Don't Suck

When I sat down to watch the 2023 comedy "Don't Suck", I had never actually heard about it. And I hadn't read the synopsis, but given the movie's cover, I did assume that I was in for a vampire movie.

However, I must say that the storyline in the movie turned out to be way more entertaining and enjoyable than I had anticipated. I figured I was in for something in the likes of a spoof or farce on the likes of "Twilight" and such, given the movie's cover. However, writer Rick D'Elia proved to come up with a rather nicely written comedy script that combined elements of living on the road as a stand-up comedian and vampire movies. There was just something that worked about quite nicely.

And I must say that I wasn't figuring that Jamie Kennedy would muster anything grand here, but I was pleasantly surprised with his performance as the down-on-his-luck-aging-comedian Pete. And I wasn't familiar with his co-star Matt Rife, playing Ethan the vampire, but he definitely put on a memorable and good performance as well. It should definitely be noted that teaming up Jamie Kennedy alongside with Matt Rife was a good choice, because they had a great on-screen chemistry.

I wasn't familiar with the majority of the cast ensemble in the movie, aside from Jamie Kennedy and Russell Peters. But I will say that the cast in general did put on good performances in bringing their characters to life on the screen.

If you enjoy odd comedies, then "Don't Suck" is a movie that is well-worth sitting down and checking out. I was genuinely surprised with the script that Rick D'Elia gave director RJ Collins to bring to the script. And I was adequately entertained throughout the course of the 100 minutes that the movie ran for.

My rating of "Don't Suck" lands on a six out of ten stars.

I almost didn't watch this video because of the low score it's getting. Is it a great movie? Nope. It's kinda weird, the story is oddball, but somehow it works in a very strange way.

Dialog here and there are genuinely funny.

I can see why some people wouldn't like this movie too much. The vampire character has a strange delivery. But for me, that's what makes it work.

I was put off by the character in the beginning, but the delivery of his lines grew on me as the movie went on. Overall, it's a simple story that follows some of the typical Hollywood conventions of movie making.

In all, if you have some free time and want something that doesn't require a lot of you, give it a shot.

After seeing it's rating...I expected worse.

But it's not without it's faults.

The story revolves around a washed up comedian (played by Jamie Kennedy) who tries to rekindle his career by accepting a gig touring with a not-so-young up and comer (played by Matt Rife).

The young wannabe comic employs a dry shtick where he plays on being an ancient- yet ageless- vampire.

However, he's having a hard time connecting with the audience.

So he brings on Kennedy's character with the hope that he can get some tips on how to become a better comedian.

Promising to fund the entire endeavour, himself.

Only to reveal the truth behind the facade.

The whole thing is rather mediocre.

If only because Rife's portrayal of the vampire character is rather insufferable.

The rest of the cast actually do an excellent job, though.

Why many people didn't like it is obvious, however.

Because it comes off less a comedy than it does a drama.

Which is something I blame the writers for.

Because, where they had an oppourtunity to insert comedy into the script...they seem to glance over them, in order to focus on driving the dramatic aspect of the story forward.

Which is an odd decision.

Because there's not enough comedy to appease viewers who tuned in for some laughs.

And there's not enough gore to satiate those expecting a pure horror.

Making it completely reliant on winning people over with the drama.

Which is a mistake in my opinion.

Especially considering Rife does such an awful job.

His terrible performance aside...it's not totally horrible.

Just very slow and dry.

Which is not something you would expect from a film that features such well known comics.

Thus, it's not particularly great.

So, you can't blame people for thinking it does, in fact, suck.

Because, in the end...it really is quite mediocre.

2 out of 10.

It's actually pretty funny and a good concept. Not slap stick humor or full of a lot of CGI. Matt plays the naive vampire well and definitely easy on the eyes. It's supposed to be the dingy underside of comedy and it is. The character development happens at a reasonable pace. If you must have really broad jokes and slapstick it's probably not for you. It's a good, watchable and funny film for those that understand nuance and subtle humor. A lot of good cameos from comedians past and present. It was great to see Jimmy Walker popping up for several scenes, as well as several good character actors.

This is...so bad. Didn't laugh at all, in fact I cringed more than I laughed. Matt Rife's "acting" was horrible. I guess the only thing he has going for himself is that he is pale enough to be a vampire. A few washed up actors with bad acting, no good jokes. Highly recommend not watching this and instead watching a ~good~ vampire movie/show lol go check out Nick Cage's new vampire movie because even though it wasn't the best thing in the world, it was still a thousand times better than this.

Overall, please don't waste your time watching this. Watch something better. Let's please stop giving Matt Rife jobs.