Bad Shabbos

This film has a cute premise and some funny moments but lacks tighter editing, directing and dialogue. As a result it's a bit of mess, with a claustrophobic set that exacerbates the tension without heightening it. The family dynamic is mundane where it should be more explosive and at times the plot nearly falls apart because of it. The acting is so-so but I really blame it on the script.

As a minor flaw, the portrayal of sabbath had convenient inconsistencies; if you can't drive or use the phone, why are there lights, music blasting and cooking? I'm not an expert, though I mention it because it seems like the whole weight of it being a big sabbath dinner might have had more impact if the rules were more strictly adhered to.

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Bad Shabbos last night! What a delightful comedy! The ensemble cast is extremely talented. The humor in this movie can be appreciated by everyone. It transverses all religions and ethnicities. You only need to have a family to be able to relate. An additional treat to the evening, was getting to meet the director of this outstanding movie, Daniel Robbins. He's incredibly charming and humble! I don't think he realizes how gifted he is! He's quite approachable, warm and grateful for the positive response to his work. It is so promising to see a director of his caliber emerging. I will be on board to see all of his future movies.

If, like me, you are a fan of actress Milana Vayntrub ('Lillie' the salesperson in AT&T commercials), you can spend 84 minutes with her in the new film 'Bad Shabbos'. If you are not a fan and have no interest in becoming a fan, I can see no reason to spend even a second on this mess of a movie.

The film plays on the old set-up of two young people of different faiths falling in love and planning a wedding. But first their parents have to meet and well, you know the hilarity that that worn out situation breeds. Well that's pretty much it, except for one thing; prior to the parents meeting for a Jewish Sabbath (Shabbos) dinner, one of the guests suddenly dies. In truth he's killed, perhaps by accident (not that it matters) with the hilarious (not) hi-jinx of Jews and Catholics at dinner impacted by the dead-man's body in the bathroom. Bad stuff.

The always reliable David Paymer plays the Jewish head of household, with the charming Kyra Sedgwick less than convincing as a shrew of a Jewish mother. As for Milana Vayntrub, she's the not so awful Jewish daughter in his truly awful family.

Did I say 'Bad stuff'? Well, it's worth saying it again. Bad Stuff.

I honestly did not know what to expect, The Cast was terrific, the story was terrific and I was belly laughing constantly. I could identify with the family and the movie was quite entertaining and it had me at hello. The comedies today are not that funny, no jokes and you can see the punchlines from a mile away, Bad Shabbos seemed real, as I watched the movie I felt as if I knew the characters personally. That is about all i have to say other than I loved this movie, I hope it wins an Oscar and I have to write another 101 characters or this review will not be printed. The concept of 25 hours of powering down goes back 3500 years but it is very novel to these times. Shabbat Shalom.

I'm a sucker for the "dinner party gone wrong" comedy/thriller subgenre, so from the get go, I did have a bit of a soft spot for Bad Shabbos. It's evidently a first attempt from writer/director Daniel Robinson and has a charming student film energy about it. (I happened to see it on the big screen, so I can't lie - it was a bit jarring visually).

I think writing and script are generally pretty good and the film's strongest aspect; again, typical of a student film. The dialog is snappy and fun, even if tends to over explain a little bit at times.

Daniel Robinson's character is exactly the sort of affable, reasonable schlub you'd expect a 20 something film nerd to write. His shiska princess is beautiful and of course, deeply committed to him and his culture; Milana Vayntrub and Method Man (of all people) are highlights.

But the film lacks narrative complexity (there are very half baked, poorly developed sub plots all throughout), and the gradual building of tension that the best of these movies excel at. Once the inciting incident happens, the film kind of spins its wheels to the next predictable plot escalation.

Again, it's not "movie ruining" or anything like that, but it's obvious what the structure of it is about a quarter of the way through. It just needed SOMETHING to liven up the narrative.

One thing that definitely perked my ears up was the character of Adam, who...in what I can only describe a quite jarring decision is...obsessed with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and let's just say, subtextually, his conduct doesn't paint that obsession in a good light, even if the movie does. I don't want to get political here, but given the current situation in that particular part of the world...it was quite the choice.

Overall, Bad Shabbos is a fun first draft of a film. Rough around the edges, but enjoyable, especially for those who enjoy Jewish humour in particular.