The Argument

Greetings again from the darkness. Couples argue. Some more often and more boisterous than others. Things get ugly when friends and other outsiders are drawn into the arguments, which is exactly what we witness (in exaggerated form) with this film from director Robert Schwartzman and writer Zac Stanford (THE CHUMSCRUBBER, 2005). Schwartzman is also a musician and composer, and is the son of ROCKY actress Talia Shire, and the younger brother of actor Jason Schwartzman (MOONRISE KINGDOM, 2012).

Lisa (Emma Bell, A QUIET PASSION, 2016) has just finished her first acting gig (other than a cameo in her husband's film) in a stage production of Mozart. Her husband Jack (Dan Fogler, FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM) is simultaneously happy for her and insecure. His insecurity stems from his lack of success as a writer, and his suspicion, bordering on jealousy, of Lisa and her co-star Paul (Tyler James Williams, "Everybody Hates Chris"). The film picks up at the intimate after-party at Lisa and Jack's home. It's here where we meet Paul and his friend Trina (Cleopatra Coleman, "The Last Man on Earth"), and married couple Brett (Danny Pudi, "Community") and Sarah (Maggie Q, "Nikita"). Brett is Jack's literary agent, and he's about as successful as an agent as Jack is as a writer. Sarah is an Entertainment Lawyer, who is as bored with the party as she was with Lisa's play ... she just wants to go home and sleep.

The party ends abruptly when Jack and Lisa get into a fierce argument. Alone in the house, neither accepts the blame, so of course, it escalates. The unconventional solution reached is to recreate the sequence of events with the same people saying and doing the same things they said and did that first night. Then they do it again. And again. A montage of do-overs causes us to lose track of just how many times these poor people re-live a forgettable and unpleasant evening.

A tonal shift occurs when Jack "casts" the party with actors, while still inviting the same friends to watch. Rather than exaggerated relationship issues, we get an exaggerated look at actors finding their characters ... characters who happen to be sitting in the same room! This jolt of fresh faces transforms the film from quirky to slapstick, and it's quite likely you'll enjoy one segment more than the others. The "new" actors bring their own comedic style to the roles: an amped up Mark Ryder ("Borgia") as Jack, actor-within-an-actor Nathan Stewart-Jarrett ("Misfits") as Paul, a subdued Karan Brar (DIARY OF A WIMPY KID) as Brett, a willing Charlotte McKinney (FANTASY ISLAND) as Lisa, and Marielle Scott (LADY BIRD) as Trina.

The do-overs are a creative approach in attempting to solve the argument, but this movie is at its best, not in deep psychological analysis of relationships, but rather in the simple comedy elements on display. Relax and take it for what it is ... a way to laugh at the problems of others without feeling an ounce of guilt. Just please don't throw the pie.

This is a pretty awful attempt, largely because it's written by a full-time colorist new to writing, ugh, and the director is new to directing, coming from soundtracks, so this is why we're all disappointed. Anyone raving with 8/9/10 ratings are studio shills. You'll be leaning on the FF button alot during this self-indulgent time-trap. Avoid if you value your time.

This movie has a lot of likeable things, but still collapses on itself. The writing is really inconsistent and has a lot of ups and downs throughout the runtime. The movie starts off good, but then some scenes become too dragged and humour becomes pretty forced at times. Instead of quirky, somehow in the middle, the writing shifts to being absurd and then gradually moves to quirky again. Fogler, Pudi, Coleman have done good, but it's Maggi Q who really stands out. This movie had some potential, but crashed.

This film stands out for its original idea and solid execution. The direction is competent, and the cast delivers convincing performances. Visually, it's engaging, and the pacing keeps the audience interested throughout. However, despite its strengths, the movie doesn't leave a lasting impression. While you'll appreciate its creativity and craftsmanship while watching, it's unlikely to stay with you long after the credits roll. It's an enjoyable experience in the moment, but it lacks that special something that makes a film truly unforgettable. This film is a refreshing break from formulaic storytelling, offering a concept that feels genuinely original. The director takes a creative risk, exploring themes and ideas that aren't often seen in mainstream cinema. The plot unfolds in an intriguing way, keeping viewers engaged and curious about what will happen next.

When I see a movie like this I need to think, "SOMEbody besides the writer thought this was worth raising money for." Doesn't work as comedy, satire, irony - you name it. Most of the actors are trying SO hard but this should not earn a spot on their demo reel. I seem to have a policy of watching movies all the way through no matter what, but "The Argument" may make me revisit this decision.