eplromeo8 What is it about Reel 13's obsession with Canada? I can't seem to figure it out. It's a New York-based TV show – there are lots of New York films and New York filmmakers. Why do they insist on continually going north of the border for independent films? No comprendo. Fortunately, Things to Do, though very formulaic, is a couple notches above the star-studded, though incredibly lame Wilby Wonderful from a couple weeks ago.Things to Do is the story of Adam – a mid-twenties low-level employee in a non-descript corporation in a non-descript city somewhere in Ontario. For reasons not initially clear, Adam can't deal with the rat race anymore. He quits his job and returns to his small suburban hometown (apparently Ontario suburbs are sadly similar to American ones), where the rumors are already swirling about the reasons behind his return. Mac, the neighborhood eccentric who went to school with Adam, doesn't seem to care, however. He's just happy to have a new person to hang out with. Then, the duo, inspired by a television talk show, come up with a list of things they've always wanted to do, They then go about completing the tasks on the list and as a result, go on a journey of self-discovery.Yes, I know – it's kind of a cookie-cutter plot (reminds me of that short-lived Fox TV show Free Ride – do you guys remember that?) and that's the biggest detractor of the film. However, while Things to Do isn't ground-breaking, it's a very watchable and mildly enjoyable comedy. Michael Stasko, in the lead role of Adam (he is also the co-writer), is charismatic in a very soft-spoken, minimalist way, which in and of itself, is an interesting choice. Daniel Wilson, as the dim-witted sidekick Mac, is an equally unique presence and is responsible for the film's few hearty laughs (the film otherwise only elicits the occasional wry smile). Director Theodore Bezaire displays strong comic timing and pace throughout the film and manages to add several clever details through his direction and blocking (The moment with the bus driver and the luggage, the blocking of the only kiss in the film and the flunkies of the pre-pubescent soapbox king are all worthy examples).Things to Do shows off the skills of some very talented people, but still fails to achieve maximum impact. The previously-mentioned predictability of the plot and also the lack of talent surrounding the three key figures (the majority of the dayplayers in the film are very bad and very distracting) hold the film back. Furthermore, the more serious moments don't really fly - there is a very tragic moment in the film that is skirted over in a very lazy way. I almost wonder if this was purposely done to avoid challenging the triumvirate (Bezaire, Stasko and Wilson) beyond their comfort level. That would be unfortunate because only then will these three gifted gentlemen get to the next level. Perhaps they will take it up a notch on the next project – and I sincerely hope they do because the raw potential is there. I truly believe the sky's the limit for these guys – but it's up to them.

lorisigurdson A feel good movie that revives the sole and ignites the inner-child. Makes you want to start crossing off things on your own to-do list.I loved characters, they were all so well developed. Adam's indifferent father who doesn't care to put down his newspaper when his son arrives home for the first time after his buddy commits suicide. Adam's resentful mother who stores stuff in his room while he's still living there. And, of course my favourite Mac, who I identified with the most, the somewhat socially inept, child-like, free-spirit who despite his obvious flaws seems to have the found the key to his own happiness, and ironically the only person in the film who doesn't need to compile a 'things to do' list.Well... it was 'just plain magnificent'(my new favourite term) and has a definitive spot on favourite movie shelf alongside Garden State, I 'love' Huckabees and New Waterford Girl which I think also beautifully capture the average individuals struggle to find happiness in their seemingly sterile environment.

cowgirl69 I recently rented this movie from the festival collection and I was pleasantly surprised. It is the story of a young guy trying to figure out what to do with his life which I could totally relate to. The idea of feeling trapped in a dead end job and thinking you have no other options is something I think many other people can also relate to as well. The movie starts a bit slow but really picks up steam with the introduction of Mac, the main characters free spirited sidekick who had a youthful innocence about him. I really enjoyed their relationship and how they played off of each other. The film has a bit of a Wes Anderson feel to it, and also sports a really good soundtrack. Definitely worth checking out.

kaasschaaf This movie confuses me, I don't like his friend who is obvious a person with the IQ of a pickle. In the end I got a good feeling about the movie, apart from the rest of the movie witch I watched with great difficulties. His parent's annoy me so damn much that I almost turned off the movie, but this is also because he let those things happen to him. Still I can't understand why he doesn't do what he obvious needs to do.In the end he makes a sudden career move witch I found rather interesting because I can relate to that in my own life but for the rest he is -and I'm sorry to say it- a loser.