Self Reliance

Synopsis

A man stuck in a rut is coerced into playing a game that could cost him his life or get him a million dollars.

Review

I am not sure what I was thinking I'd get from this movie after watching the trailer, but it is not the movie I got. I am happy for Jake Johnson getting to write this and being in more things, but I don't think he ever plays a different character from the same character as in New Girl.

The story overall almost seems like a "delusion" rather than an actual story that happened to the character. It was entertaining, but very single dimensional and nothing of true value. The more I think about it, the more that as my wife said, it was dumb. I like the premise behind it mainly because I think human depravity would 100% do this.

With that, the comedy is very low brow and at best it is a chuckle, but it is a constant chuckle. The other thing that really bothers me is Anna Kendrick's role. Her part is pointless because the whole lead doesn't pay off other than supposition. I will say that the two of them have great chemistry though so it was nice to see on screen.

My Rating

I am in line with the rest of the community on this and say that this isn't great. It seems lack luster and lazy at times. It is a 6 mainly because the the big bad is pointless.

Parental Rating

They are out. Lots of language throughout, like an excessive amount. The story for them is for sure out as it wouldn't be entertaining. There is no sex, and little violence. Disapproved by both, mainly because of the language.