BRAD'S STATUS
Directed by Mike White
Screenplay by Mike White
Starring Ben Stiller; Austin Abrams; Jenna Fischer; and Michael Sheen
Mike White kind of encapsulated the quiet biggest problem of society in this wonderful here in Brad's Status. This film is not for teenagers. Not because it is inappropriate , but because they may not get it. That is not being the old guy being snobby...it is just understanding a parent and his perception of the world around him.
This film is so interesting, often, I do not know why, because it is an entirely a different it made me think of the wonderful film The End of The Tour. So quiet but saying so much.
We follow Ben Stiller (Brad) as he takes his son Troy (Abrams) to Boston to visit schools.
No spoilers here...but as we follow them on a their trip:
-We see Brad reflect on his own college life and what his dreams were and where he is now.
-The inevitable comparison to friends from the past and the reality of what is the truth that hits home.
-Facebook and other comparable sites are also spotlighted here............questioning what is real...what is on social media compared to what happens behind closed doors.
Yes it seems like a lot to cover on a trip to Boston and Harvard.
It helps that Stiller gives a great performance, oddly he does not say much, you can see the pain and jealousy in his eyes. Just a quiet film that says a lot about society and comparisons with others and your path in life.
Negatives?
- Too many voice overs. We have Brad telling us his thoughts as he stares out into the abyss. It does not make for great cinema. I wish they could of had him tell someone his thoughts. At one point he is in a bar, sharing drinks with a young female college student and that moment shines. Wish there was more of that...sort of like The End Of The Tour.
-I do not like how Brad left the dinner (No Spoilers) with the pompous Craig Fisher (A wonderful performance by Michael Sheen). I feel like a truthful conversation between them would have been interesting.
-Jenna Fischer...I love and wanted her to be more involved.
If you are over 20 this film should be a must see. I found it to be one of the best written films of the year. Please note..he is a quiet soul but Mike White is one of best writers in Hollywood...See The Good Girl or School Of Rock. Brad's Status gets 4 out of 5 stars.
By the way if you cant find Brad's Status in the theater yet, look for this at home..Dave Wallace may be a little wacky but maybe ahead of his time:
From the shadows as always thanks for your time.
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