(spoiler free)
What better way to start the new year than with a midlife crisis, well that’s what Brad is doing anyway. Played by Ben Stiller, Brad is a middle-aged married father of one who’s being kept awake at night needlessly worrying about his status compared to that of his old classmates from college, who he views to be largely successful unlike himself. Now setting out with his son to help him select which college he’ll attend Brad begins to re-evaluate his career, marital and general life choices in an odd journey of rediscovery.
‘Brad’s Status’ boasts a truly honest premise, comparing ourselves to our peers is something so many of us are guilty of. Whether this is in terms of career, relationship status, fitness or in countless other areas it can be a pretty disheartening practice. So from the get go ‘Brad’s Status’ is fairly relatable. However, viewers will most likely go from initially relating to Brad, to being irritated by him. His constantly changing outlook on his own life quickly becomes monotonous and he often just comes across as a big whine. Thankfully, this is addressed in the movie which makes this character trait more acceptable but it doesn’t really help audiences sympathise with Brad. Furthermore, the film can be rather depressing at times especially with the repetitive use of one particularly dour musical theme. Albeit there are some satisfying conclusions come the end of the film but the journey to these conclusions could have been more entertaining.
The performances of the cast are all good. Ben Stiller is quite at home in the dramatic rather than comedic genre after several roles distancing himself from his previously more silly comedy characters (‘Zoolander 2’ aside). Austin Abrams, who plays Stiller’s on screen son, too shows his versatility after a more comedic performance in ‘Paper Towns’ a few years ago. The pair share a believable father/son chemistry but it’s definitely Abrams that makes the film easier to stick with as audiences can get behind his character in a way that it’s harder to with Brad. The rest of the cast fulfill smaller supporting roles, each getting their few minutes in the spotlight. This remainder was mainly made up of Brad’s college friends played by; Micheal Sheen, Luke Wilson & Jemaine Clement. They really don’t have a lot to do but they all ace their roles being both appropriately stereotypical but also surprisingly more than what audiences might first expect.
So whilst executed well and being a rather contemplative affair ‘Brad’s Status’ doesn’t do much in the way of entertaining. It’s no doubt relatable but Brad’s struggle is more frustrating than endearing and it’s his son which audiences will want to see centre stage instead of him. An injection of comedy could have helped massively and certainly would have made the film more effective. Nonetheless it’s still a poignant film with good messages it just hasn’t been presented in an overly engaging manner.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating – 6/10Question: Which is your favourite of Ben Stiller’s dramatic film roles?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
Thanks for reading this review and please let us know what you thought about the movie! Leave a comment below or drop us a tweet over at @HCMovieReviews.
Advertisements Share this:
