Ready or Not (2009) Reviews

• I almost wish this happened to me

  equazcion2009-03-27

  IMDb's plot description makes it sound like a cheap cartoonish college romp with grossout humor, ala American Pie or Without a Paddle, but this is really nothing of the sort. This movie is a relentless adventure from beginning to end. It hits the ground running with 4 guys at a wild Vegas bachelor party (with basically no introductions, you learn about these people through the story). Things go wrong, and soon they're running around Mexico in tuxedos (it's more fun if I don't tell you how they got there), trying to get home in time for the wedding, with no money, continuing to party while simultaneously debating the merits of marriage versus bachelorhood all the way through. Despite that plot, which IS a pretty accurate description of what you're seeing most of the time, this is actually a rather adult coming-of-age exploration with realistic characters. They're in a collective transition between keggers and picket fences, that depressing era in life when you're either getting married or watching your friends do so, a readily identifiable situation for almost anyone. The true depth of that perilous time is felt and explored almost completely. These guys could easily be your real-life friends, and a couple wrong turns at a wild enough party might even land you in a similar situation. Yes, this film is equal parts humor and serious reflection. It's got depth and morals, but a surprise around every turn. You really won't have a clue what's coming next, which makes you feel like you're experiencing the adventure along with them. I could've done without the cornball ending. The story turns in on itself, deus-ex-machina style, betraying its adventurous spirit. The adventure really would've worked better at face value, but oh well. It's a lot of fun, it's thought-provoking, and it stays with you. It's also a great production, with acting, directing, and camera work that all seem to be top-notch. I haven't looked into the film's actual level of "independence", so to speak, but to me it looked worthy of big-budget Hollywood. The writing was great too, with the possible exception of that ending which I already complained about. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this and it never left me bored. A superb film in my humble opinion. If you revel in the feeling of not knowing what's coming next, and if you find yourself pondering life's journey from time to time, I think you'll enjoy this.

• Sub-sub-Entourage mess

  intelearts2009-01-24

  Imagine a bunch of buddies who end in Mexico because they jumped out a plane whose pilot couldn't handle the map. All of them have been on a stag night and now find themselves guest of a local crime lord. This is worse (Or at least at bad) as it sounds - there is nothing here to lift this out of the mainly boring category - the script hasn't got the spark necessary, the plot is turgid, and while everyone is engaged in the project (SO it get's a 2 from me) it just is flat out non-entertaining. I can't work out why this got made when better scripts and better projects don't: it isn't original, it isn't fun or funny, character development is sketchy at best, and all in all, it's just plain boring. I guess someone will love this but not me.

• Well Done

  dstaduli2009-06-17

  I gave this film a high rating for one reason: execution. The acting, filming and scripting were all well done. The soundtrack is on-point. I have also given special consideration for the low budget production. Ready or Not certainly overcomes its financing. This film is a drama/comedy, not vice-versa. It has a unique indie picture vibe. In many ways, it reminds me of "The Hangover" without the nonstop jokes. The flamenco guitar keeps the tempo even to the pace of the plot. The main jokester reminds me of Zane Lamprey of Three Sheets stardom. This movie is a journey so be prepared. Bottom line: If you don't have patience for a medium to slow paced movie: Steer clear! However, if you're under 35 and enjoy real life comedy with several awkward situations and real life relevance, give it a look. Enjoy! Great quotes in this one.

• If you don't get it, you won't get it.

  unendingvertigo2009-03-20

  To buddy who wrote the "sub-sub-entourage" comment. I think your main problem was you were lost from the beginning. Your explanation of the plane scene was completely off. From there, anything you had to say lost all credit with me. I liked the camera work in this movie. The scenery and landscapes were also nice. Some original comedy, good jokes. Nothing extraordinary but a good watch imo. I see a lot of people leave nasty comments that are way off-base on this site. I think they're just bitter wastes that use places like this to vent rage, instead of giving useful insight into movies, which is just sad.

• Don't expect too much

  peterbeelaard2009-01-24

  Since the movie didn't even have -any- votes yet on IMDb it was obvious not a very large movie production nor that popular. The poster looked okay, and so did the entire visual part of the movie. It wasn't shot badly, the camera work was decent and professional (besides for example a moment where they accidentally shot the right front corner of the follow car and quickly turned the camera away), and the audio was decent too. The storyline was just disappointing. Bunch of guys walking through some fields and suddenly falling into the next scene, another field... They ran into some random people and it all slightly connected with each other. The first hour was pretty dull and boring. A few grins here and there, but nothing more, nothing less. I guess the last 15 minutes where the best part of the movie, when the plot unfolded and the true reasons all became clear. That was the best part of the movie, but besides the last 15 minutes, it was all a waste of time. Don't watch it with friends like I did, grab a real comedy in that case. 3/10 because it wasn't a bad B-movie type, it contained a few grins, and looked proper.