Simply a good film. Viewers familiar with Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" will jump right into the feel and funny of this picture. Myself a "Curb your Enthusiasm" enthusiast, I welcomed a work by Jeff Garlin who plays Larry's best friend and manager on "Curb." While so many regulars and guests give strong candidly improvisational performances on that series, Jeff always impressed me as rock solid.

Jeff not only brings his acting talent to the big screen with "Cheese," he's also written and directed it. A little rickety at the outset -- sometimes technically so (in spots, the voice sync goes way south). But soon enough, the film finds its balance and picks up a quiet momentum. In a rather modest way, it tickles the funny bone as it endears.

It's a smart series of set improv pieces that not only tell a story well, but also slowly reveal the main character. In some ways, I'm reminded of Steve Martin's "The Lonely Guy" which was made way back in the 80's. Anyway, simply a good film by any standard and bravely brief at 80 minutes.

Sarah Silverman, among other stars gives good performances without going over the top. (Rose Adobo cracked me up, just with the squint of her eyes.) From the production notes: Jeff lists, among his hobbies, taking naps and eating pudding.

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