A solution to the challenges of over population, lack of food, water, and humans drain on natural resources called Downsizing, which shrinks humans to five inches tall, has been discovered. Paul and his wife Audrey decide to Downsize in hopes of saving money and the environment but when Paul wakes from the procedure he learns Audrey backed out at the last minute.
Matt Damon (Paul), Kristen Wiig (Audrey), Christoph Waltz (Dusan), Hong Chau (Ngoc), Rolf Lassgard (Dr. Asbjornsen), Ingjerd Egeberg (Anne-Helene), Udo Kier (Konrad), Jason Sudeikis (Dave).
Downsizing begins with some character introductions before Paul and Audrey decide they want to be downsized to help the environment and enjoy financial freedom. However when Paul awakens from the procedure he finds Audrey backed out at the last minute and remains full sized. As Paul tries to navigate his new life alone, and with an unexpected reduction in assets, he finds the small world may not be so different.
Billed as a comedy, there really isn't much laughter here, just plenty of social commentary.
Acting was decent with Damon delivering a solidly emotional performance. Wiig was good and seemed to work well with Damon. Waltz fit his role well and delivered much of the laughs, such as they were. Chau also contributed greatly and brought a few laughs. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are mild suburban fodder for the most part, but felt fitting and solid. CGI was minimal and nicely done, as were action scenes. Dialogue was entertaining, but not amusing. Sound and soundtrack are pleasant.
Overall Downsizing is something of a disappointment. Expecting a comedy with social satire, instead we found plenty of social commentary and only a few laughs. Another hope was for focus on the sci-fi aspect which was apparently just another hook, like comedy, to acquire viewers before assaulting them with social complaints. The result is a film that, due to deceptive marketing, will likely be enjoyed only by those who stumble upon it accidentally.
This one has some moderate sexuality, foul language, mild violence, and drug use, so save it for older teens and above.
Released: 2017
Reviewed: 7.30.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Satire, Social Commentary
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
Matt Damon (Paul), Kristen Wiig (Audrey), Christoph Waltz (Dusan), Hong Chau (Ngoc), Rolf Lassgard (Dr. Asbjornsen), Ingjerd Egeberg (Anne-Helene), Udo Kier (Konrad), Jason Sudeikis (Dave).
Downsizing begins with some character introductions before Paul and Audrey decide they want to be downsized to help the environment and enjoy financial freedom. However when Paul awakens from the procedure he finds Audrey backed out at the last minute and remains full sized. As Paul tries to navigate his new life alone, and with an unexpected reduction in assets, he finds the small world may not be so different.
Billed as a comedy, there really isn't much laughter here, just plenty of social commentary.
Acting was decent with Damon delivering a solidly emotional performance. Wiig was good and seemed to work well with Damon. Waltz fit his role well and delivered much of the laughs, such as they were. Chau also contributed greatly and brought a few laughs. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are mild suburban fodder for the most part, but felt fitting and solid. CGI was minimal and nicely done, as were action scenes. Dialogue was entertaining, but not amusing. Sound and soundtrack are pleasant.
Overall Downsizing is something of a disappointment. Expecting a comedy with social satire, instead we found plenty of social commentary and only a few laughs. Another hope was for focus on the sci-fi aspect which was apparently just another hook, like comedy, to acquire viewers before assaulting them with social complaints. The result is a film that, due to deceptive marketing, will likely be enjoyed only by those who stumble upon it accidentally.
This one has some moderate sexuality, foul language, mild violence, and drug use, so save it for older teens and above.
Released: 2017
Reviewed: 7.30.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Satire, Social Commentary
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
No comments:
Post a Comment