claire-cec
I absolutely love films with intertwining stories that eventually connect in some way. I enjoy watching films and playing a sort of "Where's Waldo" game while I try and spot the ties and connections between the characters. It reminds me of life that way how we are all connected by the most minute interactions or coincidences, and we are completely unaware. This film did not disappoint me with its intertwining stories. It was touching, and even had a few little twists at the end. The characters in this film are mainly connected by the disappearance of a young girl in Los Angeles, then, the plots and subplots sort of branch off from this main story. The characters are all dealing with real issues, raw issues that are somewhat deep and dark, but still relatable. They are dealing with loss, GUILT, despair, and heartache, along with many other negative and unique emotions. Although the film plays out pretty wonderfully, it is kind of a downer. Don't look for any warm fuzzies coming from this flick. Although the film starts off a little slow, the individual tales of each character quickly propels the story onward and eventually wraps up with a killer ending.
mmulla21
An interesting character study set in Los Angeles. Its hard to get past the idea of Dane Cook as a psychoanalyst/psychologist and leading man. However, props to him for going outside of his comfort zone and trying to tackle his role as Ryan. Definitely worth a look to see his attempt at this serious role. The most moving story and interactions in this film involved Drew (Miranda Bailey), Erik (Vincent Ventresca), and Kate (Elizabeth Mitchell). The whole marathon scene was amazing! Maybe a little bit expected for the critically jaded movie audiences, but a moving portrayal of struggle and victory none-the-less. An undeniable triumph. Barbra Hershey fans will enjoy her appearance as she plays a small role as Ryan's (Dane Cook) mom. This film has its moments of entertainment but also lives up to its title. A nihilistic drama that tries to deliver a happy ending; a conflicted movie. Its an existential kidnapping mystery movie with careless affairs thrown in for good measure, and an odd mix of self-loathing that will surprise you.
Tony Heck
"I'm buried in the armor, I'm an iron man." After a child is abducted this movie deals with the following five days and a group of people including the single mom who is investigating the case. Her sister (Mitchell) who wants to get pregnant badly but her husband (Cook) is cheating on her. A school teacher who is obsessed with finding the missing girl. An alcoholic who is taking care of her wheel chair bound brother and a self hating black woman who wants to fall in love. I have to begin by saying that this is not a movie for everyone. Very slow moving in some parts and not a happy movie at all. That said I really enjoyed this. Dane Cook is a huge surprise in this role and is actually a very good dramatic actor. This movie shows how each person is somehow intertwined in each other's lives and how one life effects the other. While not nearly as good as "Crash" it does have that type of feel to it. This is a movie that you must be in the mood for and is a struggle at first, but the last half hour makes you glad you stuck with it. Overall, the type of movie that leaves you thinking about it long after it is over. I recommend this. I give it a B.
Elric Kane
Answers to Nothing is that rare combination of an ensemble cast grappling with life's complexities without descending into heavy handed storytelling. It both lifts you up and crushes you down as you recognize the various shades of yourself in the characters. I have been weary of ensemble dramas like this since the manipulative'Crash', but I felt the director and cast did a superb job and the emotion really builds to something tangible and rewarding. The singer Aja Volkman of 'Nico Vega'provides an emotional charge right through the film and Mad Men actor Mark Kelly gives a great turn as a gamer/High School teacher out for justice. Great film - highly recommended.
AD
