Jonah

Of course I wasn't familiar with director Ben Van Kleek's 2023 sci-fi thriller "Jonah" prior to stumbling upon it by random chance here in 2024 and opting to sit down and watch it. As I had never even heard about the movie, I had no idea what I was in for, and thus also had zero expectations.

Writers Ben Van Kleek and Trevor Vandelac put together an interesting script and storyline. I liked how the writers sort of keep the audience in the dark, letting us guess as to what is actually going on, and what is the truth or not. So thumbs up to the writers for that accomplishment. However, it should be noted that some viewers might find the narrative to be slow paced and sluggish, especially if you're expecting a whole lot of action and events throughout the course of the 89 minutes that the movie runs for.

The movie has a rather small cast ensemble, and I wasn't familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list. It should be noted, however, that the acting performances throughout the course of the 89 minutes that the movie ran for are quite good. The actors and actresses definitely did good jobs in bringing their characters and the storyline to life on the screen.

I actually enjoyed the movie, though it is hardly a movie that I will return to a second time, because there isn't sufficient contents in the script to support more than a single viewing. But "Jonah" proved to be an adequate viewing experience and was enjoyable.

My rating of "Jonah" lands on a six out of ten stars.

This could have been a good movie, as the script is not bad. But it lacked actual alien involvement and left much to the imagination. Most SciFi buffs want to see the aliens, I mean c.mon! Also, the acting wasn't bad, but the actors are hardly known. The boy's psychodrama was probably the best part of the movie. If it had more higher profile actors it would have been more engaging. Also. It is a bit unreal, that these two really young paranormal skeptics would have credible knowledge about alien abductions in the first place. Anyway, it is OK for an inbetween movie if you're bored and there's nothing elese to watch.

Total waist of time. I'm usually not one to write a review but this was honestly horrible. VERY drawn out and nothing happens the ENTIRE movie. Its not because of the fact that there's no definite answer to whether he really is being abused and whether his mom is crazy... but just simply because nothing happens. It's cheesy, hardly makes sense, no jumps, scares, or special effects or graphics...

Hardly even a plot/storyline at all!

***Entire movie= She claims he was abducted. He claims he needs to go home. The end.*** (and btw, the ending is the worst part of the entire movie, or the best depending on how you look at it...Lol)

"A journalist's childhood trauma surfaces when a mother claims that her son was abducted by aliens."

Not deserving of its rating. Anyone giving this snoozefest more than one star is being extremely generous. Nothing about this film makes it worth investing 90 minutes of your life. Boring characters and bad acting ending with a ridiculous "alien" encounter. This is not even a decent made for TV movie. I can not believe a studio invested their money in the making of this film. You've been warned. Only positive thing I can say about this experience is fortunately it was free. Do not waste your time or dollars.

"Jonah," directed by Ben Van Kleek in 2024, weaves a compelling narrative about a journalist confronted with his repressed childhood trauma while investigating a mother's claim that her son was abducted by aliens. On paper, the film's premise, conflicts, and the backstories of its characters check all the boxes for a captivating thriller. It cleverly raises questions about the true intentions of each character and the enveloping mystery they are all trying to unravel, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of human emotion and the unknown.

The potential of "Jonah" lies in its ability to blend personal struggle with supernatural elements, offering a rich soil from which complex character dynamics and thrilling plot twists can grow. The backstories are poised to add depth, making the audience invested in the outcomes of these well-conceived characters. This depth, coupled with the overarching mystery, should have provided a fertile ground for suspense and engagement, drawing viewers into a web of intrigue and emotional complexity.

However, the film stumbles significantly when it comes to its execution, particularly in the casting and performance aspects. Despite the brilliance of the script and the clear vision behind the project, the actors' portrayals fall short of bringing the characters to life in a believable manner. This disconnect between the characters' potential depth and their on-screen representation undermines the immersive experience that is critical for a thriller of this nature. The audience's belief in the characters and the story they inhabit is crucial, and when the performances are not convincing, it detracts from the entire narrative, no matter how well-written or conceived it may be.

In conclusion, while "Jonah" promises a riveting exploration of human psyche intertwined with otherworldly mysteries, its impact is dulled by a cast that fails to deliver the emotional and psychological complexity required. This results in a film that, despite its intriguing premise and underlying script brilliance, offers an experience that falls below expectations, leaving viewers disengaged from what could have been a profoundly moving journey.