141 reviews
Like a David Lynch version of Napoleon Dynamite. Cool score and wardrobe is interesting to say the least.
- kristenwest-18874
- Jan 23, 2019
- Permalink
Not a lot to say really... Probably one the strangest films I've ever seen but that's by no means a bad thing! A great cast, locations and music. Little lacking in the story department but don't let that put you off - just give it a watch for Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry!
//Revelation Film Festival Review//
An absurdist comedy from the mind behind The Greasy Strangler, Jim Hoskings' sophomore effort is the cinematic equivalent of a joke without a punchline. It sits on the screen awkwardly and bereft of purpose, moving from one stilted scene to the next. While it would be easy to dismiss the film early on, Hosking proves himself in complete control over his style as he revels in the awkwardness to increasingly effective result.
The story follows a woman (played by Aubrey Plaza) stuck in a disagreeable marriage. After a botched murder attempt on her husband she decides to run away with a hitman to an old motel where an old flame of hers, Beverley Luff Linn, is performing for "one magical night only". So ensues a number of bizarre occurrences, many of which defy explanation, leading up to the special night.
Craig Robinson is the standout as the titular Luff Linn, a mysterious performer who communicates in a series of grunts to comical effect. The film is certainly one of the stranger films showing at the Revelation Film Festival and it won't be for everyone but attune to its wavelength and there are laughs to be found in the inanity.
An absurdist comedy from the mind behind The Greasy Strangler, Jim Hoskings' sophomore effort is the cinematic equivalent of a joke without a punchline. It sits on the screen awkwardly and bereft of purpose, moving from one stilted scene to the next. While it would be easy to dismiss the film early on, Hosking proves himself in complete control over his style as he revels in the awkwardness to increasingly effective result.
The story follows a woman (played by Aubrey Plaza) stuck in a disagreeable marriage. After a botched murder attempt on her husband she decides to run away with a hitman to an old motel where an old flame of hers, Beverley Luff Linn, is performing for "one magical night only". So ensues a number of bizarre occurrences, many of which defy explanation, leading up to the special night.
Craig Robinson is the standout as the titular Luff Linn, a mysterious performer who communicates in a series of grunts to comical effect. The film is certainly one of the stranger films showing at the Revelation Film Festival and it won't be for everyone but attune to its wavelength and there are laughs to be found in the inanity.
This film is definately strange and not for all viewers, it has a bizarre amount of over acting, just a weird sense of humor. If you can get into that sort of thing then it is enjoyable to watch, Jemaine and aubrey plaza are fantastic as always. Don't expect anything normal though.
- dustyt-11879
- Nov 13, 2018
- Permalink
It's like the director told them to throw out all of their natural comedic talents and just make a super weird movie. I dig all sorts of off kilter comedy but there's way too many forced moments
- Pukeonthestreet
- Jun 19, 2020
- Permalink
In one word , i¡d say "interesting" .. It starts in a really weird way -- a bit slow but then things starts to get crazy .. oh .. crazier .. and more tense.
The plot goes around an idiots village filled with these socially awkward people .. i actually felt uncomfortable for a while before the comedy kicks in.
The casting is WoW,, i literally knew all the leads and co-leads .. from Aubrey Plaza to Craig Robinson, Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry (from the IT crowd :D) ...
Was it a perfect easily digestible comedy ,, nope ,, it was unusual and very weird it becomes a bit enjoyable right at the end.
The plot goes around an idiots village filled with these socially awkward people .. i actually felt uncomfortable for a while before the comedy kicks in.
The casting is WoW,, i literally knew all the leads and co-leads .. from Aubrey Plaza to Craig Robinson, Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry (from the IT crowd :D) ...
Was it a perfect easily digestible comedy ,, nope ,, it was unusual and very weird it becomes a bit enjoyable right at the end.
- Aktham_Tashtush
- Oct 26, 2018
- Permalink
Trying so hard to be ironic and campy but just stupid and irrelevant. Gave up after 20min. A 2nd year College student flick would be more rife with meaning and purpose...
- hcfernandezpa
- Jun 21, 2020
- Permalink
This movie is meant for a very niche audience. It was not created to make money or win awards. However, there is a lot of love put into this movie full of awful people mostly being awful to each other. I adored the minimalist electronic soundtrack. The over the top performances. The 70's/early 80's inspired retro decor, costumes, makeup and hair. Just everything with the style of the movie. It's almost like taking a step back in time for me.
Most people will not get this movie, but for those that do it's a real treat IMO.
Most people will not get this movie, but for those that do it's a real treat IMO.
- choralone42
- Feb 5, 2019
- Permalink
I've wondered over the past few days whether this film is awful, or possibly my favourite film of the last 5 years. I'm leaning towards the latter.
- lptsimpson
- Feb 8, 2019
- Permalink
This movie is very artistic, it's made directly for the critics. The actors play brilliantly. The roles are very colorful and way overplayed intentionally.
I'm not a critic and for me it was 98% boring. 100% waste of time. Plot is flat and full of disappointments. Not even one good moment through entire movie.
Mmm mmMM mmmmmmm Mmmmmm. Mmmmmmm Mm m MMM! MMM Mmmmmm. Mmm, mmmmm m, mmmmmmm... MMM!
Mmmm. Mm mm Mmmm mmmmmmm! Mmm mm mmmmm mmm mmmmm mmmmm... Mmmm mm Mmmmmm Mmmm mmm mm m.
Mmmm mmmmm.... Mmmmm..... Mmm? Mmmmm... Mmm m mmm??! Mmmm... Mmmm mmm m mmm m...
- catherinelbellamy
- Feb 12, 2019
- Permalink
An Evening with Beverly Luff Lunn is a strange movie with disjointed dialogue, weird acting with some strange but great cinematography that's just incredibly fun to watch. The movie has a simple plot and has many elements that are similar to a parody of a Wes Anderson movie but it's just something unique and interesting in its weirdness that doesn't try to be pretentious whilst doing so.
It's just one of those films that won't be in my top 5 of 2018 but I definitely don't regret watching. It's very stylish and weird as you would expect if you watched or even heard about The Greasy Strangler. The director has a unique vision and sense of style in the way that he makes his films that isn't remarkable but it's hard to look away from. Which, whilst disconnected and strange throughout most of the film actually has a touching ending.
Tired of waiting for the next live-action Wes Anderson or Edgar Wright film, want something that feels simple but weird and crazy at the same time then this will be for you. It's a great film to watch if you want a few laughs or just to watch something totally out there. A very good film will rewatch again, I'm going to give it a read the review/10.
It's just one of those films that won't be in my top 5 of 2018 but I definitely don't regret watching. It's very stylish and weird as you would expect if you watched or even heard about The Greasy Strangler. The director has a unique vision and sense of style in the way that he makes his films that isn't remarkable but it's hard to look away from. Which, whilst disconnected and strange throughout most of the film actually has a touching ending.
Tired of waiting for the next live-action Wes Anderson or Edgar Wright film, want something that feels simple but weird and crazy at the same time then this will be for you. It's a great film to watch if you want a few laughs or just to watch something totally out there. A very good film will rewatch again, I'm going to give it a read the review/10.
- ThatSlackerOnSci-Fi
- Feb 1, 2019
- Permalink
But most importantly why.. if your face remains stern and unchanged for the first 20 minutes then please just turn it off because each subsequent 10 minutes feels like a slow, laborious and tiring death.
As soon as you hear the first fart that's when you know this so-called 'comedy' is perhaps meant for you + a drug of your choice since I don't see how this could be funny unless you're with a bunch of mates getting lean.
Just a shame because I truly like Aubrey Plaza and the cast in general but is there really a need for so much swearing?
Cheap comedy and unbearable.
As soon as you hear the first fart that's when you know this so-called 'comedy' is perhaps meant for you + a drug of your choice since I don't see how this could be funny unless you're with a bunch of mates getting lean.
Just a shame because I truly like Aubrey Plaza and the cast in general but is there really a need for so much swearing?
Cheap comedy and unbearable.
- sasha_arzumanova
- Mar 3, 2019
- Permalink
I have to start by stating that I very rarely leave a review nowadays, no matter how much I enjoyed the film.
But this movie, it seems to have gotten lodged into my unconsciousness, and I can't seem to stop thinking about it from time to time.
I understand that many many people will watch this, and find it to be absolute nonsensical garbage. I get that. This movie is very definitely somewhat off the wall. But for me, that's the beauty of it. I loved every minute of its surreal quirkiness. I must've seen it half a dozen times now and I'm nowhere near tiring of it. It's my kind of wacky.
Looking forward to seeing if the director can do it again with his future works.
I understand that many many people will watch this, and find it to be absolute nonsensical garbage. I get that. This movie is very definitely somewhat off the wall. But for me, that's the beauty of it. I loved every minute of its surreal quirkiness. I must've seen it half a dozen times now and I'm nowhere near tiring of it. It's my kind of wacky.
Looking forward to seeing if the director can do it again with his future works.
Nice try, but a failure full stop. Like many other reviewers also have mentioned this "comedy" isnt funny whatsoever. It's weird allright, but being weird isnt enough to make me laugh.
Even in a comedy there needs to be some sort of credibility of the characters to enhance the comedy effect for me personally. There is no credibility whatsoever unfortunately. What's left is a shell of a movie with lots of super weird characters who could not keep me interested longer than 10 minutes...waiting for something interesting to happen. But no...
Better watch any other Aubrey Plaza movie than this one...
Even in a comedy there needs to be some sort of credibility of the characters to enhance the comedy effect for me personally. There is no credibility whatsoever unfortunately. What's left is a shell of a movie with lots of super weird characters who could not keep me interested longer than 10 minutes...waiting for something interesting to happen. But no...
Better watch any other Aubrey Plaza movie than this one...
I just drank a bottle of wine and watched this movie. It was dumb and I really liked it.
What just happened? Seriously weird film that attracts and repulses in equal parts. An eclectic ensemble cast of internationally diverse and individually successful comedy performers and Emile Hirsch, whom is not known for his comedy chops but an accomplished dramatic actor no less.
The story is so whimsical and the characters so ludicrous that it is entirely too difficult to describe and may be interpreted differently by each of you. That may sound like a cop out but seriously if you manage to sit through the entire film then feel free to tell me what in the name of all things celluloid you think It is really about.
To match the strange story the drab sets and eighties bad fashion roll together and slowly smoke up into something hard to watch and hard to look away from. I watched it on a quiet day when I wasn't craving a blockbuster and I would suggest you do the same.
It has almost a Napoleon Dynamite, independent tilt that doesn't take itself too seriously and I feel that the cast and crew may have spent half the production laughing at the absurdity and the other half laughing at the considerable talent in the room.
To match the strange story the drab sets and eighties bad fashion roll together and slowly smoke up into something hard to watch and hard to look away from. I watched it on a quiet day when I wasn't craving a blockbuster and I would suggest you do the same.
It has almost a Napoleon Dynamite, independent tilt that doesn't take itself too seriously and I feel that the cast and crew may have spent half the production laughing at the absurdity and the other half laughing at the considerable talent in the room.
- davittennis
- Dec 5, 2019
- Permalink
This movie is absolutely not for a wide audience but if you fit the niche they are targeting like I do you will absolutely love it !!
It's super weird, has an assortment of one of the best characters ever, has great music and it has Aubrey Plaza what more can one wish for !
I will watch this one quite a few times in my future I am sure of it :)
- mrzim_logovanje
- Nov 7, 2018
- Permalink
Well if you've seen the Greasy Strangler, the previous movie made by the director, you will get the reference. If not, let me tell you that this movie is not as far out than the other one was. It's still odd to say the least. Be aware this is not your usual movie. Neither in story nor in acting. It's over the top to say the least - and maybe it makes sense to watch a trailer before you go into this and are dissapointed in the end.
I can't imagine the trailer spoiling the story for you either. The movie might be spoiling the fun for you, but again this is a very weird experience, even though it's way more coherent than what I witnessed with the Strangler. So if freaky and weird floats your boat, this is a movie for you. If you're more into conventional movies ... well this might not be something you want to watch
I can't imagine the trailer spoiling the story for you either. The movie might be spoiling the fun for you, but again this is a very weird experience, even though it's way more coherent than what I witnessed with the Strangler. So if freaky and weird floats your boat, this is a movie for you. If you're more into conventional movies ... well this might not be something you want to watch
I have no idea how a film with this kind of comic talent could be so painfully unfunny.
Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry's respective presences should have made this an instant classic, let alone adding Aubrey Plaza and Craig Robinson. Instead the actors seem to have been directed to give utterly wooden and wildly uneven line readings that don't even elicit a chuckle, with Craig Robinson basically copying Peter Boyle's performance from Young Frankenstein.
What a waste of a great cast via terrible direction. Avoid at all costs.
Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry's respective presences should have made this an instant classic, let alone adding Aubrey Plaza and Craig Robinson. Instead the actors seem to have been directed to give utterly wooden and wildly uneven line readings that don't even elicit a chuckle, with Craig Robinson basically copying Peter Boyle's performance from Young Frankenstein.
What a waste of a great cast via terrible direction. Avoid at all costs.
- kweiss1990
- Jan 26, 2019
- Permalink
The comedy style seems very dated to me and there are some very awkward cuts in places where a actor will deliver a line and then it will cut to the next scene but the previous line fell flat. This was extremely awkward to me but it may have been what they were going for.
There are a lot of bad wigs in this movie so if that's something you're into then you'll probably like this movie.
There were a couple of jokes that really caught me off guard and had me chuckling a bit.
Overall it's a WTF kind of comedy that really goes no where and has no point I will say though that I really liked Colin. I think we have all felt like Colin at some point in our lives.
There are a lot of bad wigs in this movie so if that's something you're into then you'll probably like this movie.
There were a couple of jokes that really caught me off guard and had me chuckling a bit.
Overall it's a WTF kind of comedy that really goes no where and has no point I will say though that I really liked Colin. I think we have all felt like Colin at some point in our lives.
- savethecloudsfoundation
- Aug 12, 2019
- Permalink
This movie is intentionally weird. All the characters look ridiculous. So ridiculous I found their likenesses to be disturbing. Every character is off the wall wacko, but not in a funny or interesting way. But in a macabre, twisted world way. I would not like any of these characters in my life at all because they are just that screwed up. That means there is no hero or heroine in the movie. There is no character you fall in love with and root for. The story is essentially non-existent. It's not intriguing or captivating. In most cases when a movie is this bad I just turn it off. In this case I was curious to see if it got an better, so I watched it to the end. Nope. I should have turned it off.
I see a lot of 10 out 10 star ratings. I can only assume those are created by people who have vested interest in the movie. It may be producers, writers, or directors posting those ratings. "Napoleon Dynamite" was a great weird movie with weird characters. This one is at the other end of the spectrum.
I see a lot of 10 out 10 star ratings. I can only assume those are created by people who have vested interest in the movie. It may be producers, writers, or directors posting those ratings. "Napoleon Dynamite" was a great weird movie with weird characters. This one is at the other end of the spectrum.
I thoroughly recommend watching this film just for the pure experience of it. Best enjoyed with beer and friends.
- leigh-maitland-ward
- Jul 30, 2019
- Permalink