Good Luck
Every now and then, a film genuinely surprises you. I wasn’t sold on the title or the wacky, slightly chaotic marketing posters. The trailer did grab my interest though, and I went in expecting something a little out there. Probably average. Maybe just okay.
As I was watching two films back to back, I actually had higher hopes for the other one, Cold Storage. Was I wrong? Absolutely.
Have Fun
The film dives in headfirst and wastes no time setting the scene. Sam Rockwell plays a man from the future recruiting a team to save the world. It’s an excellent performance and a character you warm to almost instantly.
It’s surreal in places and, of course, futuristic. It’s well written, clearly backed by a decent budget, and most importantly, it’s fun. Fast paced, entertaining and not so complex that you find yourself lost. It strikes a really nice balance.
Once the team volunteers at the beginning, we get character flashbacks that flesh out the story. We learn what happened, why they stepped forward, and what’s really at stake. It gives the film more depth than you might expect from the marketing.
The supporting cast is strong, with Juno Temple, Haley Lu Richardson from White Lotus series two, and Michael Peña. My standout, alongside Rockwell, is Richardson. She’s excellent and plays a pivotal, very important role. She has a big future as a well known actor no doubt.
A “Man From the Future” arrives at a diner in Los Angeles where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence.
IMDb synopsis
Don’t Die
The ending ramps up the suspense nicely, delivering some genuinely unexpected moments while maintaining that surreal edge. It works.
Although it stands perfectly well as a standalone film, you can absolutely see potential for a follow up. I would happily watch more. In fact, I’ve already highly recommended it to my wife and I’m going again. Tickets booked.
And yes, in case you’re wondering, I’ve completely changed my mind on the title.
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die.
It’s fun. It fits. And it suits the film’s originality perfectly.
Film Rating
Music
4 out of 5 (mainly instrumental)
Story/plot
4 out of 5
Acting/Performances
5 out of 5
Overall
4.5 out of 5
Certification: 15
Running time: 134 minutes
Screening type: 2D
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