Austin-based writer and director Bob Byington has made his most accessible and entertaining feature yet with "Somebody Up There Likes Me." Shot locally, the low-budget comedy stars Nick Offerman (who plays Ron Swanson on NBC's "Parks & Recreation") and Keith Poulson in a story that tracks the friendship of two men (and their intertwining relationships) over a 35-year span.

The narrative leaps forward in five-year increments. This is one of those devices that some will follow but some may find annoying. After all, there isn't much of an effort to age the characters or -- with the exception of a title card on screen -- really show that time has passed. Still, it pushes the story along, and if you're as charmed with it as I was, you'll overlook this really quickly.

Austin residents will enjoy seeing all of the familiar locations, but this film has some genuinely hysterical moments (albeit in a decidedly deadpan manner). Offerman's lead role, along with a cameo from his wife Megan Mullally, should undoubtedly assist with getting the movie stronger distribution than Byington's previous efforts.