Jake Johnson

Anna Kendrick

Natalie Morales

Andy Samberg

Mary Holland

Emily Hampshire

Nancy Lenehan

Daryl J. Johnson

Miriam Flynn

Boban Marjanović

Biff Wiff

Eduardo Franco

Jeff Kober

Christopher Lloyd

Theo Wilson

Bjorn Johnson

John Hans Tester

Eric Edelstein

Ely Henry

Juan Carlos Jiménez

Ilia Volok

GaTa

Steven Littles

Tamra Brown

John Ponzio

Karen Maruyama

Sky Elobar

Gloria Sandoval

Makini Manu

Thomas Vu

Wayne Brady

Bre Andrade

Michael Cera

Delroy Cornick

Max Winkler

Evan Halleck

Laura Aughton

Anna Ramey Borden

Ali Bell

Adam Silver

Akiva Schaffer

Ryan Brown

Joe Hardesty

Jorma Taccone

Heather Allison

Grace Alie

Megan Taylor Miller

Renae Goodhew

Alex Galindo

John Chamberlin

Evan J. Haley

Ryan Oppedisano

Kelly Phelan

Dan Romer

Alex Hamer

Rachel Jenkins

Colby Oliver

Alison Korth

Jeff Carolan

Maggie Fung

Mark D. Noel

Wendy O'Brien

Casey Adams

Rebekah Pedersen

Sara Vincenti

Pavy Olivarez

Brooke Bayer

Kevynn Brewer

Comedy

Thriller

Self Reliance

The Lonely Island

Walcott Productions

Clown Show

United States of America

English

boredom

homeless

dark web

reality show

death game

Manuel São Bento

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.firstshowing.net/2024/review-jake-johnsons-new-comedy-self-reliance-plays-it-too-safe/

"Self Reliance possesses an intriguing premise but ultimately plays it too safe. More audacity and bite were required to truly leave a mark on Jake Johnson's feature directorial debut.

Good work as an actor - Anna Kendrick steals the show, though - decent showcase of his strengths as a writer - despite failing to fully capitalize on the narrative's potential - but the lack of a firm grip on the thriller elements and some tonal inconsistencies prevent the film from reaching the next level.

Some humorous moments and a sweet message surrounding the importance of human connections make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a lighthearted comedy-thriller."

Rating: C+

CinemaSerf

I did quite like the premiss here, but the joke really did start to wear a bit thin after half an hour. "Tommy" (Jake Johnson) is invited to a secret meeting with two men who offer him the chance of winning $1 million if only he can survive a deadly game for a month. In order to take the prize, he must find a way to stay alive for whilst various hunters try to kill him. His only guarantee of safety is not a church, but being in the close presence of someone else. Innocent civilians are his bullet-proof vest. He assumes he can rely on his family - but they think he's rather lost the plot and that means holing up for thirty days with his nearest and dearest isn't an option. He will have to get out into the real world and make friends. This, of course, leads to new experiences and puts a lot of pressure on this man who isn't really best equipped - for anything, really. What would or wouldn't we do for a life changing sum of money? That's the gist but I found the effort from Johnson just too intense. The humour was way too in your face and his acting over the top as the scenarios began to recycle themselves. There's no jeopardy at all, and it probably didn't help that I'd no idea who Andy Samberg was, either. It's a perfectly watchable vehicle for Johnson if you like your comedy predictable and loud, but otherwise it's all quickly paced but forgettable fayre.

Five Minutes Down, 84 To Go

Self Reliance - In Bed With Lamorne

Official Trailer

Self Reliance( 2024)

Surviving is all about the company you keep.

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A review by Manuel São Bento

Written by Manuel São Bento on Wed Jan 10 2024

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