IN A NUTSHELL:
This quirky dramedy blends dark humor, mystery, sadness, intrigue, and profound insight. It's a detective story layered with a coming-of-age story and a surprise gut punch. The movie is written and directed by Evan Morgan. I'm now a fan and can't wait to see more from him. Its unconventional look at murder and humor reminded me of the movie Knives Out.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Talk of a "concubine." Some profanity You see a man snort lines of cocaine. Talk of inappropriate behavior. You see the naked backside of a man. You see the front of a naked woman wearing a mask that covers her face. You see a bloody suicide. Murder Lots of alcohol.
THEMES: Coming-of-age Earning respect How it feels when no one takes you seriously. The theme I thought was the most interesting and compelling was one voiced by Adam Brody's character. He said, "It's difficult to accept who you are in your head and who you really are." Balance Everyone has secrets. Is the truth worth knowing?
THINGS I LIKED: Adam Brody gives a stellar performance in this role. I loved Sophie Nelisse in The Book Thief and haven't seen her in anything else since. She was perfect in her role in this movie too. The subtle humor is hilarious. Abe Applebaum's terrible receptionist was funny and should be fired. Even the side characters are interesting. Several surprising twists. There is a fascinating juxtaposition of sweet, upbeat music and a terrible crime unfolding right before your eyes. The ending gives you a chance to exhale and release your own feelings, along with the protagonist. It's powerful. There is a film noir feel to it but with a more modern spin. Effective editing.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: It starts off quickly, then starts to drag as you try to figure out how things are related. A lot of people mumble, making it difficult to know what's going on. The last 20 minutes of the movie are jaw-dropping and take the movie in a direction you don't quite expect, leaving you utterly speechless.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Talk of a "concubine." Some profanity You see a man snort lines of cocaine. Talk of inappropriate behavior. You see the naked backside of a man. You see the front of a naked woman wearing a mask that covers her face. You see a bloody suicide. Murder Lots of alcohol.
THEMES: Coming-of-age Earning respect How it feels when no one takes you seriously. The theme I thought was the most interesting and compelling was one voiced by Adam Brody's character. He said, "It's difficult to accept who you are in your head and who you really are." Balance Everyone has secrets. Is the truth worth knowing?
THINGS I LIKED: Adam Brody gives a stellar performance in this role. I loved Sophie Nelisse in The Book Thief and haven't seen her in anything else since. She was perfect in her role in this movie too. The subtle humor is hilarious. Abe Applebaum's terrible receptionist was funny and should be fired. Even the side characters are interesting. Several surprising twists. There is a fascinating juxtaposition of sweet, upbeat music and a terrible crime unfolding right before your eyes. The ending gives you a chance to exhale and release your own feelings, along with the protagonist. It's powerful. There is a film noir feel to it but with a more modern spin. Effective editing.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: It starts off quickly, then starts to drag as you try to figure out how things are related. A lot of people mumble, making it difficult to know what's going on. The last 20 minutes of the movie are jaw-dropping and take the movie in a direction you don't quite expect, leaving you utterly speechless.