Teddy Bears

This film is a horrific example of rape culture.

The primary focus is on the emotions and reactions of the male characters, and whether they should "allow" their friend to have sex with their girlfriends, with much less focus on whether the women themselves would actually want to sleep with the creep. The clear implication is that the female characters' decisions are secondary, if they are to have any say in the matter at all.

The fact that this is described as a "comedy" albeit a slightly dark one, is the only laughable thing about it. There's nothing funny about watching a group of over-privileged white men arguing about who should be allowed to have sex with their female property.

Awful.

Despite its high-concept, almost absurdist premise, The Big Ask is grounded in a very real set of emotions. A man dealing with extreme grief finds himself in need of a tremendous (and unreasonable) outpouring of love. His loved ones are eager to help but feel frustrated and exhausted by just how needy he can be. Anyone who has experienced loss or tried to love someone through loss has dealt with some form of these issues.

The directors elicit commanding performances from their stellar ensemble cast. The film looks great and most of all the script is authentic, funny, and really quite moving. A fine, fine film.

With a premise/plot as I'll conceived and ridiculous as this it'd take a miracle of direction to make it plausible and enjoyable. Well it doesn't happen and within 15 minutes this film degenerates into absurdly stupid scenarios and mind numbing diss as dialogue. Physically painful to endure. Insulting to women and everyone else with an ounce of sense or decency. Typical self indulgent nonsense from people who think they possess talent.

What a fantastic movie! The Big Ask is set up with a unique premise that sounds outlandish, but the execution of the movie feels tremendously real and meaningful. The script is smart, funny, and thoughtful, and the performances are very, very good. You feel immediately what it is like to be part of this group of friends and watching them deal with this situation and with their friend who is clearly in serious pain is entertaining and enlightening.

This is really a great movie and quite different than your typical movie studio drivel. If you're interested in a focused, dynamic study of character with fantastic acting, this is the film for you.

I love The Big Ask!!!. Thomas Beatty's screenplay, his and co-director Rebecca Fishman's visual realization of it, and the performances throughout combine to make a haunting, touching, and hilariously human experience. It's about grief, courage, the crazy places loss and depression can take us, and the healing nature of friendship and love. I laughed my ass off, and then I cried. I've already watched the film twice, and can't wait to see it again. David Krumholtz gives one of the bravest performances I've ever seen. He's willing to let you almost hate him, until at the last possible moment, he redeems himself, and brought this viewer, at least, to tears. I also love that the filmmakers and actors are not afraid to play with the idea that subjects like death and sex and intimacy and, well, life are both uncomfortable, and funny as hell. The desert landscape and haunting score (also love the Deer Tick song, and final song - don't know who sings it ,but it's great) really enhance the experience. I so seldom find that a movie sticks with me, but this one did. Can't wait to see what Beatty and Fishman do next.