reginaldwam3

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

I loved the retro futurist premise and all the performances, but it was a film that buried its dry, often very witty humor under such a deep layer of, myriad, human melancholia that it becomes a difficult viewing experience at times. There is a Mad Men-like view of attitudes and demeanors drawn from our recent past that are played more for laughs (possibly? it's not clear), but ultimately make for the most uncomfortable moments of the film. Maybe Patrick Wilson's workplace proclivity is informing his audience on how best to view the film: with mug full of brandy. But there are great moments, especially as the 70s soundtrack was pumped in to this anachronistic paradox of a setting, and the cast was wonderful. I hope movies like this continue to be made. I didn't ultimately love the film, but it was the first time in years I was genuinely excited to sit down and watch a film, and that was a good feeling.

The whole script is self aware enough that never let the predictably horrible plot get in the way of many great gags. This move is about the gags, and they provide the entertainment in what is a very funny movie. And they really came through with an actually funny, 3rd act action scene. That said, a love of dumb guy humor is prerequisite to enjoying this movie.