I Love You, Daddy

I'm a big fan of his show and stand-up, but this movie just misses somehow... i know it seems ridiculous cuz it's his movie, but, even w/the glasses, he seems miscast. art is hit or miss, and this just doesn't click for me. scenes and dialogue seem a bit forced, performances are a bit odd/off. I love the subject matter but it's an homage to better (obviously woody allen, for instance) films, and does not measure up in comparison. manhattan, for instance, is 50 X better than this movie.

If you like CK's "Louis" tv show then you will also like this, as it actually works pretty much like an extended episode of that series (I mean even Pamela Adlon didn't bother to act slightly different). If you haven't seen the tv show the movie will probably play out as some sort of watered-down version of Woody Allen's Deconstructing Harry or similar. There are some weird shots and editing (probably due to the movie not being publicly released when it had to) which along with the grayscale tint makes for an interesting visual style.

As for the story itself, and without spoiling anything, CK uses the topic of bad parenting as the driver to preach about the issue of preconceived notions, wrong assumptions and poor judgments that we usually hold against people. Charlie Day character's over the top jokes and raunchy language (typical of CK) sort of embodies us, the audience, in that disparaging way of criticizing someone else's life.

Chloe Moretz wasn't really appropriate for her role but is competent enough. John Malkovich should certainly provide a few laughs with the brutal honesty of his character, delivered in the most exquisite passive-aggressive style.

Overall a fun film to watch if you like the aforementioned type of comedy.

Ok, the film was imperfectly and somewhat hastily delivered and does not deserve a high rating in its present form. The editing is decidedly uneven and Louie's sidekick's (I forget his name) performance entirely unnecessary, gross and completely over the top. This character actually contributes absolutely nothing to the film and detracts badly from its important message in these turbulent times.

The film's obvious weaknesses are most unfortunate, as the material itself is thought provoking, intelligently presented and actually NEEDS to be discussed this fearlessly, this openly in a time, where closed-minded prejudice and irrational fear inhibit rational thought.

Louie's fearlessness in the face of all the angry adversity should actually be admired if we dare to admit for one single moment to what extent our own sexual inclinations are forces that exist that are almost unmanageable. The scene of the girl's apparent surrender to John Malkovich is brilliantly depicted and, in a way, says it all. Yogesh

Louis trying to revive the spirit of "Golden Age" cinema with his filmmaking style gives the film a welcome uniqueness, but its appropriateness is kind of questionable. As it usually is with his work (Horace & Pete, Louie), the film gives him a platform to spew out his thoughts and views on the world and society in an entertaining manner. That being said the film lacks a clear message or point. At least it introduces some intriguing well rounded and balanced arguements, discussions on "current" societal issues (weirdly reflecting the reprehensible actions Louis made in his past). Overall, seperating the art from the person behind it, I Love You, Daddy is an original and wothwhile watch just based on its great screenplay and fantastic acting alone. I would recommend seeing it if you get the chance.

When I saw the rating before seeing the movie, I got a bit defensive. It is so low because of the people's inability to distinguish between the person and the art. American puritanism is at play again here.

Then I saw the movie. It was weird. From the very beginning there were some obvious inadequacies in the editing and the acting. This might be taken as something charming, something unpolished on purpose, may be a stylistic decision. At times the movie feels like a movie from the 40s (the scenes from the birthday party and just afterwards with John Malkovich); at other times it nods to Woody Allen. But what makes it hard to watch it in isolation from the current events, is the fact that the movie is so much in a dialog with them. Mindfuckingly so. It examines the grey areas when it comes to consent, signals people give in the flirting game, what is objectively appropriate (if there is such a thing) and what is acceptable from society. The latter is as divided as its members.

As for Louis CK's acting, the confused expression worked better in the context of the series Louis, but it could hardly carry a whole movie.

Overall, it is an interesting film to watch. I am still a fan and a supporter and wish to have the opportunity to review many future Louis CK's projects.