उपयोगकर्ता समीक्षाएं

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.

Self Reliance has the kind of premise that can carry a movie on its own. It's so intriguing and had me hooked immediately. And it's taken in a bunch of cool directions.

At one point, I thought of an easy way to win the game. I expected the movie to ignore it for other strategies that aren't as smart or effective. To my surprise, the movie does exactly what I was thinking. And they find a subsequent reason for it to not end the game.

Jake Johnson gives a good performance. The only reason I didn't like this more is the lack of laughs. One of the genres listed is comedy but I laughed only a few times. It's more amusing than funny. That's the only thing holding it back from being something great that I continue to revisit. But it's still a solid and enjoyable one-time viewing.

(1 viewing, 1/12/2024)

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.

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.

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.

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.

With ample screen time and a handful of future classic quotes, legendary actor Biff Wiff shines bright amongst a stellar cast and wild story.

Many likely know him from his recent roles in comedies like I Think You Should Leave and Night Court, or his brief turn in Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All At Once, but he's been making memorable appearances for what feels like a thousand years.

Biff Wiff's mere presence throughout this film is endearing against the darker elements of the plot and the loneliness of Jake Johnson's lead character. Biff is so earnest in his role as a very enthusiastic unhoused individual. While it is suggested that a more meaningful connection should eventually be made with Anna Kendrick's character, it is the bond formed between Jake Johnson & Biff Wiff that truly is the heart and soul of the film.

It took me a while to work out how I really felt about 'Self Reliance'. On the one hand, it is an original concept, with some really fun ideas and a nice quick little film that isn't setting out to do much more than entertain you for 90 minutes. On the other hand, it is a bit of a chaotic mess that I'm not sure I fully understood, and I'm not sure it understood itself entirely either. I think the pros outweigh the cons, but I am a little conflicted on it.

Usually I really enjoy Anna Kendrick, but here she almost sucks the life out of the film during the screentime she gets. She doesn't come into the film until about the 25 minute mark, but she certainly does brings the vibes down once she enters. Andy Samberg on the other hand is a breathe of fresh air whenever he is on screen. I wish he had been in the film more.

'Self Reliance' is a pretty strange movie whichever way you cut it. I would love to see the discussions over how was the best way to end the film. I certainly had no idea which route they were going to go down. It's worth seeing to make up your own mind though. 7/10.

I had some trepidations about this movie, but the premise of this quirky story made me curious AND I like the actor Jake Johnson, so my hopes were high, BUT...

The bad: the story ended up being completely silly and void of ANY originality. Just lame. Not credible. Let alone be anything near suspenseful or mysterious.

Well perhaps the acting was any good? NOPE. The jokes? NOPE. Let me think if there is anything left that might be positive to say. I am sorry, I am lost for words...

I love Jake Johnson as the actor, but he directed (debut) AND wrote AND produced this movie, while he had no earlier experience in directing at all and he basically made a uneventful tedious flop.

I don't think this movie was as bad as people are saying. I'm sure people didn't find this super comedic considering it's in the comedy genre but there was a few parts where I giggled. I personally thought the movie overall was decent and I give it a 7/10.

I do have to say that this movie is probably one I wouldn't rewatch or just not likely too because I honestly did find it it enjoyable but definitely not rewatchable for me.

The main reason I watched this movie is because Anna Kendrick is in it and i'm a huge fan of hers and coming from someone who watches a bunch of random movies for her favorite actors this is definitely one of the better ones that i've sat through.

Overall this movie is a hit or miss depending on what you like but i'd give it a chance.

Rating: 7.6 Overall, a fun watch that blends comedy and thriller elements very well as the movie is a pretty funny and captivating directorial debut from for Jake Johnson, though it very predictable in its plot and pretty safe overall as it falls too much into the 2010s comedy tropes.

Pretty Good Direction (For a directorial debut, Johnson does a fine job at moving the story forward and building suspense while still incorporating comedic elements throughout the movie to keep the audience engaged, there are some rookie mistakes throughout the movie but these do no overshadow the positives he brings to the table), Decent to Pretty Good Acting (Pretty Good from Jake Johnson (Handles the comedic and paranoia elements of the story very well as he holds his own being the lead, but he really hits a limit when it comes to the more dramatic parts of the movie), Decent to Pretty Good from Anna Kendrick (Plays a character she has been accustomed to portraying for the past decade as she holds her own well with what she is given), Decent to Pretty Good from the rest of the cast (Help play off each other to both build humor and paranoia in the main character)), Pretty Good Story (The mix off Hunger Games esque competition with a comedic background was a fresh flavor to see as the overarching plot is laid out pretty well due to it following the 30 day countdown for the competition; the more romantic parts of the movie did really draw back from the story overall as it was a bit predictable and formulaic), Decent Screenplay (Dialogue was pretty simplistic as it kinda got to a point where it was easy to predict what he was going to say, but the jokes definitely hit more than they did not (with it being very Jake Johnson in its comedic style); the symbolism was a bit too overt as they borderline told the audience what the symbols and meaning of the movie was during it (like the loneliness aspect); the movie was pretty predictable so the foreshadowing was a bit overt), Decent Score (Helped with building the scenes and adding suspense), Pretty Good Cinematography (especially for a lower budget movie like this as it aided in building the suspense and action scenes), Pretty Good Sound, Pretty Good Editing, Plot Structure was pretty standard as it followed the typical action-comedy template where all the elements are overtly laid out and it is obvious which part of the story arc the movie is in, Pacing was good (The movie uses its short runtime decently well but it would have been nice to see 10-15 minutes more for the final days of the competition to show the main character's downfall a bit more and the relationships he is losing), Climax was pretty standard and kinda boring cause of how predictable it was (the final scene being very 2010s esque in its execution), Tone was very similar to movies of the early 2010s in the comedic and dramatic sense but the mix of horror and suspenseful elements was a nice touch, Saw World Premiere at SXSW.

This film really felt like a passion project. The sort of concept two friends might come up with over beers. The world of cinema has been so lacking in originality recently, and that helps films like Self Reliance really stand out.

I had fun watching this. The cameos are on point, the characters are zany, and while it isn't exactly a laugh-out-loud comedy, I found the script to be clever and witty.

The ending was indeed a little underwhelming, but I can't really put my finger on why. Our main character completes his story arc, and the psychological thriller elements reach their climax and conclusion. There is clear and apt social commentary on loneliness and dating here, but the moral of the story could have been better developed.

Nevertheless, I absolutely enjoyed the film.

Normally I am circumspect of films who's star also writes and directs, they often turn out to be stinkers, ( like Fool's Paradise for example). But in Self Reliance, Jake Johnson pretty well nails it in all 3 departments. Coming on here to find only 3 reviews in almost a year, makes it plain that this is one budget film that has slipped under most peoples radar for some reason? Which is a bit sad, as how many big budget, big names, so called 'blockbusters' of 2023, have turned out to be real 'emperors new clothes' stinkers.

Here is a yarn, about human connections/disconnections, where is my life going?, what would I risk to change it? Questions.

More than a handful of laugh out loud moments, delivered by a competent script, with plenty of fully fleshed out characters that you care about. It's weird but never wacky, thoughtful but not brooding, Silly but not stupid. The relationships between Tommy and James and then Tommy and Maddy ( and James ) are heart-warming and sincerely presented.

Hopefully, by years end, a lot more people will get to see it and leave reviews.

Imagine you're alone and a chance is then presented, to make a million bucks just for 30 days tormented, there's a caveat or two, on occasion you'll be blue, quite often feel frustrated, and abandoned, discontented. On your journey you'll encounter those who may become your friends, as well as those quite keen to bring existence to an end, there'll be those living in shadows, impersonators in costumed clothes, but as the film continues, you will question, what's been penned. As like me you may sit static without laughing or a smirk, as the humour is quite lacking and poor Tommy is a berk, although you may feel sympathetic, to his plight that's quite prophetic, alas the value it delivers, is most likely to just irk.

Guess I'm too, I dunno for this movie. I just didn't get it. I have a pretty dark sense of humor, and seeing the description intrigued me. But as I was watching, I just felt ok, now what? Never laughed once, not even a smile. So much for the reviewer saying he & the audience laughed for the ENTIRE 90 minutes.

Anna Kendrick plays the same character she always does, rapidly talking, supposed to be funny girl.

On the plus side, NO sex, which was a relief thinking, I couldn't bear to watch these two grind on each other.

I guess if you're completely bored, and have nothing else to do, watch this movie.

I found it at best, "Meh".

This movie is an unexpected delight. Surreal. Hilarious. Tense. Empathetic. Adorable. Cathartic. Inspiring. Subverts expectations. Fun. Positive. Visually interesting. Great camera work and stunning credits art.

Just the right amount of absurdity and surrealness to balance the angst and unease. Comedy Thriller may be my new favorite genre.

Fun cameos from Andy Samberg, Christopher Lloyd, Wayne Brady, and the spitting image of the voice of Ellen DeGeneres.

Way to go, Jake Johnson (and Lonely Island). This is truly an underrated pleasure. I loved the journey and greatly appreciated the destination!

Writer/director Jake Johnson thought it would be a good idea to be also playing the main character and he wasn't wrong, he's a decent actor and was pleasant to watch. Anna Kendrick plays mostly in comedies and she does the job, not that she's my favourite actress, but overall she's convincing. Andy Samberg on the other hand, always makes me laugh since I watched him in the excellent comedy series Brooklyn Nine Nine but unfortunately he only had a minor role in this movie. But it was funny enough to have a good comedy evening. Interesting story, good actors, what else do you need on a rainy saturday night?

2.5 out of 5 stars.

Self-Reliance is a pretty bad comedy thriller film that has a promising concept about a guy getting picked for a reality dark web show. Where he has to survive 30 days from the hunters to win money. And a flaw that the hunters cant attack when they are nearby people.

Plot was okay. Jake Johnson did good and was funny with the role. The humor and script does not last throughout the film. Humor can barely last so long in the film which falls flat by the time it reaches the third act. The direction and script falls tedious in the end. Anna Kendrick was also okay for a small portion of the film. Which the movie fails to let us know what happens to her in the end.

Overall, it is a comedy film that has a few laughs while falling flat in the end.

There is room to grow! Yes it's not a perfect movie but this concept is better than the movie. This dramedy in the skin of a thriller, is a rollercoaster of good story telling. This is just the character driven movie that audiences have been pining for. The only "con" is the fact that there is so many more places this idea can go, which is great. I can imagine a lonely survivalist cabin dweller in the middle of the wilderness being selected to the same concept with no plans to be surround himself with people. There is so much gas in this idea I just hope people come to see it on Hulu. This hilarious movie, has only scratched the surface of the possibilities. Over all, imaginative, funny, strange and charming.