51�Թ�

Benson and Moorhead followed it up with this gonzo talkathon in which two neighbors become enmeshed in a world of conspiracy theories and supernatural shenanigans, against a backdrop of ominous black smoke and low-flying aircrafts.

At three hours, it is a tediously misfiring talkathon, leavened only by some commendable performances, particularly that of Roslyn Ruff as the matriarch of the indestructible Antrobus family.

Which is why it’s been gratifying to see so many critics nod in agreement that a hypnotic three-hour Japanese talkathon might be the year’s best movie.

Many Americans recognize this scenario from the movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” when the naïve but principled senator played by Jimmy Stewart took to the floor for a talkathon aimed at stopping a land grab.

Occasionally, grandstanders in the Senate’s ranks stage a pointless talkathon simply for the attention it can draw.