Molli and Max in the Future

Greetings again from the darkness. I'll readily admit that I'm not an expert in outer space-based Science Fiction Romantic-Comedies. If you press me for a description of writer-director Michael Luk Litwak's film, it would be "WHEN HARRY MET SALLY ... in future space". Of course, this low budget flick is no match for Rob Reiner's classic 1989 Rom-Com, yet the mismatched couple and the recurring spontaneous meetups does strike some familiar chords.

Zosia Mamet stars as Molli and Aristotle Athari is Max. Zosia is a quirky actress known for "Girls" and the daughter of renowned writer David Mamet. Aristotle is best known for the season he spent on "Saturday Night Live". This isn't one of those shock-and-awe super special effects sci-fi spectacles. Instead, beginning in Chapter One, spaceships collide. One driven by Molli and one by uninsured Max. Rather than bicker over fault, the two display out-of-this-world chemistry ... unorthodox chemistry for sure ... but chemistry nonetheless.

Beginning with that initial bonding, viewers should brace themselves for non-stop banter whenever Molli and Max are together - something that happens frequently over the 12 years featured here. These reunions occur on various planets, across multiple dimensions, during a relationship with a robot, after joining a cult, and while living as a celebrity. One's enjoyment of the film will surely be determined by how the rapid-fire dialogue strikes - is it charming or grating? Those charmed will likely focus on the friendship/romantic two-step. Those annoyed will likely notice the political angle that filmmaker Litwak tries to sneak in.

With Special Effects intentionally a notch below BARBARELLA (1968) and FLASH GORDON (1980), the green screen images may be cartoonish, but they fit with the overall tone here. This feels like one of those films that will find a very receptive niche following, while others will be baffled by the appeal.

In theaters beginning February 9, 2024.

Molli and Max in the Future is probably too rom-com centric for sci-fi geeks and too bonko f/x-driven for Hallmark Channel subscribers.

Written and directed by Michael Lukk Litwak, Molli and Max in the Future pays homage to Nora Ephron's When Harry Met Sally, as well as Woody Allen sex farces, all wrapped around a glitzy sci-fi rendering that looks like the backlot of Luc Besson's The Fifth Element. Litwak then takes Ephron and Allen's caffeinated humor and blends it down to a vanilla soy latte. Rude sex and emotional inadequacies are jettisoned in favor of Millennial over-achievement and career depression.

Adapting Annie Hall in outer space makes for a great concept. Honestly though, when it comes to sci-fi and love, most Trekkies, Wookies, and Time Lords might instead opt to simply rewatch the Han & Leia scenes from The Empire Strikes Back.

First, this is a movie that requires you to pay close attention (or you will miss the laugh outloud jokes). Second, there is some subtlty that requires some thinking on the part of the viewer. There are no gratuitous sex scenes, no explosions, no car chases, no fight scenes (except some robot carnage!). It's all about the characters. There's a lot of social commentary as well that probably "cheeses" off a few people (you'll get the joke if you see the movie). I haven't laughed so hard at a movie in a very long time. The writing and comic timing is excellent. I thought the two main characters were fantastic and I hope to see more of both actors in other films.

Snappy, thoughtful, and insightful dialog drives the audience through a surreal deep future. Science Fiction with a good dose of absurd fantasy and special effects that set the tone perfectly. Most immediately reminiscent of The American Astronaut (2001).

The level of absurd fantasy sci-fi in this movie is for anyone who likes Rick and Morty or Adventuretime; ridiculously sublime.

The music is a perfect jazz score. The acting is superb from those with one line to the main cast. Spot on delivery.

With a running time of a tight 90 minutes it left me wanting more, especially once treated to the outtakes that run through the credits. Some hilarious lines that didn't make it in.

This movie was a masterclass on acting and humor by Zosia Mamet. She was brilliant while this apparently low budget film was pretty dull in many other ways. The other actors were not very convincing in their roles. It is worth watching despite any failings. I also liked the demon Trump parody that was slipped in as a side story. If you like Doctor Who or Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy you will probably enjoy the sillier aspects of the writing. It does a fairly good job as viewed as a rom com with an emphasis on the comedy. I wish the male lead had been a little stronger as an actor and comic.