Playing God

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.

After hearing some things about the story and, particularly, the ending.. and then watching a trailer and really understanding the premise they created, I was quite intrigued!

How are they going to accomplish THAT!?

Certainly, the focus of the movie was wrong from the beginning.. or my expectations of it were. After watching it, I don't feel like I found a diamond in the rough, but I don't think I wasted my time.

This movie is a simple, yet "cute" story well executed. That it's to say it's not stupid or annoying. It is well constructed with very few wrinkles, and it keeps the tone and quality throughout, which isn't as easy as you'd expect. And more importantly, it is a story mostly driven by the cast and their portrayal of the written characters. The lead Hannah Kasulka is very charming and likeable, Michael McKean leaves a great impression, and Alan Tudyk probably sells you the most important part of it. And you may as well be "warned" that it has a very religious coating to it (in dialogue, music, etc).

I didn't get what I wanted (not even close), but I can't honestly say that this is a bad product. Once your image of the photoplay aligns with what you are watching, it will be easier to accept it.

More than a theater release, this does feel like a "straight to streaming" release.

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.

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.

I love con movies and this one didn't disappoint. The only negative I would say is the middle of the movie kind of loses you when the beginning grabs you. As another reviewer said, the con should have been elaborated on. However, what a phenomenal ending. We constantly are so focused on looking at one thing in life that we miss other things that are right in front of our face. If anyone that didn't have a parent or parents in their life, I bet you'll tear up.