I really like the baseline idea for the film, a coming-of-age film of a 17 year old Canadian kid who truly believes he is the reincarnation of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky is soo fun in concept and there is moments where it can deliver, of course Jay Baruchel is great in everything I’ve seen him in, but honestly I felt like the final product didn’t quite deliver in the way I wanted to.
For example, I didn’t care for the romance, kind wish they cut-out the plot line with the 27 year old love interest, (though I think the Alexandra reincarnated thing, could be clever, I don’t think it was executed well and it’s just kind of creepy once you take a moment to think about it), I wish we solely focused more on the actually union plot line by Leon actively trying connect more to his school’s student body in order to get their solidarity and support for his cause.
I also wish we delved into Leon’s psyche a bit more, and get a moment where he truly is forced to look in the mirror and actually reevaluate himself, his delusions, why he acts the way he does, and why his what he’s doing is so important. While we do get that a bit, I wish we explored that more.
Additionally, Jay Baruchel can be really funny when he wants to be (in an awkward, self deprecating way) and I think the film should have utilized that more in terms of the comedy. I did really like that first scene in the movie where his serious speech gets cut off by his mother, and moments where people are genuinely puzzled (or annoyed) by his ridiculous behavior.
Again I think the idea for the film is great, and the movie is not bad by any means, but I feel like I was expecting something more.
I really like the baseline idea for the film, a coming-of-age film of a 17 year old Canadian kid who truly believes he is the reincarnation of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky is soo fun in concept and there is moments where it can deliver, of course Jay Baruchel is great in everything I’ve seen him in, but honestly I felt like the final product didn’t quite deliver in the way I wanted to.
For example, I didn’t care for the romance, kind wish they cut-out the plot line with the 27 year old love interest, (though I think the Alexandra reincarnated thing, could be clever, I don’t think it was executed well and it’s just kind of creepy once you take a moment to think about it), I wish we solely focused more on the actually union plot line by Leon actively trying connect more to his school’s student body in order to get their solidarity and support for his cause.
I also wish we delved into Leon’s psyche a bit more, and get a moment where he truly is forced to look in the mirror and actually reevaluate himself, his delusions, why he acts the way he does, and why his what he’s doing is so important. While we do get that a bit, I wish we explored that more.
Additionally, Jay Baruchel can be really funny when he wants to be (in an awkward, self deprecating way) and I think the film should have utilized that more in terms of the comedy. I did really like that first scene in the movie where his serious speech gets cut off by his mother, and moments where people are genuinely puzzled (or annoyed) by his ridiculous behavior.
Again I think the idea for the film is great, and the movie is not bad by any means, but I feel like I was expecting something more.
