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.

Bad Shabbos has a plot that is so preposterous that it boggles the mind. Of course, if you are willing to check your brain at the door and accept this premise then this movie might be for you.

Of course, the acting is better than the dialogue that is written for these poor actors.

Be prepared for ridiculous, slapstick, and highly improbable events to happen.

I'm glad it was only an 80 minute film because it as difficult to sit through be he movie as it was.

I was so looking forward to some good laughs , but it just was not funny.

Why take a chance on liking a movie when you should enjoy your theater experience.

Best family movie ever; very, very funny, and heart warming, about a family that stays together and loves each and protects each other no matter what; all inclusive movie showing all faiths having fun together and supporting each other; strongly recommend from teenagers to grandparents; Well written and beautifully directed by a rising star; Great cast. The movie is about a prank that went terribly wrong, with lots of laugh out loud moments, and fall out of your chair hysterical shockingly humorous situations; Some amazing new and seasoned acting veterans round out an incredible cast with a mensch of a director.

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.

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.