Tim Robinson is known for over-the-top rants that are on the edge and here he delivers royally just what his fans expect and want. But you just might find yourself laughing at his hijinks, but asking yourself why. This very popular comedian’s performance is both a throwback to screwball comedians like Farley and Belushi, still unique and true to his own zany credo.
We saw the film with a sold out crowd who reacted big-time at the Chicago Critics Film Festival.
While the movie plays for the big laugh screams, underlying themes to make it a darker comedy with tension, twists and even some jump scares that point to other relevant underlying themes. In today’s world of headphones and mobile screens, are men, in particular, losing the ability to make meaningful connections?
This is writer/director Andrew DeYoung’s directorial debut. But he’s previously directed many TV series and short films. Craig Waterman, (Robinson) seems to be comfortable living a simple, low-key, nondescript suburban life, but it masks his awkward, off-kilter, frantic, manic personality. Even, his wife, Tami (Kate Mara) a rather busy florist whose husband won’t get her a big enough van to transport her floral creations, urges him to become more social and find some male friends. His son, Steven (Jack Dylan Grazer- IT) just thinks he’s a dork. Tami wants him to break his routine of going to work and coming home to watch TV.
As with everything he does, Craig takes it too far. When a neighbor’s package is delivered to his house by mistake, Craig decides to walk it over to his new neighbor Austin (Paul Rudd – Ant Man and the Wasp, Only Murders in the Building), who turns out to be handsome, charming and personable. Not only that, he’s the TV Weather Man at the local TV station. Craig is awkward but notably impressed and seizes this as an opportunity to have a special friend. And when Austin shows some interest in bringing Craig into his own circle, the arc of the plot is set in motion.
Infatuated with Austin, Craig just wants to constantly be in his orbit leading to a series of sketches that pile disaster upon disaster for Craig and then Austin, who quickly realizes his new friend is a whacked out nut-case. They both are! A series of misdirections, awkward field trips, and situations lined with miscommunication take us on slapstick-imbued horrific episodes in underground tunnels, boys nights gone bad, and work relationships. And when Chet stalks Austin at the TV studio, the bits become uncomfortably funny.
There was plenty of raucous laughter in the theater. Some of the gags are too wacky, uncomfortable and drawn out, but DeYoung makes good use of Robinson’s M.O. Rudd is not only a good foil, but a good sport. Familiarity can breed contempt, but here it also breeds Robinson’s bizarre brand of crazy comedy.
A24 1 Hour 40 Minutes R
Related posts:
Who are the Marcuses?
Knives Out Writer/Director Rian Johnson talks about having the whole cast on the set
Ford v Ferrari Stunt Coordinator, Robert Nagle
Interview with Waves stars Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Taylor Russell and Writer/Director Trey Edward Shults talking teen angst, family and sound design.
THE CAMPERS AT THE SUNDANCE PREMIERE OF CRIP CAMP: A DISABILITY REVOLUTION TALK ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE AND THE FILM.
Studio One Forever
