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.

If, like me, you are a fan of actress Milana Vayntrub ('Lillie' the salesperson in AT&T commercials), you can spend 84 minutes with her in the new film 'Bad Shabbos'. If you are not a fan and have no interest in becoming a fan, I can see no reason to spend even a second on this mess of a movie.

The film plays on the old set-up of two young people of different faiths falling in love and planning a wedding. But first their parents have to meet and well, you know the hilarity that that worn out situation breeds. Well that's pretty much it, except for one thing; prior to the parents meeting for a Jewish Sabbath (Shabbos) dinner, one of the guests suddenly dies. In truth he's killed, perhaps by accident (not that it matters) with the hilarious (not) hi-jinx of Jews and Catholics at dinner impacted by the dead-man's body in the bathroom. Bad stuff.

The always reliable David Paymer plays the Jewish head of household, with the charming Kyra Sedgwick less than convincing as a shrew of a Jewish mother. As for Milana Vayntrub, she's the not so awful Jewish daughter in his truly awful family.

Did I say 'Bad stuff'? Well, it's worth saying it again. Bad Stuff.

A great new addition into the cannon of Jewish cinema. A silly and smart slice of hectic life in a Shabbos night.

Well written. The characters and plot really develop as the story it takes hold.

I would recommend this movie for sure. I think one of the redeeming qualities is how Judaism and connection to israel and ancient roots and community and family all intersected in the film in a time where the conversations sadly aren't as mainstream or supported. So refreshing to feel seen in the media like this now.

It feels like you're really good about dinner my friends and family of course with a crazy turn! Unexpected and quite delightful.

Will be remembered fondly.

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.

I honestly did not know what to expect, The Cast was terrific, the story was terrific and I was belly laughing constantly. I could identify with the family and the movie was quite entertaining and it had me at hello. The comedies today are not that funny, no jokes and you can see the punchlines from a mile away, Bad Shabbos seemed real, as I watched the movie I felt as if I knew the characters personally. That is about all i have to say other than I loved this movie, I hope it wins an Oscar and I have to write another 101 characters or this review will not be printed. The concept of 25 hours of powering down goes back 3500 years but it is very novel to these times. Shabbat Shalom.