Lisa Johnson Mandell’s I’ll Be Right There review says Edie Falco and a game cast give this subtle indie about when it’s okay to put yourself first.

Ever since The Sopranos and Nurse Jackie, I’d happily be glued to the screen watching Edie Falco in anything — even an eczema medication commercial.

So I was eager to give the intimate indie I’ll Be Right There a watch. It centers on Carmela…er… Jackie…no Wanda, a hard working, middle class single mom of two adult kids in an aging East Coast city, trying to redefine herself and her life.

But her life is more complicated than you might suspect: Her eight months pregnant daughter (Kayli Carter) is insisting on a big, fancy wedding that neither Wanda, nor her ex (Bradley Whitford) can afford. For some strange reason, Wanda just can’t say no.

She also has a hard time saying no to her mother (Jeanie Berlin) who insists that she’s dying, even though her doctor insists she’s not. Mom leans on Wanda pretty hard and tells the kids outrageous stories about her life.

Wanda can’t say either yes or no to her boyfriend (Michael Rapapport), even though he offers to help her out with wedding expenses, or her girlfriend (Sepideh Moafi), with whom she is also sleeping, because neither one really floats her boat.

About the only ones she can say no to are her drug addled, maladjusted son (Charlie Tahan Mark) who wants to join the military, and his hunky, single, oh-so-understanding fireman neighbor (Michael Beach). Those are the two who should get a resounding YES!

I’ll Be Right There review — Comedy or drama?

As one would surmise, the film is about her growing a pair, finally learning to put yourself first, trying to figure out what you really want out of life — and starting down the path to get it.

I suppose I’d place this in the “dramady” category, because there are no real laugh out loud, edge of your seat or ugly cry moments. Director Brendan Walsh, who has a slew of indies to his credit and worked with Falco directing Nurse Jackie episodes, is able to sustain a sort of endearing warmth throughout the film.

Not all movies have to be big, brash, daring awards contenders. I’ll Be Right There is a decent, relaxing cinematic experience. And in these days when life seems to be throwing punches at you from all directions, that’s a good thing.

Rated N/R

1 Hour 38 Minutes

If this I’ll Be Right There review encourages you to mosey on over to your local cineplex, get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s I’ll Be Right There review says Edie Falco and a game cast give this subtle indie about when it’s okay to put yourself first.