Self Reliance (2023) User Reviews

Missed potential

[info-6175 · 5/10 · 13 January 2024]

This movie had a lot of premise, great actors, great idea and actually decent execution. The problem is that while 30% of the first part of the movie will hook you, the last 70% will bore you so much you might even get up and walk out of the sofa. I understand that that was both directed and written by Jake Johnson, but if he had more input from another writer, this could have become a cult classic. Instead we're left with something that feels unfinished, lost, confused and plain frankly, not a comedy and more of a "thriller". If they had more ideas to the story, more characters and more drama, this could have been a golden nugget.

What a cool premise

[FeastMode · 6/10 · 13 January 2024]

Self Reliance has the kind of premise that can carry a movie on its own. It's so intriguing and had me hooked immediately. And it's taken in a bunch of cool directions.

At one point, I thought of an easy way to win the game. I expected the movie to ignore it for other strategies that aren't as smart or effective. To my surprise, the movie does exactly what I was thinking. And they find a subsequent reason for it to not end the game.

Jake Johnson gives a good performance. The only reason I didn't like this more is the lack of laughs. One of the genres listed is comedy but I laughed only a few times. It's more amusing than funny. That's the only thing holding it back from being something great that I continue to revisit. But it's still a solid and enjoyable one-time viewing.

(1 viewing, 1/12/2024)

Nice low budget movie

[brooks007 · 7/10 · 14 January 2024]

It's a cool movie if you don't have anything else to watch. I liked it. It's sort of funny, and it makes you a bit anxious. The game could've been a bit more challenging though.

(***MINOR SPOILER***)

The movie could have been more of a thriller if the game was challenging and Tommy's life was constantly in danger. If paying a homeless guy to be with you all the time saves you from being killed, I don't see the thrill of it.

I read a comment saying it's not as funny, and I have to agree. You'll see people acting goofy every now and then and a bit of humor in some scenes, but just as it could be more thrilling, it could also be more comedic.

Good Premise, Just Missing Something

[johnnyhbtvs27 · 6/10 · 13 January 2024]

Self Reliance is a fun debut directing gig from Jake Johnson. Johnson takes an interesting premise and brings some good moments to it although not quite sticking the landing.

The movie could have went in a more intriguing direction by giving it more of a horror vibe when the attacks happen. You never get the sense Johnson is in any real danger.

The real heart of the movie is between Johnson and Anna Kendrick who's easy chemistry together makes the movie. The stuff featuring Kendrick are the movies standout scenes.

There are some nice cameos from Andy Samberg & Christopher Lloyd. Ultimately it is Jake Johnson's charm that carries the movie but this still feels like a missed opportunity. Recommendable.

good movie - but something is missing

[maiayerovi · 7/10 · 14 January 2024]

I enjoyed watching this movie. The premise of the main plot was very intriguing and I enjoyed watching it develop. The cast was exceptional and conveyed their emotions in a very real way. Jake Johnson - the protagonist and creator of the film - is hilarious and obviously Andy Samberg is as well. Anna Kendrick, unsurprisingly, played her character practically flawlessly. The same is true for basically all of the other actors involved. My main critique concerns the structure of the movie. I feel the movie was cut a bit too short. The introduction could have been stretched out a bit more and the ending could have been more thoroughly explored. I liked how the reality of the situation was left a bit open to interpretation, but it did result in an uneasy and perhaps unsettling ending, in my opinion. I think I - like other viewers possibly - was expecting some sort of "plot twist" or major reveal. It felt a bit empty without a significant climax moment. Overall, I enjoyed the movie. I laughed and found myself at the end of my seat throughout the entirety of the film. It was mainly the ending that left me feeling as if something was missing.

I recommend this movie to anyone who might enjoy a mild thriller with comedic aspects. It was a nice watch, just a bit odd. Decently thought-provoking as well, which I appreciated.

Surprisingly a Very likeable movie

[stevelivesey-37183 · 7/10 · 14 January 2024]

Why surprising? Well, I have seen some of Johnson work before and whilst I find him a talented comic actor, I also find that most of his movies have a good central idea, like this one, but then drift away as time goes on.

This one, kind of does that that, but it builds up so much good will, in the viewer, during its runtime that it really doesn't really matter.

There are many smart cameos from Andy Samberg and Christopher Lloyd and Anna Kendrick.

The best thing about this is the central idea which reminded me a little of It Follows, the horror movie from a few years ago, this is like a comedy version of that.

Well worth a watch.

Fun Ride, but Left With An Empty Feeling

[timte-19973 · 7/10 · 15 January 2024]

I adore Jake Johnson as a person, and I had been looking forward to this film for weeks. I enjoyed big chunks of it but overall felt dissonant. I have to say that the tone of this piece was not cohesive. If everyone had played their character like Jake had (curious, bewildered, and committed) it would have worked better.

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

Tommy's family is unpleasant and adds nothing to the story. His mom is a different person every scene, his married sister is caustic, and his younger (?) single sister only has one mode: mocking and sarcastic. Even when they arrange the intervention, they don't come across as caring... just tired of him. Even difficult characters need one or more redeeming quality(ies) for them to be believable.

Anna Kendrick played emotion well, but I felt super awkward watching scenes where she was supposed to be absurd. Too serious for the bit to land, for me.

I liked that the audience was always left guessing whether Tommy was actually in a competition or having hallucinations. But the ending was highly confusing to me... why did this game happen in the first place? Why was it so customized to Tommy if multiple people were playing the game? And why exactly were Wayne Brady and his dad flown out?

Maybe I would understand and appreciate Self-Reliance more the second time through. But as a one-shot it didn't settle right away. Still worth seeing.

Silly stories can be fun to watch, but this one imploded after some 30 minutes and never recovered

[imseeg · 4/10 · 14 January 2024]

I had some trepidations about this movie, but the premise of this quirky story made me curious AND I like the actor Jake Johnson, so my hopes were high, BUT...

The bad: the story ended up being completely silly and void of ANY originality. Just lame. Not credible. Let alone be anything near suspenseful or mysterious.

Well perhaps the acting was any good? NOPE. The jokes? NOPE. Let me think if there is anything left that might be positive to say. I am sorry, I am lost for words...

I love Jake Johnson as the actor, but he directed (debut) AND wrote AND produced this movie, while he had no earlier experience in directing at all and he basically made a uneventful tedious flop.

interesting movie

[ayanasvoid · 7/10 · 13 January 2024]

I don't think this movie was as bad as people are saying. I'm sure people didn't find this super comedic considering it's in the comedy genre but there was a few parts where I giggled. I personally thought the movie overall was decent and I give it a 7/10.

I do have to say that this movie is probably one I wouldn't rewatch or just not likely too because I honestly did find it it enjoyable but definitely not rewatchable for me.

The main reason I watched this movie is because Anna Kendrick is in it and i'm a huge fan of hers and coming from someone who watches a bunch of random movies for her favorite actors this is definitely one of the better ones that i've sat through.

Overall this movie is a hit or miss depending on what you like but i'd give it a chance.

Live Every Day as if it's Your Last (Unlike Tommy)...

[Xstal · 5/10 · 12 January 2024]

Imagine you're alone and a chance is then presented, to make a million bucks just for 30 days tormented, there's a caveat or two, on occasion you'll be blue, quite often feel frustrated, and abandoned, discontented. On your journey you'll encounter those who may become your friends, as well as those quite keen to bring existence to an end, there'll be those living in shadows, impersonators in costumed clothes, but as the film continues, you will question, what's been penned. As like me you may sit static without laughing or a smirk, as the humour is quite lacking and poor Tommy is a berk, although you may feel sympathetic, to his plight that's quite prophetic, alas the value it delivers, is most likely to just irk.

Biff Wiff steals the show!

[ScottPilgriMN · 8/10 · 4 January 2024]

With ample screen time and a handful of future classic quotes, legendary actor Biff Wiff shines bright amongst a stellar cast and wild story.

Many likely know him from his recent roles in comedies like I Think You Should Leave and Night Court, or his brief turn in Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All At Once, but he's been making memorable appearances for what feels like a thousand years.

Biff Wiff's mere presence throughout this film is endearing against the darker elements of the plot and the loneliness of Jake Johnson's lead character. Biff is so earnest in his role as a very enthusiastic unhoused individual. While it is suggested that a more meaningful connection should eventually be made with Anna Kendrick's character, it is the bond formed between Jake Johnson & Biff Wiff that truly is the heart and soul of the film.

Solid 6, not a total waste of time.

[lharper136-264-519489 · 6/10 · 14 January 2024]

Tommy has to be within a few feet of someone at all times, his family doesn't believe him, and so he teams up with another contestant. BUT...since both contestants are being hunted then they could be killed together, right? Maddy's presence is irrelevant, she's not someone that could be innocently injured.

That plot hole haunts me all throughout the movie, doesn't even matter how it ends. All real, not real, half real, whatever, it's a giant hole in the plot.

The idea of this movie was great, but best case would've been Tommy and James attached at the hip with Maddy as a peripheral character.

I really do appreciate the Delusions of Grandeur nod, there are people in my life that they think they're the main character in EVERYONE's life. Literally everyone. Including Carrie Underwood and the President. Any President, every President.

Just Boring

[Tactrix · 3/10 · 12 January 2024]

The big twist in this movie is that there is no twist. And it's just bad because the entire movie you're waiting for a twist and then... there isn't one, so you're like "did you just purposely waste like 2 hours of my life for no reason?" And the answer is Yes. Yes they did. The comedy was nothing great it was the most mediocre conversations you would have as a real person at best. And for some reason they had a few celebrities throughout the movie but for no reason at all.

Like this movie encapsulates mediocrity. 3/10 and honestly it was just because they didn't make the movie corny, when in this particular genre there were so many movies that went that way.

Pretty Good Movie

[cinemapersonified · 7/10 · 13 June 2023]

Rating: 7.6 Overall, a fun watch that blends comedy and thriller elements very well as the movie is a pretty funny and captivating directorial debut from for Jake Johnson, though it very predictable in its plot and pretty safe overall as it falls too much into the 2010s comedy tropes.

Pretty Good Direction (For a directorial debut, Johnson does a fine job at moving the story forward and building suspense while still incorporating comedic elements throughout the movie to keep the audience engaged, there are some rookie mistakes throughout the movie but these do no overshadow the positives he brings to the table), Decent to Pretty Good Acting (Pretty Good from Jake Johnson (Handles the comedic and paranoia elements of the story very well as he holds his own being the lead, but he really hits a limit when it comes to the more dramatic parts of the movie), Decent to Pretty Good from Anna Kendrick (Plays a character she has been accustomed to portraying for the past decade as she holds her own well with what she is given), Decent to Pretty Good from the rest of the cast (Help play off each other to both build humor and paranoia in the main character)), Pretty Good Story (The mix off Hunger Games esque competition with a comedic background was a fresh flavor to see as the overarching plot is laid out pretty well due to it following the 30 day countdown for the competition; the more romantic parts of the movie did really draw back from the story overall as it was a bit predictable and formulaic), Decent Screenplay (Dialogue was pretty simplistic as it kinda got to a point where it was easy to predict what he was going to say, but the jokes definitely hit more than they did not (with it being very Jake Johnson in its comedic style); the symbolism was a bit too overt as they borderline told the audience what the symbols and meaning of the movie was during it (like the loneliness aspect); the movie was pretty predictable so the foreshadowing was a bit overt), Decent Score (Helped with building the scenes and adding suspense), Pretty Good Cinematography (especially for a lower budget movie like this as it aided in building the suspense and action scenes), Pretty Good Sound, Pretty Good Editing, Plot Structure was pretty standard as it followed the typical action-comedy template where all the elements are overtly laid out and it is obvious which part of the story arc the movie is in, Pacing was good (The movie uses its short runtime decently well but it would have been nice to see 10-15 minutes more for the final days of the competition to show the main character's downfall a bit more and the relationships he is losing), Climax was pretty standard and kinda boring cause of how predictable it was (the final scene being very 2010s esque in its execution), Tone was very similar to movies of the early 2010s in the comedic and dramatic sense but the mix of horror and suspenseful elements was a nice touch, Saw World Premiere at SXSW.

Decent directorial debut from Jake Johnson; would've been a lot better if Dignan showed up and robbed Tommy's house.

[HJordan975695 · 6/10 · 11 February 2024]

Before I watched this film, I've known about Jake Johnson ever since I watched "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" (which, by the way, is still a top-tier animated film of 2023 despite its flaws). So, I decided to watch some episodes of 'New Girl' to get an idea of how a comedic actor like Johnson could direct & star in his own film that's described as 'Jacob's Ladder meets Bottle Rocket'. After I've completed my first watch, it's not half bad. For starters, the idea of a man signing up for a deadly game in which the only way you'r safe from danger is to be with others and not be alone is a pretty clever premise for a thriller. Andy Samberg plays as himself who leads Tommy (Jake's character) into a deal in which 2 men offer him $1 million if he succeeds in their dark web reality game. And so, he think's it all one big piece of cake but then the real trouble begins. Now, he has to tell others around him that the situation he's in is not part of his delusion and is, in fact, in danger. Now that I've got the positives drawn out; let's talk about the negatives. The parts revolving around Ellen DeGeneres really didn't sit well with me and the pacing started to drag out by the second half of the film. Also, I don't understand the Bottle Rocket link because there's not a single thing that reminds me of Wes Anderson. Maybe it would've worked if there was some symmetrical shots here and there, but I highly doubt that this film could ever replicate Wes' iconic style. As for the flaws on Across, I didn't like what they did to poor Scarlet Spider. He deserved better because he never once acted like an emo in his original run. Anyways, I'm getting off track. This film is perfectly decent for a comedic thriller, but it would've been a lot better if the pacing was a bit more coherent and the premise being more fleshed out.

Whimsical, funny, solid character piece, and it has Anna kendrick .

[Steve9920 · 7/10 · 12 January 2024]

Normally I am circumspect of films who's star also writes and directs, they often turn out to be stinkers, ( like Fool's Paradise for example). But in Self Reliance, Jake Johnson pretty well nails it in all 3 departments. Coming on here to find only 3 reviews in almost a year, makes it plain that this is one budget film that has slipped under most peoples radar for some reason? Which is a bit sad, as how many big budget, big names, so called 'blockbusters' of 2023, have turned out to be real 'emperors new clothes' stinkers.

Here is a yarn, about human connections/disconnections, where is my life going?, what would I risk to change it? Questions.

More than a handful of laugh out loud moments, delivered by a competent script, with plenty of fully fleshed out characters that you care about. It's weird but never wacky, thoughtful but not brooding, Silly but not stupid. The relationships between Tommy and James and then Tommy and Maddy ( and James ) are heart-warming and sincerely presented.

Hopefully, by years end, a lot more people will get to see it and leave reviews.

Interesting Concept...

[KFstudios2009 · 7/10 · 12 January 2024]

"Self Reliance" was an very unexpected movie, I came over it randomly and decided to watch it, and for the low-budget and light production, I think this was a good movie! The low-budget was very noticeable, the plot and the humor depended mostly on the acting and dialogues, not on high budget scenographies and stunts. The script was good, and the story they offered was very confusing, yet entertaining and holding. You can't really understand why some random dudes made a reality show about hunting down a random man, but I guess that's what some people do. This film was unserious, but it was supposed to be like this, though. I think that was good that they had the great humor, but when the serious emotional parts came, I didn't took it too seriously, and I think they could have worked on that. Besides humor, they could mix other feelings, too. Our main character, Tommy, was introduced fastly and I got fast into his personality, that was very easy to understand, so we were getting straight into things and I felt really connected to him from the beginning, and that was a great thing, you know. I think the film was great at the action-suspense, but also showing that the "game" Tommy was playing wasn't only about survival, but to explore new parts of himself and create new relationships, and it was very clever. The story dragged out the clever moral straight throughout the whole film. The plot twists that came here and there were surprising. I wished that the end could be a little bit better, I think it was too chaotic, too much mess that could have been fixed. Besides that, I had a good time. As I mentioned, a very unexpected film, but for a one-time watch I think this was just fine.

So much missed potential....

[aliminx · 2/10 · 15 January 2024]

What a unique premise! I had such high hopes going in to this. Here's the ONE thing it was missing that could have made it an amazing movie....

A twist.

You THINK there's a twist coming. Hell, I would have bet money there was a twist coming. Here is a list of cool twists....

1. Anna Kendrick is a killer not a contestant.

2. The homeless dude is a killer not a contestant.

3. (My favorite) There's no game at all and the protagonist really is as delusional as everyone around him thinks. Hell, when he's at the warehouse at the end screaming into the darkness about how he won, where's his money, I thought, "Holy crap, they did it, there is no game, holy crap, this is amazing."

Granted, that would have made it a pretty dark movie, but hell, dark is better than what it was. Useless. No surprises. And, the surprises were, what? Weird foreign money paid out over 250 years or something like that?

This movie just fell absolutely and totally flat, and it's a shame, because it could have gone in many, much better directions. I would have preferred him to wake up in a mental hospital than end the way it did.

Ugh. SO SO disappointed.

"SELF RELIANCE" REVIEW

[Mr-Topshotta · 7/10 · 20 January 2024]

Directed and written by Jake Johnson. A runtime of one hour and twenty-five minutes. Streaming on Hulu with an R rating.

"Tommy," played by Jake Johnson, is in a bit of a life rut. He's tired of the daily routine that life has become now. He lives at home with his mom, "Laurie," played by Nancy Lenehan. Also, if things couldn't get worse, his girlfriend, "Theresa," played by Natalie Morales, dumped him for no apparent reason.

But this daily monotony is all about to change. Andy Sandberg, the actor/comedian, rolls up in a limo, offering "Tommy" a deal like no other. Going with the flow because, frankly, he has nothing else better to do. "Tommy" is presented with an opportunity to be on a reality TV show on the dark web by creators "Magnus," played by Bjorn Johnson, and "Anders," played by John Hans Tester.

They tell "Tommy" he has to survive thirty days with many different assassins trying to kill him. If he survives, he gets a million dollars. As a sweetener, as long as he's with someone, they can't kill him.

"Tommy" agrees to this. But everyone thinks he's crazy because all the cameras are hidden. While trying to survive, he tries to be with his mom. Then his two sisters, "Mary," played by Emily Hampshire, and "Amy," played by Mary Holland.

When that doesn't work, he asks his brother-in-law, "Malcolm," played by Daryl J. Johnson, to shadow him. It gets so bad that he pays a homeless man, "James," played by Biff Wiff, to follow his every move.

All this leads up to "Tommy" finding another contestant playing the game, "Maddy," played by Anna Kendrick. Will "Maddy" and "Tommy's" newfound connection be enough to help them both survive this game or will one of them get caught slipping? Potentially losing their lives.

"Self Reliance" was a creative film. Jake Johnson took on a huge commitment. Writing, directing, and starring in his films. That could've been an epic failure because of that. Instead, there were holes here and there. It still gave you an enjoyable experience when you watched it.

It was a short film, but it didn't feel that way. Which is good. I liked the creative chances he took. I applaud anyone trying something new and taking that leap of faith. How do you know if something will work or not if you don't leap? I give it three mor fires 🔥🔥🔥.

#CosmoandtheMovieWithin #CosmoMovieBlog #CosmoLanier #SelfReliance.

So boring.

[dasongbird · 1/10 · 16 January 2024]

A thriller comedy with zero thrills and like two silly moments that barely warrant a smile let alone a laugh. What an absolute waste of time. A solid 90 percent of this movie is watching two people sit around while trying to pass the time. The dialogue is flat and abysmal with obvious misses at humor laden throughout. This movie relies entirely on the familiar faces of its cast without providing any reasons within its own runtime to care about any of the characters. However appealing the summary and concept intially sound, DO NOT WASTE TIME WATCHING IT. Beyond the intial exposition dump at the start of the movie it hardly does anything with its own plot. I've watched some bad movies in my time but this is the only one that was so mind numbingly dull that I made an imbd account to write a review for it. Just go take a nap instead, you'll be falling asleep trying to watch this garbage anyway. I wish I could give it negative stars.

A cult classic in the making

[pmcjrw · 8/10 · 13 January 2024]

Very surprised and unexpectedly impressed by this movie. I was expecting that at some point they would drop the existential premise for cheap laughs or a *choke* heart warming message. Well I enjoyed the laffs and the message was there but it was happily under the radar.

I don't want to overstate this fact but this movie works on multiple levels. I'm a bit reluctant to call it a soon-to-be classic as only time will tell. However this is a smart AF film. Good job on the cast and crew. Not sure if this will appeal to the masses but the real ones will dig this. Great cast and story. Highly recommended.

Finally a New Concept that Needs a Sequel

[andrewramirez-08102 · 7/10 · 13 January 2024]

There is room to grow! This dramedy in the skin of a thriller, is just a rollercoaster of good story telling. This is the character-arch driven movie that that audiences have been pining for. The only "con" is the fact that there is so many places this idea can go, which is great. I can imagine a lonely survivalist cabin maker in the middle of the wilderness being selected to the same concept but with no plans to be around people. There is so much gas in this idea I just hope people come to see it on Hulu. This hilarious movie, has only scratched the surface of the possibilities. Over all, imaginative, funny, strange and charming.

I didn't get it!

[litafloodwerling · 3/10 · 12 January 2024]

Guess I'm too, I dunno for this movie. I just didn't get it. I have a pretty dark sense of humor, and seeing the description intrigued me. But as I was watching, I just felt ok, now what? Never laughed once, not even a smile. So much for the reviewer saying he & the audience laughed for the ENTIRE 90 minutes.

Anna Kendrick plays the same character she always does, rapidly talking, supposed to be funny girl.

On the plus side, NO sex, which was a relief thinking, I couldn't bear to watch these two grind on each other.

I guess if you're completely bored, and have nothing else to do, watch this movie.

I found it at best, "Meh".

Moments of depth

[noxaman · 7/10 · 1 February 2024]

This film really felt like a passion project. The sort of concept two friends might come up with over beers. The world of cinema has been so lacking in originality recently, and that helps films like Self Reliance really stand out.

I had fun watching this. The cameos are on point, the characters are zany, and while it isn't exactly a laugh-out-loud comedy, I found the script to be clever and witty.

The ending was indeed a little underwhelming, but I can't really put my finger on why. Our main character completes his story arc, and the psychological thriller elements reach their climax and conclusion. There is clear and apt social commentary on loneliness and dating here, but the moral of the story could have been better developed.

Nevertheless, I absolutely enjoyed the film.

Interesting Movie!

[djrmc24 · 7/10 · 20 January 2024]

Self Reliance is a very thought provoking film and a fun watch. I really enjoyed 2/3 of this film but ultimately did not think it could stick the landing. The movie builds up but does not make good on its promises. Stil this is a very solid Directorial debut from Jake Johnson who is both behind and in front of the camera. The movie is also pretty funny when it's not tryiny it's hardest to be. I would probably give this one a rewatch as I did have fun with it the first go around. It almost reminded me of films from the late 80s/early 90s. Self Reliance gets a positive 7 stars out of 10 from me.