‘Suburbicon’ does not fit throwback needs

Jonathan Garcia

jgarcia@foghornnews.com

@jonathan10894

The saying “living in the suburbs” gets new meaning in “Suburbicon,” starring Matt Damon. Directed by George Clooney and written in 1986 by brothers Ethan and Joel Coen, it didn’t started filming until October 2016. The film had promise, especially considering Clooney’s directorial background and a strong cast, but unfortunately it comes up short.

In 1959, the peaceful all-white neighborhood of Surburbicon gets shaken up when an African-American family moves in, causing many neighbors to show their disapproval.

When Gardner Lodge’s (Damon) family gets robbed by two dangerous men and his wife, Rose (Julianne Moore), gets killed in the process, Rose’s twin sister, Margaret, comes in to help care for their son Nicky (Noah Jupe) while adjusting to the tragedy that struck them.

But things aren’t as they seem as Gardner’s demons follow into their lives and many secrets come out that have major consequences.

Although the film isn’t good at all, it’s best to start with some positives, which is the cast for the most part.

Damon does a great job as he always does, and Moore portrays twins in the film showing off two different personalities, which she succeeds in doing.

Oscar Isaac also stars in the film as he gives an off-the-wall performance as insurance agent Bud Cooper. Although not in it for much, he manages to ham up his role when he’s on screen. However, the rest of the film is an awful, jumbled mess.

The film is slow, dull and sloppy with its dialogue. Each scene where there is an attempt for humor falls flat and shows how inconsistent the tone is.

Scenes with racial tension are never fully explored in this film.

When the film’s so-called “funny moment” is a kid walking in on his dad having sex with a woman mistaking it as a robbery taking place, you know your film is terrible.

It’s almost baffling that this film is written by the guys who gave us “The Big Lebowksi,” “Raising Arizona” and “No Country for Old Men.”

The second half and conclusion of the film go off the rails. Certain things are supposed to come to a close and explain why this person did this or why this is happening but all it does is just confuse the audience that dozed off to the first half of the film.

If you’re considering seeing “Suburbicon,” save your money for other upcoming releases or rent a movie.

The film should have been canceled after the 31-year wait to get this on screen and is an embarrassment to the Coen Brothers and Clooney.

Cast:

B+

Script:

D-

Cinematography:

C-

Soundtrack:

C

Overall:

D+

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