The Idea of Manhood

A ripoff of the wonderful Seattle indie-filmmaker Lynn Shelton's "My Effortless Brilliance", which was done much better. Even her film "Humpday" has the same sort of premise, two guys discussing typical guy stuff. Much more deep and engrossing. "The Idea of Manhood" is too shallow and the film is unconvincing.

A ripoff of the wonderful Seattle indie-filmmaker Lynn Shelton's "My Effortless Brilliance", which was done much better. Even her film "Humpday" has the same sort of premise, two guys discussing typical guy stuff. Much more deep and engrossing. "The Idea of Manhood" is too shallow and the film is unconvincing.

I watched the Idea of Manhood based on a recommendation of a friend and glad I did. I found the film a beautiful, modest yet important little cultural artifact and an accurate snapshot of our times, especially for those of us who live in NYC. Yet it's so personal and intimate I'm sure it most anyone could relate. Karl Bury's performance, especially in the final act, is so raw and seamless I found it heartbreaking. Great script with lots of little comedic gems along the way that keep you entertained while these characters grapple with their lives at hand with struggles and dilemmas we can all relate to.

...with your phone. Slow & predictable. Self-involved, unlikeable character(s). I had to stop watching about an hour into it as all the stereotypical dribble became unbearable as the truth about the characters started coming out. This is a current trend of movies. Start them badly, make it get even worse, so when the characters redeem themselves later, turn it around (so to speak) you ignore what a POS you actually wasted your time on and then felt it was great film (Not!) Because you were taken in by the reviews.

I think this only works with people who have a very short attention span or need immediate or instant gratification or are on their respective "smart" phones. Oh, and the excessive alcohol consumption and then the weed... How much more predictable could it get! Ahhhh, that's what I did wrong, I should've been drunk or stoned to watch it. Do yourself a favor & find something else to watch there are better ways to spend an hour and 15 minutes.

Well acted. Well written. A great glimpse into middle aged manhood. The dialogue is great! I highly recommend this film.

I generally like movies that consist mainly of people talking to one another. Not everyone does. So I wanted to like this movie. But I really didn't. I hate to be a disagreeable grouch and I really appreciate the filmmaker trying to lay it on the line here. Unfortunately, though, I found the characters' thoughts and observations to represent little more than banal straw men. I was not surprised by or, really, interested in anything these two guys had to say.