Playing God

As usual, don't pay attention to the trailer or the fact that this is listed as comedy before drama. This movie was not what I expected at all... in a very good way. This isn't a film about two wise cracking con artists out to get the evil rich guy just because they can. This is a story of a man who lost his daughter and goes on a mission to find God, presumably to get him to explain why she was taken from him. At the same time, twin brother and sister career criminals owe a very bad man a lot of money, and are given the opportunity to con the grieving man and rob him of his fortune. This is all told to you in the first 10 minutes of the movie, which is why I am not marking this as containing spoilers. The unlikely result of this story is a well written, well acted, deep, and at times heart wrenching series of events. Alan Tudyk's performance in particular stands out above the rest for me. I could legitimately feel his pain in every scene. Please understand that I very rarely mark anything above an 8 out of 10, so do not take my rating of 7 to mean this to be mediocre by any means. Just go into this knowing that it's a lot more serious than what you may expect. I had no idea this was even being released; didn't even hear the title or read the description until yesterday, but I'm glad I watched it. Give it a chance, I think you will be too.

Like the storyline says: a group of con artists reunite to scam a grieving billionaire. The added twist, they're trying to con their mark into believing one of them is god, which is a lofty con to say the least.

The movie is well made, with solid writing and convincing acting too. The pacing is a little slow, and the actual con could have been a little more elaborate to keep things more interesting. Also, the subplot involving the pregnant couple had a purpose, but it's the least interesting parts of the film. It's not a boring film, and the plot is more complex than the brief storyline would lead you to believe.

There is one massive contrived coincidence that I am not sure actually exists. The fact one character mysteriously went into debt suggests the selection of the mark wasn't a coincidence. The character went into debt finding the mark, and the scene where they're given their implied random target was part of the con. Unfortunately, the writing and directing is too vague on this plot point, so even adding a throw away line to confirm these suspicions would have benefited the film greatly. But to avoid spoilers, no more details will be discussed.

Near the end of the film I had concluded this was a 5 or a generous 6/10. It's a slightly above average con artist movie, but nothing spectacular or memorable. Then the final scene concluded, and this movie became a 7/10. I rate movies by what they are. I'll rate a horror/comedy, monster movie by how competent it is as a horror/comedy, monster movie.

It's not as well crafted as Ocean's Eleven (2001), and it's not as flashy as Now You See Me (2013), but it's competently made. The ending reminds me of Hellowoo Goseuteu (Hello Ghost), a Korean film made in 2010. Both have final scenes that alter the tone, themes, and intent of their entire films. Turns out, this wasn't just a movie about playing god.

Many movies don't know how to end, this movie was written for it's ending. Between the two, the latter is always appreciated. The irony that this movie conned me into believing it was a completely different movie isn't lost on me either.

This movie seems to showcase Hannah Kasulka, who has substantial screen time and is a definite eye candy.

The movie shows promise in the beginning but loses it quickly, a simple idea is dragged a bit too long and a bonkers twist.

Don't expect much and watch it just for the gorgeous Hannah Kasulka.

While in the Good standing not much is good about this. Alan's role in this was phenomenal, truly showing some of the depth of his skill, the rest fall a bit as they are not very well written. Much of the movie isn't well written but it's at least one with heart.

Finally a movie that isn't propaganda based, not even on a particular religious based. The movie had great shots, decent to okay dialogue but the story just wasn't there, it wasn't real and I didn't believe it, it was kind of hard to believe much of the "backstory" but whatever, it's a movie at a time when Hollywood pumps propaganda. - Check this one out.

Mind you it is more drama based than Alan's usual brands of comedy. Just keep that in mind and you'll enjoy this film. It's not the best out there but at least it's a step away from the garbage of modern Hollywood. Rent or Stream this one is worth a watch.

Even though it has that direct-to-video stench, I still mildly enjoyed this movie. I was invested in the premise and story. Alan Tudyk gives a good performance. Overall it's not great quality, but it's a serviceable one-time viewing. (1 viewing, 3/19/2022)