News

Silly comedies have their value. They can be fun, easy to watch, an ideal way to spend a night when you are tired or in no need for context, just entertainment. There is, however, a limit to how silly a comedy can be, since after a point, the film is not fun any more, just a tedious succession of jokes that do not work. Unfortunately, “Con Job” is one of those movies.

Chris and Angus have hatched an elaborate plan to swindle the latter’s estranged brother, Tim, bring him back from Thailand, drug him, and forge his signature to sell their late father’s house to developers. Chris has even arranged for a corrupt notary, who also happens to be his personal trainer, to legitimize the documents, and they have even lied to Tim that Chris is about to get married in order to convince him to come back.

Ian Niles returns with Con Job, a darkly comedic sequel to his debut, Lie Hard. This time, Niles takes on the triple threat role of writer, director, and lead actor as he delivers a chaotic yet mildly-entertaining romp.

The story follows Chris (Niles), a self-absorbed schemer, and his dimwitted best friend, Angus (Menuhin Hart). Their plan to con Chris’s estranged brother, Tim (Dean Edwards), takes a wild and and surreal turn when a dead body, a bumbling petty criminal, and a well-meaning neighbour complicate matters.

Niles’ direction is a masterclass in physical comedy and slapstick humour, reminiscent of his previous work. The chemistry between Niles and Hart is undeniable, their dynamic is often reminiscent of classic buddy comedies like Dumb and Dumber.

Elsewhere, the supporting cast, which includes Aaron Berg as a manic notary and Julia Claire Schweitzer as a scheming food delivery driver, delivers memorable performances that elevate the film’s comedic moments.

The film industry is no stranger to comedies that delve into serious and even heinous crimes. A dash of wild humor can often provide a unique way to navigate through seemingly insurmountable situations, laying the groundwork for what we know as dark comedy. Indeed, a sequence of unfortunate events has long been a staple for eliciting laughter. With this in mind, one might expect Ian Niles, in his third directorial endeavor, “Con Job,” to bring a novel or at least a digestible twist to the crime-comedy genre. Yet, disappointingly, the lack of innovation in the formula is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the multitude of problems plaguing his latest film. The whimsicality of “Con Job” can be thought of as both its best friend and the worst adversary.

The movie begins with a peculiar gathering. Chris, who is financially struggling, is friends with brothers Tim and Angus,...