relationships. There's no going back once Ed reaches the big city (even with Mom's begging), and finding living arrangements is the first sign that his luck is changing. Moving in with Ray, who's never at a loss for company, only highlights Ed's sorry love life. Their friendship develops even when his efforts to meet women take a questionable turn, as he meets Lee, a local musician. Her violin and soulful tunes hint at a depth that leaves Ed wanting more, but how to get her to go out with him? Trying one approach after another leaves you wondering, "What's Ed's next move?" Your next move, however, should be to catch this wonderful and thoughtful comedy. --Jeffrey Vargas