64 reviews
It's the terrible cliched and obnoxious screenplay with flaccid directing by filmmaker Dean Craig that flops this film. The comedy was somewhere between eye-rolls and cringe, and all the humor felt fake and forced. Even all the cast performances were wooden and stale, except for David Duchovny, who from his first hilarious scene him saying "wazaaap", was the only real and convincing entertainment in this film. Everyone else, including the story, felt like I was watching failed and unrehearsed SNL sketches. Even the legendary Kathleen Turner had only a few moments where she wasn't annoying. It's a very generous 5/10 from me, only because Duchovny shined in this comedy and was the only one that delivered the laughs. He needs to be in more comedies, he's a natural.
- Top_Dawg_Critic
- Feb 18, 2023
- Permalink
Aunt Hilda is dying, and her greedy relatives all arrive, and attempt to get her to favour them in her will, leaving them her estate.
For such a bitter and twisted scenario, it's a little too light, it doesn't quite hit the spot, there are a couple of amusing moments, a few dark laughs, but it doesn't quite work.
I don't think it's as bad as some of the reviews would suggest, but given the basic plot and the list of names, I really did hope for more.
There's definitely some pedigree here, Toni Collette, David Duchovny and Anna Faris are all pretty good, I thought Kathleen Turner was perhaps the standout as grumpy Aunt Hilda.
Richard, only David Duchovny could make a moustache and a Kappa tracksuit look super cool.
It should have been ten times better.
5/10.
For such a bitter and twisted scenario, it's a little too light, it doesn't quite hit the spot, there are a couple of amusing moments, a few dark laughs, but it doesn't quite work.
I don't think it's as bad as some of the reviews would suggest, but given the basic plot and the list of names, I really did hope for more.
There's definitely some pedigree here, Toni Collette, David Duchovny and Anna Faris are all pretty good, I thought Kathleen Turner was perhaps the standout as grumpy Aunt Hilda.
Richard, only David Duchovny could make a moustache and a Kappa tracksuit look super cool.
It should have been ten times better.
5/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Feb 3, 2023
- Permalink
Wrong with filmakers today? Howcome they cant make stuff better than this standardized generic cha-ta-nooga-choo-choo comedy, where the whirlpool of yap-yapping doing the morning excercise of verbalistic commotion, that , at least for a grumpy old man, wears and tears on the tuba auditiva, leaving me with an enforced tinnitus that can never be prevailed unless something funnier turns up...
well ill admit i had a few good laughs, but that was due to mimics, good pantomiming and goatstare humour, like that dogpainting that looked just like one of the niece's. Fun isnt just what you say but how the whole body says it...
so long live the craps, and the slap stick humour, ive seen better comedies in my nursing careere in real life terminal cases, where the family has done the deals next to the dying bed where no resistance can be made. So im generous when i split a ten in half and awards 5 stars, its laughable,not more than that.
well ill admit i had a few good laughs, but that was due to mimics, good pantomiming and goatstare humour, like that dogpainting that looked just like one of the niece's. Fun isnt just what you say but how the whole body says it...
so long live the craps, and the slap stick humour, ive seen better comedies in my nursing careere in real life terminal cases, where the family has done the deals next to the dying bed where no resistance can be made. So im generous when i split a ten in half and awards 5 stars, its laughable,not more than that.
After reading the reviews, I still decided to check it out. As a huge fan of so many in the cast, I was extremely disappointed. "How could so many of these actors I admire, make a poor choice on a script so let's give it chance." The possibilities for a good film were there - incredible cast (Among them Toni Collette and Kathleen Turner being favourites of mine), and a fun script premise. But nothing worked for me. I found the script very crass versus funny. The characters felt one dimensional and that became annoying. I wish they could have a do over - same cast (well, mostly), same premise, different script.
- susanmnorth
- Feb 10, 2023
- Permalink
Lots of really low ratings from reviewers on this one, so perhaps I was just in a mood, but I laughed quite a bit while viewing this film - the wife, not so much. Yes, some of the humor is a bit gross, but I didn't find it to be gratuitous gross like one might find in a Seth Rogen film. I thought it fit the scene. I also thought everyone played their character quite well.
I laughed throughout the film and found several scenes particularly amusing. Perhaps some of the humor is a bit too subtle for some while some might be too over-the-top for others, but it combined both well. I though Anna Faris's character was especially amusing, with Duchovney being a close second. Perhaps some of the vulgar language could have been toned down, but I thought it generally fit the character or the situation, and I'm no fan of gratuitous vulgarity.
I think it's worth giving this film a look.
I laughed throughout the film and found several scenes particularly amusing. Perhaps some of the humor is a bit too subtle for some while some might be too over-the-top for others, but it combined both well. I though Anna Faris's character was especially amusing, with Duchovney being a close second. Perhaps some of the vulgar language could have been toned down, but I thought it generally fit the character or the situation, and I'm no fan of gratuitous vulgarity.
I think it's worth giving this film a look.
- jordan2240
- Feb 25, 2023
- Permalink
It was meant to be funny but isn't. Story is something you'd expect in a movie from 2008, all it's missing would be either Sandra bullock, Vince Vaughn or Owen Wilson. Some of the characters aren't really believable, maybe each on their own sure but not all of them altogether. Not really down to the actors playing them, more like how they're written. It isn't a movie that's made for you to believe, it's more just to wring a laugh out of you with an obnoxious plot, but unfortunately it isn't funny which makes the movie seem a bit senseless. Everything was over the top, supposed to be one of those movies you enjoy with your brain shut off, you could tell in the plot which scenes were supposed to be the funny ones with characters put in crazy situations but the dialogue doesn't deliver. The jokes don't land, and it doesn't really have any characters you could root for even though it's a movie were you have to pick sides but I couldn't care less for any of the family. It could have been written so much better, highly forgettable and I wouldn't recommend going to see it especially at the cinema, mine even had an extra sub-charge for this, yet a movie like like Armageddon Time didn't, yet was premiering the same night with a bigger cast. Don't bother, if you're still hellbent on watching though, I then suggest just wait for it to come out for streaming because it's not worth paying for and due to the lack of advertisement or buzz you don't have to worry about missing out on an under the radar gem.
- AfricanBro
- Nov 3, 2022
- Permalink
This movie is low brow humor at it's best. It's a good, rather original, story with an ensemble cast that works well.
Frankly, I'm rather shocked at the rather low collective rating this gets.
There are genuinely laugh out loud scenes.
The direction is great and the story -- over -- all works.
Cudos to Katheleen Turner for her over the top tubsta perfornance.
David Ducoveny is pretty good too as the pervy cousin who is obsessed with deviant sex.
Actually, everyone is really good in their roles and the comedic timing is simply wonderful.
It's not a movie that will change your life, but it's a very funny diversion from the world.
Frankly, I'm rather shocked at the rather low collective rating this gets.
There are genuinely laugh out loud scenes.
The direction is great and the story -- over -- all works.
Cudos to Katheleen Turner for her over the top tubsta perfornance.
David Ducoveny is pretty good too as the pervy cousin who is obsessed with deviant sex.
Actually, everyone is really good in their roles and the comedic timing is simply wonderful.
It's not a movie that will change your life, but it's a very funny diversion from the world.
In lame so-called comedy "The Estate" struggling sisters Toni Collette & Anna Faris believe dying aunt Kathleen Turner's inheritance will resolve their financial woes, so they move in with the grumpy old bag to butter her up for it... as do rival cousins Rosemarie DeWitt (with hubbie Ron Livingston) & David Duchovny. What ensues is a crass & unfunny parade of knob & poo gags that goes nowhere but the toilet. Writer / director Dean Craig did well on his debut with "Love Wedding Repeat" but totally craps the bed this time, wasting what's actually a terrific cast on fine form (including Turner - great to see her in a rare appearance)... just in a dreadfully awful movie.
- danieljfarthing
- Nov 29, 2022
- Permalink
: Oh my gosh, I cannot believe the people who gave this funny funny movie such a poor rating. Good acting and some really really funny scenes are the highlights of this one. I found myself laughing out loud on so many occasions. The premise is of course unethical but hardly untrue unfortunately. All of the characters nail their roles and are so funny. I honestly don't know what some people are expecting from such a movie to be honest. If you need a comedy break in your viewing schedule, i highly recommend seeing this film, you won't be disappointed.
To IMDb reviewers. Why have you rejected this review? It has nothing insulating to anyone in it!!!
To IMDb reviewers. Why have you rejected this review? It has nothing insulating to anyone in it!!!
Let me start by saying the only thing that looked real in this movie was old mates prosthetic dick. (Well, I think it was phoney!
As many others have commented, with a cast of this calibre, surely it could be half descent. But no. The storyline (if you can call it that) reminds me of a very bad b-grade 80's nonsense movie.
And Anna Farris. What is she doing with her career since Mom? I'm no slouch when it comes to swearing, but it just didn't sit right with her. She's better than that. As are all the main actors. Which made me think of why they would do this. I went back to the start of the credits, and sure enough I found my answer. Executive Producer was Sarah Jessica Parker. She has worked with most of these actors (especially DeWitt). So it looks like Jessicas called in favours....surely that's the only reason she got the cast that she did.
I gave it a 3. I was going for a 1, but the dick was worth an extra 2.
As many others have commented, with a cast of this calibre, surely it could be half descent. But no. The storyline (if you can call it that) reminds me of a very bad b-grade 80's nonsense movie.
And Anna Farris. What is she doing with her career since Mom? I'm no slouch when it comes to swearing, but it just didn't sit right with her. She's better than that. As are all the main actors. Which made me think of why they would do this. I went back to the start of the credits, and sure enough I found my answer. Executive Producer was Sarah Jessica Parker. She has worked with most of these actors (especially DeWitt). So it looks like Jessicas called in favours....surely that's the only reason she got the cast that she did.
I gave it a 3. I was going for a 1, but the dick was worth an extra 2.
- nogodnomasters
- Dec 4, 2022
- Permalink
I went into this with not much hope. Though some of the scenes are predictable, I give the script and actors credit for going all out in some of the outrageous parts. The movie isn't a record breaker but it was a damn funny change of pace. Everyone plays their part to perfection. Reminds me of Eulogy (2004) or Home For The Holidays (1995) or even Greedy (1994). Definitely should be in the high sixes on IMDb.
I give particular praise to the dialogue, Duchovny has some great lines as does Faris & Toni Collete. Should also point out it has similar vibes to Little Miss Sunshine. If you enjoy the interactions of characters, you'll enjoy this.
I give particular praise to the dialogue, Duchovny has some great lines as does Faris & Toni Collete. Should also point out it has similar vibes to Little Miss Sunshine. If you enjoy the interactions of characters, you'll enjoy this.
From the first shot there is an editing problem...
The fade in is flawed because it's on too short of a clip so it has an abrupt issue when Toni moves head. Then she's facing one way and after car passes she's facing another which crosses the 180 "imaginary line." Then the blonde comes in from the side and it looks so fake - like she literally ran in from a film set off frame. Tonally, the sisters are in two different movies... Anna is over the top while the rest of the cast is playing it dry/real. When the sisters get out of the car and Anna asks about boyfriend.... it was high school stuff - getting out the exposition and it seemed contrived only for that. Basically, this felt like a school film and I could not suspend disbelief. Later when the "pretty cousin" tells her husband to make scones for the mooney, it's revealed that their door was open and the aunt would have been within earshot of their conversation.
I think the script and actors are better than the filmmaking, editing, directing. A lot of this could have been cleaned up with a better editor at least I think... but that's only because the filmmaking is poor and needs a FIXER.
I think the script and actors are better than the filmmaking, editing, directing. A lot of this could have been cleaned up with a better editor at least I think... but that's only because the filmmaking is poor and needs a FIXER.
Saw the film listed in my local theater listings and was shocked. It has a nice cast, Toni Collete, Ana Faris, David Duchovny and Kathleen Turner, but saw no marketing what so ever for it. It was sent out to die.
The Pros: Some jokes landed for me. David Duchovny was the MVP, having some of the best material with good delivery. Kathleen Turner had some moments. It gave me some laughs, and made me wonder how it would end.
The Cons: The script has some structural issues, including over reliance on happenstance, and just some weird choices and motivations. Some of the dialogue felt off as well. The camera work, annoying. There were so many shots that looked like they were done with hand held and came across as shaky when there was no need for it.
I was hoping for some hidden gem, but got a curiosity to help start my Regal November period.
The Pros: Some jokes landed for me. David Duchovny was the MVP, having some of the best material with good delivery. Kathleen Turner had some moments. It gave me some laughs, and made me wonder how it would end.
The Cons: The script has some structural issues, including over reliance on happenstance, and just some weird choices and motivations. Some of the dialogue felt off as well. The camera work, annoying. There were so many shots that looked like they were done with hand held and came across as shaky when there was no need for it.
I was hoping for some hidden gem, but got a curiosity to help start my Regal November period.
Yes, that is one of the highlight lines in this movie. ( had to substitute a word for their more anatomically correct term, as this is my 4th attempt to post this review!!) Obviously it needs to be heard with regards to the context of the characters involved. If you have lasted that long in? Then you have bought into this type of movie, and chuckled along accordingly.
Its rude, disrespectful, gross, blasphemous, kind of endearing, and overall, amusing. A great ensemble cast bring their professional talents to what may be considered a rather hit and miss script. Resulting in the motley crew of characters coming to life in an absurd but believable manner. From the misogynistic, incestuously weird, battle worn Dick, to the innocent and D&D obsessed young sis. Every character has their place, not one is included, who does not flesh out the whole silly but fun affair.
If you can keep your expectations low, then its a 1 hour 36 minutes diversion, which will give a few smiles, the odd grimace, and even some laughs. Heck, I'm going to change my 6 to a 7 star, it was just about worth it.
Its rude, disrespectful, gross, blasphemous, kind of endearing, and overall, amusing. A great ensemble cast bring their professional talents to what may be considered a rather hit and miss script. Resulting in the motley crew of characters coming to life in an absurd but believable manner. From the misogynistic, incestuously weird, battle worn Dick, to the innocent and D&D obsessed young sis. Every character has their place, not one is included, who does not flesh out the whole silly but fun affair.
If you can keep your expectations low, then its a 1 hour 36 minutes diversion, which will give a few smiles, the odd grimace, and even some laughs. Heck, I'm going to change my 6 to a 7 star, it was just about worth it.
How did this get made? The dialogue is woeful, did school kids write it? Look at this cast! Since when did they move construction staff to other states? Not even Toni Colette can save this nonsense. The lighting... oh the lighting, I'm pretty sure the cast will be horrified by the way they're lit. Horrendous ADR too, surely a high school trainee's first work. The only positive thing is I didn't go to the cinema for this garbage. Makes you wonder who the is at fault for this. The writer directed, but we all know that doesn't always lay the blame there. The cast were surely attracted by a script that we didn't see here. I gave it two stars, 1 of those are is for the wallpaper, the other for DeWitt, Duchovny and Livingstone.
- neilprivate
- Feb 7, 2023
- Permalink
Given the cast, you'd expect a laugh riot. A future classic. No. It does have its moments. It was entertaining and I do think it was worth watching.
The cast does the best they can except for Anna Farris who is unbearably annoying. Granted, her character is meant to be, but she over does it.
It's hard to pinpoint what went wrong with this project. There are a few fun lines that seem dropped like a bomb. Was it bad direction? Bad editing? Definitely bad execution of some sort.
One can't complain too much sincer there isn't much competition out there. It makes this film worth a watch just for most of the cast.
The cast does the best they can except for Anna Farris who is unbearably annoying. Granted, her character is meant to be, but she over does it.
It's hard to pinpoint what went wrong with this project. There are a few fun lines that seem dropped like a bomb. Was it bad direction? Bad editing? Definitely bad execution of some sort.
One can't complain too much sincer there isn't much competition out there. It makes this film worth a watch just for most of the cast.
With a cast that you would surely believe could put together a comedy movie, this movie should make almost anyone's "Worst Movies" list. It's bad from top to bottom.
From the outset, The Estate is terribly overacted, particularly by Anna Faris, who I really like as an actress. It is cliche. Not well filmed. The script is wildly predictable.
Even its high points, Duchovny and Turner's characters, were below average. The opening credits and graphics looked very dated but not necessarily on purpose. I even recognized the ending "twist" midway through the movie.
I consider it a waste of my time. Very unsatisfying.
From the outset, The Estate is terribly overacted, particularly by Anna Faris, who I really like as an actress. It is cliche. Not well filmed. The script is wildly predictable.
Even its high points, Duchovny and Turner's characters, were below average. The opening credits and graphics looked very dated but not necessarily on purpose. I even recognized the ending "twist" midway through the movie.
I consider it a waste of my time. Very unsatisfying.
I actually liked this movie. Look, so many movies these days end up disappointing me, so it's surprising when a good one comes along, especially one with an IMDb rating hovering around 5. However, I am used to being disappointed by 8+ star movies, so obviously the rating doesn't mean much. Even so, rarely does one rated so low end up being better than my expectations. Do you know the best thing about this movie? (Besides the stellar cast.) It made me laugh! Several times! I didn't laugh so hard I almost passed out (extremely rare) but it did make me laugh quite a bit, and that hardly ever happens when I watch a movie or show, even one that is supposed to be funny. Especially one that is supposed to be funny. The movie isn't deep by any stretch of the imagination, so don't take it seriously, just relax and have a good time.
After reading some of the bad reviews here, I am thinking this movie may be more to the taste of Aussies, Brits, people who are a bit more open-minded about certain naughty words and prefer their humour on the raunchy side.
After reading some of the bad reviews here, I am thinking this movie may be more to the taste of Aussies, Brits, people who are a bit more open-minded about certain naughty words and prefer their humour on the raunchy side.
- schuwomann
- Feb 5, 2023
- Permalink
OK where to start? Why did I even watch the movie? I saw the cast and thought, OK Kathleen Turner, long time since I saw her in a movie, same with David Duchovny. Then I saw Toni Colette, one of my favorite actresses. Yipeeeeee, this could be good. I decided to watch the movie. It started out OK, but then it just went deeper and deeper downhill and landed rock hard flat at the bottom. How is it even possible to do that? Well, with an incredibly silly script, which someone in preschool could have written. Please don't watch it and Toni Colette, please run away from Hollywood. They use you only.
What is wrong with people these days?? No, but seriously... what do you expect in a movie?! If a movie like this which is good, hilarious, well-made, well-written, well-acted, etc gets such low reviews what does that say about today's audience? All the Marvel and Disney movies must have really messed with your head because you clearly have lost all sense of judgement. This movie is a total gem! The situations are ridiculous, the actors are hilarious, the writing is great... I mean what more could you ask for? I love Anna Farris and Toni Collette but the real MVP here was Rosemarie DeWitt. She absolutely stole the show.
Please don't listen to the negative reviews. These people need professional medical help. Enjoy!
Please don't listen to the negative reviews. These people need professional medical help. Enjoy!
- ivantheeditor
- Dec 3, 2022
- Permalink
Aunt Hilda (Kathleen Turner) has been diagnosed with cancer and have little time left. As the close family hears about this, they appear one by one to Hilda's big mansion. Trying to convince Hilda to be the one to inherit her large fortune.
There's the sisters Macey (Toni Collette) and Savanna (Anna Faris) who have tried to run their father's restaurant, with not a lot of success, and the bank is about to close the place. First arriving though are the couple Beatrice (Rosemarie DeWitt) and James (Ron Livingston), also running out of money. Last in line is Richard (he now prefers Dick) (David Duchovny).
Now they all try to impress Hilda, not very impressive though. But they're doing an effort. Trying to give Hilda a last erotic encounter with the boy, now old man, who fancied her in high school. They try to take her to visit her sister, they have been enemies for a long time.
I guess that this film hasn't been thought much about, when the action was made, probably not filled a lot in the script. As a viewer of this film you will be a step ahead of the happenings at all time.
The most surprising thing about this film is the fantastic cast, however they were persuaded to perform here is hard to understand.
There's the sisters Macey (Toni Collette) and Savanna (Anna Faris) who have tried to run their father's restaurant, with not a lot of success, and the bank is about to close the place. First arriving though are the couple Beatrice (Rosemarie DeWitt) and James (Ron Livingston), also running out of money. Last in line is Richard (he now prefers Dick) (David Duchovny).
Now they all try to impress Hilda, not very impressive though. But they're doing an effort. Trying to give Hilda a last erotic encounter with the boy, now old man, who fancied her in high school. They try to take her to visit her sister, they have been enemies for a long time.
I guess that this film hasn't been thought much about, when the action was made, probably not filled a lot in the script. As a viewer of this film you will be a step ahead of the happenings at all time.
The most surprising thing about this film is the fantastic cast, however they were persuaded to perform here is hard to understand.
Dysfunctional relatives fighting over their dying aunt's inheritance. One of the lowest morality point in a human's life. You gotta be very selfish and shameless to do such a thing. Story wise, it's repulsive. But comedy wise, it's pretty funny. It's just that the cussing and swearing made the the whole thing sounds crass and crude. And it kinda putting me off. Anyway, back to the story, even though it's about a dysfunctional relatives and a loosed moral decision they're making, it still has a moral lesson to draw from. I just wish the director would've put more music into the movie. It would make the movie feel a lot less bland. Maybe even funnier. I don't recommend this movie for anyone. If you have something else, watch them instead.
This was a fun film with a great cast . Tony Colette and Anna Farid play sisters Macey and Savanna who try to win over their dying aunt Hilda (Kathleen Turner) to get in her will before she dies .
Other relatives like Richard (David Duchovny) Beatrice (Rosemarie Dewitt) find out and also try to win over Hilda before she dies .
The film has some funny scenes which each person trying to outdo the other to win over Hilda .
The film has a couple of late twists which I predicted .
The characters are not particularly likeable due to what they are trying to do to get rich .
Nonetheless it was an enjoyable film to watch .
Other relatives like Richard (David Duchovny) Beatrice (Rosemarie Dewitt) find out and also try to win over Hilda before she dies .
The film has some funny scenes which each person trying to outdo the other to win over Hilda .
The film has a couple of late twists which I predicted .
The characters are not particularly likeable due to what they are trying to do to get rich .
Nonetheless it was an enjoyable film to watch .