Downsizing Review - Over Two Hours Of Being Bored

Certificate - 15
Directed By - Alexandra Payne
Starring - Matt Damon; Christoph Waltz; Hong Chau; Hong Chau; Kristen Wiig; Rolf Lassgard; Ingjerd Egeberg; Udo Kier.
Running Time - 135 Minutes (2 Hours 15 Minutes)

★★✩✩✩

IMAGE VIA PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Downsizing got a bit of praise from the film festival circuit, but when I finally got to see the movie last October I was shocked as to why this got any praise as it's basically felt like an arthouse Honey I Shrunk The Kid but shit.

Downsizing is a Sci-Fi "comedy" in which Paul Safranek (Damon) shrinks himself to five inches tall to have a better life to live in wealth and splendour.

IMAGE VIA PARAMOUNT PICTURES

The main reason why I give the film a little bit of praise is the message about climate change and saving the world. However, I just felt it was beating me over the head with the meaning Payne wanted to tell me.

Don't get me wrong it's an interesting question, would you shrink yourself to save the planet? It got a simple answer from me, it'd be a no. I like being 6 foot 5.

Casting wise, Damon was fine, but his character is literally the blandest and dullest man I've ever seen on screen! It was lucky Waltz and Chau were on form to make the film at least fun.

IMAGE VIA GEORGE KRAYCHYK/ PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Waltz and Chau's performances saved the film for me. They were funny, entertaining and gave the least interesting man ever on screen something to do. Plus, it was a nice cameo from Neil Patrick Harris and Laura Dern.

The CG was bad! I never felt fully into this downsizing world even when they filmed like scenes like any other you can still they're small. It was like watching an episode of the new Thunderbirds Are Go TV show.

Additionally, up to a point, it became predictable and this film is too long! You can make it a 100-110 minute film.

Verdict

It's a fine film, but nothing special. Funny in parts with decent performances from Waltz and Chau.