When Jeff Tried to Save the World (2018) User Reviews

Interesting film

[cekadah · 7/10 · 14 December 2018]

The story starts slowly but once you realize what's actually happening you'll enjoy the characters and plot !

This is a look into a group of people who are facing that transition in life we all must face one day. The bowling alley was once a thriving community spot but now those days have past. And along with it the employees must face that nothing is forever. We see the results of that thought when the old man is found living in the bowling alley back room.

It's a good look into common everyday people who won't change until something comes along to force change. Even Jeff realizes he doesn't need his medication!

A thoughtful story!

boring not funny no story

[paintimebaby · 2/10 · 27 November 2020]

Wow, i kept waiting for some indy style humor or interesting story. The movie often shows signs that something exciting or fun will happen by showing some computerized effects, but movie leads to nowhere.

Cinematography/Acting were good. Movie composition and story were boring and pointless

[gpsychos2-239-278464 · 2/10 · 20 December 2018]

I really liked the overall feel of the cinematography,sets,acting,ambiance,music choices to name a few... BUT... That being said the rest of what makes a good to great movie literally the whole other half was horrendously excruciatingly slow and without substance. There was NO story. Its a week out of the life of a boring guy whos about to lose his job. Where you would expect a grand plan to form and be carried out either comically or seriously depending on the genre to save said boring guys job there is nothing of note. You expect something to happen to make worthwhile the couple hours youve devoted to watching this and it just never does. Boring guy boring job boring lay off and then it ends. I rarely review movies and i watch movies daily so when i come across something this bad that i deem so without merit that I feel bound to warn off others? It really really really has to have left me with the feeling of being robbed of time i could've better spent staring at a blank wall. Do yourself the favor take my advice don't watch this its bad

like watching grass grow. My day was more exciting!

[raynick · 3/10 · 12 December 2018]

This movie had no comedy or anything going on. Jon Heder has lost any spark that he once had..it was actually pretty sad to watch. I'm giving it 3 stars only because I've seen worse. Best advice I could give is just skip this one. If you do watch please give a review..I'm curious to see if anyone actually liked this movie.

A great indie film!

[shlatimer · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

A sincere and beautifully crafted film. Joh Heder gives a layered, affecting performance. It's a small personal story that sneaks up on you with emotional oomph. I highly recommend it to lovers of indie film, bowling, or anyone who's ever had to struggle with change in their lives-- so, everyone.

Barely even a movie

[TheBeardedWonder · 1/10 · 28 July 2019]

I don't know where to even start with this mess. You could somehow watch any average person go about their day and it would honestly be more entertaining. I made it as far as I could but had to give up, it was that bad. I don't know how someone wrote this and thought it was good, or how someone else read it and paid to make it, someone else saw the finished product and distributed it, etc.

How did nobody in the process go 'hey guys, this is below substandard, les pack it in...'

Oh Jesus

[jaymyown · 1/10 · 17 December 2018]

I think the movie was trying to capture some kind of beauty within the lives of some small town people living a simple kind of life but it really didn't. If there was any capture of anything at all it was the sense that you are witnessing a failed movie. I think in life occasionally things just don't come together for a complex array of reasons & movies aren't any different. You know it's happened to you! Goldberg & cast will probably go on & make a piece of magic next weekend.

I expected this to be much better....

[eskimosound · 3/10 · 23 January 2020]

Sadly this is a very boring movie. Maybe it's because I don't understand the Bowling culture but it's just a slow paced dull movie. I'm half way through it whilst writing this and I don't think I will bother till the end. I don't care about the situation, the characters or the outcome. I thought Napoleon Dynamite was brilliant and have watched this movie on the back of it's success but unfortunately it doesn't hit the grade... So for now it's getting a low rating. Edit: I didn't finish watching the movie, it really wasn't worth it. But I feel I must explain, it's not the acting, that's great, it not the directing, that's great, it's the story...indeed it's like watching a very dull documentary. Boring story. Boring scenarios. Boring action. And unfortunately it's not a comedy.

Wow. So boring.

[elizrug · 3/10 · 12 December 2018]

Where to begin? How often my mind wandered while trying to watch? How partway through I realized I was watching a movie about a boring guy trying to keep a boring bowling alley open? How at that point I realized that this was the worst idea for a movie, unless it's a comedy, and this movie is not a comedy.

We didn't even make it to the end. We don't know if Jeff saved the bowling alley. We don't care.

Life-Affirming and Heartfelt

[latacogitandi · 9/10 · 15 December 2018]

Had the privilege of watching this film in theaters. The story is so well-crafted, that while there are some borderline incredulous moments, it has just the right amount of quirk and emotion to carry itself all the way to the last moment. Beautifully crafted and well-performed, this film ought to be an example for all up-and-coming indie filmmakers. Highly recommend.

Really!

[justmaildeclan · 1/10 · 12 December 2018]

I mean come on!, looked for a story line, no begging no middle and no end, I was expecting at least a "ha ha" moment but nope!.

I hate phone calls too...

[athies · 4/10 · 3 November 2020]

Costume designer Mary Mooney! I know her son! Bad seed.

"Twisting my own turkey sausage" :)

I'd have a talk with the landlady.

"Help a brother out?" "Mind jam"?

Not many people will understand but this weird repair dude is Joe S.

I guess this movie didn't rate high enough for Prime to add x-ray data.

Pills!

Do you have a strong back? Can you drive a truck? Seems like an interview for carting bodies.

Carl is it? You are an a #1 a-hole.

What about Deb?!

Maybe I'll be friends with Raul.

The chasing nurse is not trying very hard, even in slow motion.

I'm sad to say I have to give this a 2.

A lovely, heart felt film about bowling!

[katiemadonna-1 · 10/10 · 4 January 2021]

First off, I love bowling alleys. They are under used location and subject for American films. I relate to Jon Heder's character and his performance of a hopeful bowling manger. I believe his performance from the opening, a person depressed, battling elements out of his control. I am rooting for Jeff and all the Jeff's of the world!

Great Indie For First Feature

[BigDogWoofWoof · 9/10 · 13 January 2020]

A simple, yet emotionally poignant, film about the people and places we choose to surround ourselves with. By following Jeff (Heder), director Goldberg allows the audience to feel the isolation of a single self while juxtaposing this with her conception of community and belonging. Goldberg's technical ability shines and truly elevates the story.

Fricking Good

[elewisstarwars · 10/10 · 20 June 2021]

It's got amazing songs and movie magic brought back to the modern age. I'll admit it doesn't have the right tone to the story but its is still a really good movie.