Madelines

I stumbled upon the 2022 sci-fi horror comedy "Madelines" without ever having heard about it. So of course I sat down to watch it and see what writers Brea Grant and Jason Richard Miller had to offer, because I will admit that the movie's synopsis definitely sounded interesting.

And while the concept idea behind this movie actually was interesting and clever enough, then director Jason Richard Miller just didn't manage to put out a movie that was overly entertaining to me. The movie's narrative was just too slow paced and too little of any worth or interest happened as the movie made snail pace. So it was a difficult movie to endure and sit through.

As I mentioned above, then I liked the concept of the storyline, but one thing was script and idea, while another thing was transition to screen and bringing the story to life. I just have to say that "Madelines" was a swing and a miss for me.

The acting performances in the movie were adequate. It was a really, really small cast ensemble, so the performers had to do exceptionally well to carry the movie. Unfortunately they had the script and the narrative working against them.

Visually then "Madelines" was mediocre. It wasn't, however, a movie that was relying too much on special effects. And a good thing actually, because the special effects weren't exactly outstanding or grand.

I am sure that there is an audience out there for a movie such as "Madelines". I just happened to not be a part of that audience.

My rating of "Madelines" lands on a generous three out of ten stars.

First thought was yeah, more of Brea Grant, that would be awesome. However, as the movie progressed, the more I realised that there should only be one Brea Grant! It's a fun little movie, a bit slow on the pace and comedic value, but worth a watch.

Everyone who rated this movie below a 5 obviously hasn't seen the rest of the movies rated below 5. The movie has heart and has a message that I won't iterate because it would be a spoiler. The ending, I believe was chosen so that it would be unexpected or a surprise. The surprise ending spoils the message because it doesn't deliver the intended message. I mean it could but maybe it doesn't because the ending leaves the time beyond a certain point as a mystery. Therefore any message you believe to be there is just uncertain to be the author's intent. Brea did a great job of acting. Those who love movies with heart and Brea Grant will definitely enjoy it. And the body double was fantastic too.

Brea Grant played her part well, but Parry Shen was out of place as both husband & co-inventer. He was mostly annoying, & ruined any chance of just rolling with the plot holes & silliness of this sci-fi comedy turned slasher project. I'd like to see Grant in a better production. Shen is more suited for run-of-the-mill corny sit-coms.

Madeline (Brea Grant) and Owen (Parry Shen) are a couple working on time travel for investor Rory Devonshire (Richard Riehle). The successful small project develops a flaw in the code which generate a new version of Madeline every day. They have to take care of every new Madeline.

This indie has an interesting concept. Its microscopic budget holds it back. This wants to be funny, but the execution is not there. The directing is weak. The timing is off. It is trying so hard to punch above its weight. In the end, it is obviously unable to get there. I do like Brea Grant in her multiple versions.