
Leaving the ivy-covered walls of Yale behind, the privileged and intellectual David sets out to discover the real world armed with books and a strong conviction of atheism. He goes to work at an apple orchard under an alias, but is thrust into a world he is wholly unprepared for with religious locals and untrustworthy co-workers. His sexuality and lack of faith will be tested as he learns to rely on strangers in a world that can't be taught in books and a classroom.... (Full plot summary below)
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Leaving the ivy-covered walls of Yale behind, the privileged and intellectual David sets out to discover the real world armed with books and a strong conviction of atheism. He goes to work at an apple orchard under an alias, but is thrust into a world he is wholly unprepared for with religious locals and untrustworthy co-workers. His sexuality and lack of faith will be tested as he learns to rely on strangers in a world that can't be taught in books and a classroom.
Leave your thoughts about C.O.G..
| The A.V. ClubA.A. DowdThere are some who have complained that C.O.G. ends too abruptly, but it has the bracing, devastating punctuation of a fine short story. |
| ScreenAnarchyChase WhaleExperience is the best teacher in Kyle Patrick Alvarez' riveting portrait of self-discovery, C.O.G. |
| Movie DearestFr. Chris CarpenterI really wanted to like this film, being a fan of Sedaris' writing, of (screenwriter-director) Alvarez and of the great actors assembled here. Unfortunately, the screenplay lacks focus and is more often cruel than comedic. |
| Cinemalogue.comTodd JorgensonThe sardonic humor hits the mark more often than not, and Groff brings sympathy to an otherwise smug and pretentious character. |
| OregonianMarc MohanC.O.G. is probably of the most interest to Sedaris fans curious to see how the humorist’s unique tone translates to film (the answer is moderately well). |
| Movie MezzanineDan SchindelA promising sophomore effort from Easier with Practice writer/director Kyle Patrick Alvarez, and a great star turn for Jonathan Groff. |
| San Francisco ChronicleDavid LewisDeft director Kyle Patrick Alvarez concocts a subtle brew of sexuality, religion and class that goes down easily, even as the world around Samuel sometimes leaves a bitter taste. |
| VarietyPeter DebrugeThe source material may be David Sedaris (this marks the first time the essayist has allowed one of his pieces to be adapted), but the tone couldn’t be more Kyle Patrick Alvarez, who once again steers auds to some gloriously uncomfortable places. |
| Chicago ReaderAndrea GronvallWriter-director Kyle Patrick Alvarez blends pointed satire with gallows humor, much like Sedaris himself. |
| Arizona RepublicRandy CordovaThe film features snappy, hilarious bits among the coming-of-age vignettes, but it loses momentum as it winds toward a finish. You won't grow bored with the characters, but you might check your watch a few times. |