Self Reliance

This movie had a lot of premise, great actors, great idea and actually decent execution. The problem is that while 30% of the first part of the movie will hook you, the last 70% will bore you so much you might even get up and walk out of the sofa. I understand that that was both directed and written by Jake Johnson, but if he had more input from another writer, this could have become a cult classic. Instead we're left with something that feels unfinished, lost, confused and plain frankly, not a comedy and more of a "thriller". If they had more ideas to the story, more characters and more drama, this could have been a golden nugget.

Why surprising? Well, I have seen some of Johnson work before and whilst I find him a talented comic actor, I also find that most of his movies have a good central idea, like this one, but then drift away as time goes on.

This one, kind of does that that, but it builds up so much good will, in the viewer, during its runtime that it really doesn't really matter.

There are many smart cameos from Andy Samberg and Christopher Lloyd and Anna Kendrick.

The best thing about this is the central idea which reminded me a little of It Follows, the horror movie from a few years ago, this is like a comedy version of that.

Well worth a watch.

I enjoyed watching this movie. The premise of the main plot was very intriguing and I enjoyed watching it develop. The cast was exceptional and conveyed their emotions in a very real way. Jake Johnson - the protagonist and creator of the film - is hilarious and obviously Andy Samberg is as well. Anna Kendrick, unsurprisingly, played her character practically flawlessly. The same is true for basically all of the other actors involved. My main critique concerns the structure of the movie. I feel the movie was cut a bit too short. The introduction could have been stretched out a bit more and the ending could have been more thoroughly explored. I liked how the reality of the situation was left a bit open to interpretation, but it did result in an uneasy and perhaps unsettling ending, in my opinion. I think I - like other viewers possibly - was expecting some sort of "plot twist" or major reveal. It felt a bit empty without a significant climax moment. Overall, I enjoyed the movie. I laughed and found myself at the end of my seat throughout the entirety of the film. It was mainly the ending that left me feeling as if something was missing.

I recommend this movie to anyone who might enjoy a mild thriller with comedic aspects. It was a nice watch, just a bit odd. Decently thought-provoking as well, which I appreciated.

Self Reliance is a fun debut directing gig from Jake Johnson. Johnson takes an interesting premise and brings some good moments to it although not quite sticking the landing.

The movie could have went in a more intriguing direction by giving it more of a horror vibe when the attacks happen. You never get the sense Johnson is in any real danger.

The real heart of the movie is between Johnson and Anna Kendrick who's easy chemistry together makes the movie. The stuff featuring Kendrick are the movies standout scenes.

There are some nice cameos from Andy Samberg & Christopher Lloyd. Ultimately it is Jake Johnson's charm that carries the movie but this still feels like a missed opportunity. Recommendable.

It's a cool movie if you don't have anything else to watch. I liked it. It's sort of funny, and it makes you a bit anxious. The game could've been a bit more challenging though.

(***MINOR SPOILER***)

The movie could have been more of a thriller if the game was challenging and Tommy's life was constantly in danger. If paying a homeless guy to be with you all the time saves you from being killed, I don't see the thrill of it.

I read a comment saying it's not as funny, and I have to agree. You'll see people acting goofy every now and then and a bit of humor in some scenes, but just as it could be more thrilling, it could also be more comedic.