DUMMY is a family sitcom that ranks with memorable comic favorites like SIXTEEN CANDLES. Its charismatic lead, Steven (Adrien Brody), is an aspiring ventriloquist and total nerd who narrates the film in a self-deprecating deadpan voice-over. Though Steven is an adult with a job and his own life, he still lives at home with his wacky parents, who feed him and nag him just as they would a teenage kid. His hyperemotional sister (Illeana Douglas), a successful wedding planner, also lives at home. Steven must deal with threatening visits from her ex-fiancé in hilarious stalking scenes that are reminiscent of BETTER OFF DEAD. Meanwhile, Steven is falling in love with his career counselor (Vera Farmiga), a quiet woman who simply cannot understand Steven's bizarre, introverted personality. When Steven's best friend Fangora (Milla Jovovich), a rebellious wannabe punk rocker, tries to offer him some romantic advice, things only get worse. A poignant script, wildly funny characters, and the perfect suburban setting all combine to make Greg Pritikin's DUMMY a comic gem.

This film screened at the SXSW 2003 film festival in Austin, Texas.