Writer/director Alexander Payne ("The Descendants"), working with Jim Taylor ("Nebraska"), has created a social satire that explores what one person is willing to do to help save humankind. I hasten to point out, however, this is NOT a comedy, although is has humorous moments.
Part of Payne's cast:
- Matt Damon ("The Martian") Paul is frustrated and frightened, but still kind and helpful. Damon just gets better and better. He has no ego and, like Tom Hanks, is willing to be the butt of a joke. His body looks like a healthy man his age, not some ripped superhero.
- Kristen Wiig ("The Last Man on Earth") Audrey wants a big new house, so she has made this pact with her husband, but she hates to leave her family and friends.
- Christoph Waltz ("Tulip Fever") Dusan has a plan... Which is making him wealthy. And he doesn't give a rip about the future of mankind. Two-time Oscar winner Waltz is relaxed, charming and funny.
- Hong Chau ("Big Little Lies") Ngoc Lan Tran is a breath of fresh air. Life has handed her one challenge after another, so she doesn't have time to ponder the future of mankind. We are seeing a new comedy star, folks!
- Jason Sudeikis ("The Last Man on Earth") Dave is Paul's new best friend, but in my opinion, his advice is lame.
- Udo Kier ("Melancholia") Conrad has a yacht and is business partners with Dusan. This German-born actor looks so much like Terrance Stamp I had to look him up.
My companion enjoyed this more than I. To me, it was dreary, the psychedelic lights and dances were boring, and the bleak outlook on the future of mankind wasn't pretty. I DID laugh more than once, though, when I could make out the dialog.
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Check out the trailer:
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