The Real Howard Spitz Details

Kelsey Grammer (Frasier) is perfectly cast as a reclusive writer struggling to get his Raymond Chandler-esque pulp novels published in this barely released comic winner. Grammer finds success with his new Crafty Cow children's detective books, but goes to insane lengths to avoid public engagements. Grammer gives an accomplished performance as the curmudgeon with a well-hidden heart, and the droll script is bursting with amusing dialogue, laugh-out-loud situations and cynical charm. Director Vadim Jean's skewed, cartoony direction is spot-on, as is the tongue-in-cheek score. There's also delightful support from Amanda Donohoe, Joseph Rutten and little Genevieve Tessier. Although the end is never in doubt, the journey there is a lot of fun.

A British movie with an American setting, but shot in Nova Scotia, this perfectly pitched family film is a winning... read more on Time Out