Best known for her role in "Felicity," Keri Russell plays Jenna, a waitress and local celebrity for her unique pie creations. Married to an emotionally edgy, physically abusive and all around jerk of a husband, Earl (Jeremy Sisto), Jenna dreams of a life far from her own small-town, seemingly small-life existence. As she plans her escape, she expresses her frustration through her creatively named pies (i.e., "I Hate My Husband Pie"). Waitressing alongside her in the diner are her two best friends, Cheryl Hines and writer/director, Adrienne Shelly. In an intense women's restroom moment, we learn Jenna is pregnant. Her hopes of ever escaping her husband and small town are dashed. Soon, "Bad Baby Pie" is concocted.

  Jenna sadly and methodically does what any new mother would do - a practical visit to the local obstetrician. She finds out her normal (female) doctor has retired, and in her place stands Dr. Pomatter (the mysteriously sexy Nathan Fillion). A connection develops between Jenna and Dr. Pomatter, resulting in an ongoing and passionate love affair. We finally see Jenna smile for the first time in the movie, despite the fact she realizes her relationship with Dr. Pomatter can't last.

At first, "Waitress" seems dry, but only because we are experiencing the same lack of joy Jenna experiences. As her acceptance of her pregnancy (and her stomach) grows, and she discovers life within herself separate from her outside circumstances, we are carried along her journey to freedom.

  Rated PG-13 for sexual content, language and thematic elements, "Waitress" is a safe bet if you're tired of typical Hollywood predictability. After its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival following her death, Shelley has been highly esteemed for her writing, directing, and acting in "Watiress." I give it a strong 4 out of 5 "I Can't Have No Affair Because It's Wrong and I Don't Want Earl To Hate Me Pies"

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Anne Jackson is a twenty-something writer, artist & rooibos addict who lives in the Dallas area with her husband, Chris. Chris and Anne both are on staff at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, Texas. She is a member of the North Texas Film Critic's Association and an avid fan of all things Scottish. She has recently written for Relevant Magazine, Church Marketing Sucks, and Lake Pointe Life. You can reach Anne on her blog at Flowerdust.net.