Things to Do

What is it about Reel 13's obsession with Canada? I can't seem to figure it out. It's a New York-based TV show – there are lots of New York films and New York filmmakers. Why do they insist on continually going north of the border for independent films? No comprendo. Fortunately, Things to Do, though very formulaic, is a couple notches above the star-studded, though incredibly lame Wilby Wonderful from a couple weeks ago.

Things to Do is the story of Adam – a mid-twenties low-level employee in a non-descript corporation in a non-descript city somewhere in Ontario. For reasons not initially clear, Adam can't deal with the rat race anymore. He quits his job and returns to his small suburban hometown (apparently Ontario suburbs are sadly similar to American ones), where the rumors are already swirling about the reasons behind his return. Mac, the neighborhood eccentric who went to school with Adam, doesn't seem to care, however. He's just happy to have a new person to hang out with. Then, the duo, inspired by a television talk show, come up with a list of things they've always wanted to do, They then go about completing the tasks on the list and as a result, go on a journey of self-discovery.

Yes, I know – it's kind of a cookie-cutter plot (reminds me of that short-lived Fox TV show Free Ride – do you guys remember that?) and that's the biggest detractor of the film. However, while Things to Do isn't ground-breaking, it's a very watchable and mildly enjoyable comedy. Michael Stasko, in the lead role of Adam (he is also the co-writer), is charismatic in a very soft-spoken, minimalist way, which in and of itself, is an interesting choice. Daniel Wilson, as the dim-witted sidekick Mac, is an equally unique presence and is responsible for the film's few hearty laughs (the film otherwise only elicits the occasional wry smile). Director Theodore Bezaire displays strong comic timing and pace throughout the film and manages to add several clever details through his direction and blocking (The moment with the bus driver and the luggage, the blocking of the only kiss in the film and the flunkies of the pre-pubescent soapbox king are all worthy examples).

Things to Do shows off the skills of some very talented people, but still fails to achieve maximum impact. The previously-mentioned predictability of the plot and also the lack of talent surrounding the three key figures (the majority of the dayplayers in the film are very bad and very distracting) hold the film back. Furthermore, the more serious moments don't really fly - there is a very tragic moment in the film that is skirted over in a very lazy way. I almost wonder if this was purposely done to avoid challenging the triumvirate (Bezaire, Stasko and Wilson) beyond their comfort level. That would be unfortunate because only then will these three gifted gentlemen get to the next level. Perhaps they will take it up a notch on the next project – and I sincerely hope they do because the raw potential is there. I truly believe the sky's the limit for these guys – but it's up to them.

A slow, sometimes amusing story about the confusion, disillusionment, and dissatisfaction of a 20-something who moves back home, struggles with an unfulfilling life, etc. One can't help but feel that the whole thing borrows too heavily from other, better films (i.e. Office Space, Napoleon Dynamite). This would be a better film if the acting were better, but then again, the characters are not very interesting as written, so the actors don't have much to work with. The film is simply too ordinary and only slightly amusing to recommend it, but, if you're at this point in your life, you will find a lot to relate to here. Tries to be very droll and Wes Anderson- esquire in its quirkiness, but it all doesn't add up to much, and no one really changes as a result of 90 minutes of film. So few people have voted that I don't think this ever got a wide or noticeable release in either theaters or DVD, which is strange because the production value is above par.

A story about a young man who gets enough of his life in the city with unsatisfying job and returns back to his parents. He meets people of his past, makes a list of things he wants to do in his life and goes through it together with his friend Mac.

It may start slowly, but with the time I was falling in love with it. It was pretty funny to see all the things they have done, which included making a great movie and be in a great band. And when we got to see why Adam was doing it, it gave the movie a bit more of a meaning.

I really liked the acting as well. I checked on the work of main characters and it is pretty sad that they didn't do much acting after it. The characters were very well developed.

It is not a Hollywood movie, there are no special effects, but it is a good movie to watch and I recommend it to people who like to see a good story for a light entertainment

Well it's all about having to go back home. We've done it a million times, you move away things get messed up with the crap job and you go back home. Hope you don't run into people you know, you find your best friend and search for yourself. This movie is hilarious, like another writer commented, starts a bit slow but does it pick up. The quintessential guy flick, get a beer, some popcorn and get ready to howl. And by the way, the last commenter was right, simple soundtrack but extremely effective, very Good Will Hunting.

By the way this was my first post, I'm a movie junkie and am sure I'll get better with practice.

things to do.... a refreshing change from all the Hollywood blockbusters!!!

the film brings about many issues in life and makes us think how wonderful it is to be alive!!!! mid-life crisis, stranded in a big city, feeling a bit lost, depressed. Things to do with the aid of a beautiful soundtrack shines a positive light on how life can suck for some and emphasises the importance of being positive, keeping busy and enjoying yourself.

he moves home, he makes a new friend.... re lives his childhood and goes about on a mission to do all the things he wanted to do... GENIUS!!!! the film is a quite therapeutic and cruises along at a nice pace. Beautiful film... highly recommended and will definitely make you chuckle once and awhile!!! first review.... so spare me please lol