The Last Movie Ever Made

I was unsure what to expect going in. Based on the trailer. Thought it could be on the sillier side like A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy or more somber like Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. In the end it was neither and it's all the better for it. It's reminiscent of peak indie films of the early 2000s where production quality is solid and the story is a little quirkier than a major studio would know how to market. Each character has an arc, the film resolves in a satisfying way, and the conflicts and challenges the characters face feel real and earned. The two leads bring genuine performances that have heart and pathos and yearning (played by real life couple Adam and Megan Hughes Rini). This comes together as more than the sum of its parts.

With reality as we know it ending in 30 days, Marshall (played by Adam Rini) decides to reconnect with his old high school chums to finish the movie they said they would make decades ago. At the surface, this might seem like just another meta "movie about making movies," but that "making the movie" plot is only a vehicle for the real heart of this film. Marshall has always been a selfish, self-promoting person, who only cares about what people can do for him. Over the last few weeks of his life, however, he is challenged to uncover what's really important. This light-hearted dramedy has something for everyone who has ever had an itch to make something fun with their friends. Truly an indy film. Truly a gem.

By the trailer, I mostly thought this would be a fun movie about movies. Luckily, it is that too! But it's also more! You really care for the characters and it gets emotional in the right ways. This is mostly due to the talents of the two leads. Would love to see them both in more filmas.

Love all the nods to classic serials, filmmaking, and the artistic touches used for both. Score is great too. The director/writer clearly knows what they are after. The movie has a sharp script filled with good jokes and distinct characters. While the leads carry the film, somf of the fun supporting characters really help it stand out even more.

Definitely recommend!