Ride the Eagle

1) I've written about the recent "rent an Airbnb and use it as a set for your indie film" phenomenon but this was actually done right. A huge part is because of competent actors and likeable/intriguing characters.

2) Free of the usual unnecessary agenda (except for a global warming vs politicians bit) which is refreshing from an American comedy these days.

3) Not a great deal of twists here but it's a comfy film for a great hang. All the 5 characters (dog included, since it got a lot of screen time) were superb with JK Simmons not having a lot to do and the ex gf's phone quips being my favorite.

The film is a lot more emotional and engaging than I expected. Despite the grim subject, it still manages to maintain a light tone, which is good. I enjoyed watching it.

Most famous for being shot during quarantine with the actors largely alone, this is more than just an experiment in monologue-based storytelling. It's a touching (a word that critics try to stay away from, but there I said it!) story of a guy crossing off his late mom's bucket list to get his inheritance of her house. On paper, the basis for the plot is a little contrived but it makes sense. There's a very sweet and natural-sounding courtship between two old exes (Good Place's D'Arcy Carden) as well as a fine exploration of an adult coming to grips with mommy issues.

Leif is left his mother's cabin, but it comes with conditions, for him to inherit, he must complete a series of challenges that she's left him.

It's a very quirky, amusing, enjoyable film, it's light hearted, well meaning, it's happy to be a little bit different.

I can't say it's a raucous laugh out loud scream fest, it's not that kind of movie, but it is definitely an enjoyable watch. Jake Johnson is very good in the part, and as much as I hate the term, you really do see Leif embark on a journey.

The phone sex scene with Audrey was so funny, I watched with half a hand over my eyes, it was so cringe, but funny.

I love the fact that that was actually Jake Johnson's real life dog, you can see that there's a bond between the two.

Enjoyable. 7/10.

Slacker musician Leif Reinhold (Jake Johnson) is told of his estranged mother Honey (Susan Sarandon)'s death. She leaves him her a large cabin but the conditional inheritance comes with many tasks to complete. One of the tasks is to call his former love Audrey (D'Arcy Carden). Carl (J. K. Simmons) is Honey's ex.

Jake and D'Arcy have a nice comedic chemistry even on the phone. I wouldn't them doing something more in another movie. The phone sex is fun. They have the same comedic sensibility. They could have done more in this movie like talk about their past relationship. It would have been fine to have them talked the whole movie. Jake and J. K. are also good but they are one person removed. There is always going to be a hole in the middle of their connection. This is a fine little indie.