Fool's Paradise

I saw this because I liked the story, from what I gathered from the trailer. I am also a big fan of Charlie Day. I think the concept is great. A virtual blank slate, adopted by Hollywood, manipulated into benefiting their own needs, and everyone projects their own feelings onto him. I think the execution left quite a bit to be desired though. There was so much more that they could have explored, but it was a bit too silly and nonsensical for its own good. It didn't really go anywhere either. It was more of a "bunch of stuff happens" type of movie, than one with a meaningful narrative. While I wanted to like this, especially considering it's great cast, it fell short of anything exceptionally funny or meaningful. Sorry Charlie.

This was like a very long, 98 minutes long and dragged out failed SNL sketch. I'm a fan of Charlie Day and he's a great comedian, but putting yourself in a funny film and choosing not to use your comedic trademark funny voice is what failed this film. And that's too bad, as it started out good, not laugh out loud good, but constant smiling and entertaining good. But you can only go so far on silent charm, and can only take so much satirical un-funny comedy. It was great to see the lovely Kate Beckinsale, and Jeong was his usual blast as well, and it was also great to see the late Ray Liotta doing his thing in what is probably the last film he made, but it's too bad this film was more of a flop than it was fun. The story was mostly long dragged out and incoherent nonsense that lacked any good comedy or sharp satire. It's a generous 4/10 for all the stars that I'm sure mostly donated their time for this mess.

This film is hard to watch for all the wrong reasons. The slow pace and general unfunniness represent a missed opportunity of such an amazing cast. If Charlie D. Is identifying as Charlie C. These day, he just needs to stop it. If Day put this project on hold to deliver this past season of Philadelphia, he has really just lost his way, and needs to surround himself with some new/fresh talent. Day's recent work (the past 5 years) is formulaic, as usual, but without the charm of his characters as their younger selves. The world seems to be maturing around Day, who struggles increasingly to make audiences laugh.

I've probably watched Always Sunny through 10 times and love satirical film, but the pacing was rough. Movie started out great, and then seemed to drag heavily in the last half. Some of the bits just got old and somethings just got played out. Plus, the film just kind of ended and didn't feel resolved at all.

I really hope we get more like this, but a little more buttoned up on the editing. I realize it's hard to make an entire movie around someone who doesn't speak, but you might need to have people speak to each other more, rather than speaking to a wall the entire time. Charlie day puts his heart and soul into it, plus Jimmi Simpson is always great. It's just a rough viewing experience.

For reference, I think It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is the funniest show ever made. And I think the character Charlie Kelly played by Charlie Day is one of the funniest characters in TV or movie history. I was ecstatic to see him have a chance to write, direct and star in a theatrically released movie with a great cast.

There's so much about Fool's Paradise I enjoyed. The premise is instantly funny. Charlie Day's performance had me cracking up. Many other parts had me full-volume laughing, especially when it relates to Adrien Brody's character. I loved seeing many of the Always Sunny cast members with random small roles.

There are a few things that, for me, prevent it from being great. The first half of the movie is infinitely funnier than the second half, which had almost no laughs from me. And while I enjoyed the humorous parts, the more serious parts and character moments didn't work for me.

But the biggest issue is that Ken Jeong, who is seemingly the lead of this movie, didn't make me laugh at all. I've found him fairly funny in most of his smaller roles. But it doesn't seem like he can carry a movie.

I still had a good time with Fool's Paradise. I hope it allows Charlie Day more opportunities to create comedy, especially in an age when comedy movies seem to be nearing extinction. I will watch anything he's in. (1 viewing, 5/11/2023)