| Username | Review | Added | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
  Beginner | This will be very interesting to see how the audience feels about it. You could argue it's a 10 the way Dumb & Dumber and Arrested Development were so different from what people were used to, but over time, received a cult following. The movie does have moments of hilarity, irony, and brilliance. However, it also has long stretches of overly random events that disconnect from the storyline in a way that lacks fluidity to the point of losing the audience altogether. These folks could easily grow bored and give the film one star. For me, I'll go with the average of the 2 scores, but I was disappointed in the underutilized cast, an extremely talented bunch that knows the potential this movie has in the long run. I'll definitely watch again and hope it has the same effect as each new watch of Office Space. | Jan 22, 2019 | ||
 Beginner | The film starts out normal enough. Cassius Green, played by Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out & Atlanta) is canoodling with his rainbow haired artist, sign spinner, and activist girlfriend Detroit played by Tessa Thompson (Thor: Ragnarok & Westworld) in his bed until they are interrupted by his wall (the garage door) opening to reveal a street full of pedestrians and neighbors gawking at them. It is revealed that he owes his landlord and uncle played by Terry Crews 4 months of back rent. Desperate to earn money to pay back his uncle and ultimately save his home, he applies for a job at a telemarketing firm who reportedly hires anyone. While it seems to take place in current day Oakland, there are several key details that illustrate it’s not the reality we know. We see commercials in the background for a company that offers “lifetime contracts” where you can live, eat, and work all in the same place. The company weirdly mimics Americas prisons for profit, only these seem to be voluntary and the commercials make it seem like it’s a good idea.Cassius aka Cash easily gains employment but has issues closing deals. His coworker in the neighboring cubicle played by Danny Glover lets him in on a little secret, if he uses his “white voice” he will have a higher success rate. In the mean time, he also makes friends with coworker Squeeze, played by Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) who is attempting to orchestrate a huge strike in hopes to unionize. Just when the telemarketers stand up to their management and begin to strike, Cash is offered a promotion. He is faced with the choice between crossing the picket lines and continuing to work for the company or join his friends in unionizing. Cash chooses to accept the promotion.Crossing the picket line is no easy feat for the “power callers” and a team of security guards donning riot gear brutally cuts through the protesting crowd. Cash is faced with the consequences of betraying his friends and coworkers, yet he continues to work for the parent company, which is lo and behold, the same company from the commercials! As it turns out, his job is to sell workers we see in the commercials to different companies and establishments as free (read slave) labor.As he rises to the top in his field, he is invited to the head of the company’s home to discuss his position in the company. Armie Hammer is Steve Lift, the CEO of this “volunteer prison” who feels like everything he does is for the greater good. It is at this point where the film takes a turn towards the wacky. Stemming from a raging coke fueled orgy, Sorry to Bother You goes into a turn of events that rivals the film Mother! in its lunacy. Sorry to Bother You takes some whimsical twists and turns that make you confused, uncomfortable, and question everything.Coming off the success of both Get Out and Atlanta, Lakeith Stanfield does an excellent job portraying Cash. Throughout the film we are unable to discern what he’s going to do next until he actually makes the move. We want him to succeed, but not at the expense of losing the respect of his friends, family, and loved ones.Tessa Thompson, his love interest is often disappointed with his choices as she lights up the screen in every scene she shares with him. Her laser cut earrings have their own not-so-subtle messages that are spotlighted every time we see her including; “Murder Murder Murder & Kill Kill Kill” and “Tell Homeland Security & We Are The Bomb” I really enjoyed this film. Boots Riley is so punk rock in both his music and his filmmaking and I loved it. The zaniness of the film never impedes the overall message. It’s important to go into it with an open mind and be prepared to feel a little uncomfortable. I love anything that takes me out of my comfort zone and this film takes us far from reality as it also teaches us to pay attention to the world around us. | Jan 22, 2019 |
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