BRAD’S STATUS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Brad’s Status—intellectual drama that examines one man’s life against those of seemingly more accomplished friends—serves up a depressing look at life at the mundane level. While the acting is very good, this film does not serve up a traditional entertainment piece.

Film, Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Middle-aged Brad Sloan (Ben Stiller) confronts crisis as he faces his life’s accomplishments against those of his peers.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mike White for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah Esberg, Carla Hacken, Mark Kamine, John Penotti, Brad Pitt, and Bruce Toll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Troy Sloan (Austin Abrams), Melanie Sloan (Jenna Fischer), Craig Fisher (Michael Sheen), Billy Wearslter (Jemaine Clement), Jason Hatfield (Luke Wilson), Ananya (Shazi Raja), Maya (Luisa Lee), Nick Pascale (Mike White), Xavier (Xavier Grobet), Chris Kanew (Adam Capriolo), Cherie Parkinson (Felicia Shulman), Harvard Mother (Jane Wheeler), Admission Officer (Karl Graboshas), Admissions Receptionist (Jon Bernad), Busker (Jonah Carson), Female Professor (Susan Glover), Azalia’s Hostess (Meghan Gabruch), and Mark (Kenny Wong).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film seems created to provoke thought rather than entertain. It’s classified as a comedy-drama, but offers little hope for a life beyond the here and now for the main character while working more on the darker side of comedy rather than the lighter side of comedy. Not a traditional Ben Stiller flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers