29 to Life (2018) User Reviews

Rom-com fans will love this

[Phil_Chester · 5 November 2018]

A great slice of fun that opens like a classic '90s rom-com and maintains the momentum from there. Entertaining and quirky moments ensured we were giggling from start to finish. Definitely one for rom-com fans.

Tragic and boring

[timeywimeypandamail · 1/10 · 6 October 2020]

This is maybe the most painful movie I've ever watched. I'm not sure if the main character was supposed to be this unlikeable, but dear god he really is. The movie is also incredibly dull and weirdly silent? Genuinely thought it was some sort if ironic movie where something funny would happen yet nothing did. Save yourself the time and go watch Twilight or something.

Painful

[annatorag · 1/10 · 13 August 2018]

No way anyone unrelated to this move wrote the positive reviews. Felt like i was watching a film made by 10 year old´s and that the actors where reading from flashcards. The cringy conversations where next level.

Pitiful..

[djmattn · 1/10 · 20 August 2018]

The most uncomedic trash I have ever watched. To those who gave this rave reviews as a fantastic romantic comedy were friends of the people who got this tripe actually financed. All the actors were something out of a public school or H.S production. I use that word loosely. The lead actor was unfunny and pathetic. Direction and cinematography were lame. Most of the budget probably went to the overview shots of La La Land in the opening sequence. The rest of the so-called cast were no better. Unbelievably bad. Ugh!!

From Frame One

[sam-1660 · 8/10 · 26 August 2018]

This was a good choice. I almost watched another polotical documentary. Alex Magaña nailed it with 29 to Life.This is where independant cinema had arrived. A well shot, well crafted, multi layered feature whose story had me from frame one. The line between indie and studio has been erreased. Only differance is the promo budget. Clooney made $239 million, but there's still room for others. 29 to Life is the proof.

I've watched this movie twice.

[josborn5136 · 7/10 · 10 August 2019]

Yes, it's low budget with relatively unknowns, but it was really sweet and the acting was not bad. I think this is a cute date movie and I'd recommend. The lead actor is adorable and he did the best he could for this genre. I thought he was charming and quite handsome. I can see him in a Psycho movie as that Bates character or as comedic character. I'd like to see him in some other roles. I'd never usually write a review for a movie like this, but I liked it. Give it a watch. Good story.

Fake Reviews and Fake Acting

[skye-richards · 1/10 · 6 July 2019]

This movie is dreary and pointless and the lead actor doesn't even bother to say his lines with more effort than a lazy droan. If they were going for dry and endearing humour, they failed miserably.

It's like an attempt at of slow but awkward humour from like what was successful in Napoleon Dynamite but without any conviction, it just falls flat and leaves the viewer feeling uncomfortable and bored.

Finding your path and love

[wesunderwood · 9/10 · 27 August 2018]

A modern take on a slacker comic situation that flows with cleaver observation and witty humor into a state of classic romantic affair. This film gives us a view of our lead character Barnaby (played by Murphy Martin) awkward period in life, between staring into chosen path, the paralyzing setbacks, to finding a positive support and love via the character Madison (played by Diana Cristina). This story was delivered with clarity and excellent cinematography. All in all a hart warming, entertaining story.

Fun stuff

[jeffhoukal · 7/10 · 3 September 2018]

A fun little rom-com for those that need a little levity in their life!

Low Down, Lazy Shame

[lewmoida · 1/10 · 1 July 2019]

I'm never one to say I've wasted my time watching a movie if I didn't like it, nor have I stated that I "want my money back." A finished piece is worth the time, for many reasons not needing to be mentioned to a true appreciator of art. Casting judgements aside is vital to truly gaining joy from absorbing what others have created to be shared. The piece, however, can be ruined, spoiled from the start, stained by emptiness, laziness & sadism. The obvious passionless, gratuitous shock sensory overload is rare to come across due to the true film lovers' intuition steering them in more beneficial directions- although in some instances we may become distracted by the charms of certain genres living up to their advertised expectations. In this case, I expected an indie comedy, standard romantic quirkiness, accessible. What I received was that, in addition to dialogue in equal staleness, consisting of racism, body shaming, homophobia and objectification, keeping me from getting past what I recall wasn't even a third of the way in. The woes of this poor, privileged white man, dumped by his "perfect 10" girlfriend, kicked out by his wealthy parents and driven to the horrors of living on a beautiful beach out of his running automobile were expected fantasy fair, but for it to be tarnished with such vitriol is too much for me to want to finish it.

Fun goofball comedy

[cbax123 · 8/10 · 24 October 2019]

This is an enjoyable comedy about a guy who screws everything up. It's comedic but surprisingly has a lot of heart. There's a nice inspirational through line and feel good films... Well, they make you feel good. Worth the watch!

Slacker makes good

[metroran · 8/10 · 1 November 2019]

A charming, fun loving film with a lot of humorous moments and a lead that wins you over. Alex Magana does an admirable job with his actors and other technicals. Worth a look.

Very relatable!

[alanakmd · 9/10 · 16 October 2019]

Funny indie romantic comedy. Very relatable for anyone who has been through their late twenties. A lot of humor and heart. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Feel good film with a charming lead

[Anmer93 · 8/10 · 29 July 2019]

A really feel good film with a charming and complicated central protagonist who seems to bounce from one tragic situation to the next. It's funny and uncomfortable in spots. But that only ads to the humour. Kick back, relax and enjoy the company of these characters.

Funny and heartwarming

[Andre266929 · 8/10 · 29 March 2020]

I love wit and sarcasm and this movie has plenty of them. "29 to Life" is a believe-in-yourself inspirational story without coming across as such and that's because main character Barnaby is zany in all the right ways and real where it counts.

A rare indie jem.

[SarahFisher-MD · 9/10 · 20 August 2018]

Over the years I've really come to enjoy indie films. They tend to follow unique story lines, interesting characters and have powerful messages. This film is no exception. It has a wonderful cast of actors that bring every character to life. It has a powerful message of not giving up even after you feel life's defeated you. It has a lot of hilarious and original scenes that kept me joyfully entertained. And it even has an irresistible romance between main characters, Barnaby and Madison. This movie is a must watch for any indie film fan.

Touching and True

[manuintiraymi · 9/10 · 27 August 2018]

An enjoyable movie going experience. Three cheers for indie film.

Passion at it's Best

[lachlanquintana · 28 August 2018]

An excellent film that has been given the attention to detail by someone who is passionate to tell a story. This isn't a feat I can say that is easy and by no means one I could do myself without much practice. Glad to support friends in their art.

Solid Indie Comedy

[neogeom · 9/10 · 27 August 2018]

This movie superseded all of my expectations. Indie dramas are all hit and miss and this one definitely hits the mark. A must watch for anyone who wants something thoughtful outside the mainstream.

A ROMCOM for your list!

[greggreenfilm · 28 August 2018]

A great story, fun characters and an ending you won't forget. Great acting, too!! This indie film is fun to watch and keeps you engaged. Not too many films (indie or studio) can lay claim to that statement. Seriously, check this one out. It's on Amazon Prime. That's where I watched it. :)

I want to see now... "39 to Life"

[AtTheMovies52 · 9/10 · 13 June 2019]

The lead character is what really helps make this film for me. What's funny, at first I found him annoying but... that changes and I started pulling for him. He ends up becoming lovable, with a charming element of awkwardness. Now don't get me wrong. I think the overall acting from the cast is all good. But the lead male actor is what stood out for me. The story is fun and the film moves along for me at a good pace. I for sure give this film, a thumbs up!

Charming Indie Rom-Com

[JGReviews · 9/10 · 23 October 2019]

29 to Life is charming independent romantic comedy. Barnaby is a loser, as we are told early on in the film by his ex-girlfriend. I'd probably agree with the ex-girlfriend, but later when Barnaby meets an old friend in Madison, he starts to grow more likable as the two of them even start to spark some romance. 29 to Life is the kind of fun, low-budget indie that I like to discover when I'm scrolling through my options on Amazon. The film has a few of the imperfections of your typical film without the budget of a major Hollywood movie, but it is redeemed by overall charm and performances like that of Diana Solis. If you're into these kinds of movies like I am then give 29 to Life a shot.

Romantic Comedy With Indie Flair

[TheAll-SeeingI · 10/10 · 12 December 2018]

Alex Magaña writes and directs 29 to Life, which leverages the prototypical attributes of Sheepish Loser Dude romantic comedy to great impact.

Murphy Patrick Martin's performance is strong as the struggling and aimless guy looking (but not too hard) for a way off the mat. He's endearing in his meandering goofball-ness, and as an actor has a unique comedic face that allows his cornball line delivery to shine brightly on screen. He's almost good enough, in fact, to avoid being overshadowed by the excellence of the lovely Diana Solis, who pops off the screen in the always-improbable but thoroughly time-tested role of the charming and supportive hopeful girlfriend who somehow finds something quirky and redeemable in a male notches below her on the attractiveness meter.

Heard and seen this story before? Of course you have, but that's only because it continues to play well when it's executed at a high level, and Magaña manages to get it there. A nation of ADD-afflicted viewers may find the at-times leisurely pacing to be a possible distraction, but even in the arena of largely mainstream and upbeat humor, you can't please everyone. 29 to Life is a worthy selection indeed.

Interesting!!

[mikehalocost · 8/10 · 4 April 2020]

This isn't the usual genre that I watch all the time.. and especially lower budget type movies but I'll add this movie to the list of random ones I happened to like. I was pleasantly surprised much like when my ex decided to get an abortion instead of keeping it. Whew.

Funny and unique

[andreeaboyer · 10/10 · 1 August 2018]

I have seen many comedy films before but this one has impressed me with its great picture and Story and also the great work from the Actors who play their roles very good. Barnaby is a really funny guy who always seems and is innocent despite the small" breaking the rules moments". He is entertaining, yet also emotionally seeking for the right partner who accepts him for who he is and luckily he is meeting Madison again by coincidence and from that moment on she changes his life by changing his perspective and making him a believer and a fighter. Eventually they fall in love as this powerful couple seems to be meant to be together. This Comedy Love Story is worth to watch and it shows great locations from Los Angeles also. It is accompanied by great music and the voices are clear audible. Give it a try! You will like this film. This is definitely a 10 Stars film.