Though I’m not really into antiquing, I’ve caught a few episodes of Antiques Roadshow and found them fascinating. It’s fun to discover that a seemingly normal item someone found in their attic or at a garage sale can actually be worth thousands, or even millions of dollars.

This marks the first feature from the writer/director team of Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman, both actors based in LA, who met years back during an audition. They came up with the idea for Lost & Found in Cleveland, a film about five different individuals trying to get some items appraised at an antiques show. It’s definitely a great concept for a movie, and it welcomes viewers into the city of Cleveland and its diverse residents, all excited about the upcoming Christmas visit from a show similar to ‘Antiques Roadshow’.

While the filmmakers appear to draw inspiration from Christopher Guest’s mockumentary Best in Show, this film offers a more realistic portrayal of five distinct individuals over the course of a day. It kicks off with a quote from Tennessee Williams: ‘America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.‘ I wasn’t familiar with that quote before, but it really sets the tone for the movie.

The highlight of this movie is definitely the cast. I have to say, I was instantly drawn in when I noticed June Squibb was part of it. I wish she had more screen time, but she delivers a perfectly timed NSFW line near the end that cracks everyone up. That scene takes me back to the Greek bowl fiasco in The Birdcage. The ensemble features a bunch of seasoned actors: Dennis Haysbert, Jon Lovitz, Loretta Devine, Stacy Keach, and Martin Sheen. Lovitz and Sheen’s appearances are more of an extended cameo.

My favorite storyline concerns Marty (Haysbert), a mailman with dreams of starting his own restaurant as he’s still mourning the death of his mother, Rosemary. It’s a touching segment that really captures the essence of the American Dream at the turn of the century. Plus, there’s a dance dream sequence that’s such a cute surprise. Young newcomer Benjamin Steinhauser is quite memorable as Charlie, William McKinley’s biggest fan, who has a letter linked to the 25th US president that he wants to showcase. There’s even a fun scene featuring Charlie and his mom at the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum.

The storyline of Santino Fontana’s character, Gary, a social studies professor, starts out as a bit of a mystery. He’s anxious, almost haunted by the thought of presenting a vintage collection he got from his grandma. It turns out, his collection consists of Aunt Jemima ceramic dolls, which are considered racist due to their roots in the derogatory ‘mammy’ stereotype of a submissive black woman. My least favorite story is about a snobbish, wealthy woman named Sophie (Liza Weil) who’s convinced that the Tunisian artifact she discovered on her family holiday will be the highlight of the show.

Although there’s golden potential in the antique road show idea, the script and its execution prevent it from becoming a comedy classic. Some of the jokes fall flat, and the biggest issue is the painfully slow first act that takes too long to kick into gear. The running time of over two hours could definitely use some trimming, and tighter editing would really help with the sluggish pace. The third act is when everything comes together, and it’s the most enjoyable chapter. That said, this is a charming, feel-good movie with a tinge of nostalgia that’s fun to watch with the whole family, especially during the Christmas holiday. Listening to the Q&A after the TCFF screening gave me some fascinating BTS insights and made me appreciate the film a little more, especially considering the decade-long journey from concept to screen.

I’d definitely suggest this to antique collectors or those who love appraisal shows. The film also serves as a love letter to Cleveland, showcasing how people live in different areas of the city and highlighting various neighborhoods as filming spots.

What are your thoughts on Lost & Found in Cleveland?