A Real Pain

Movie: A Real Pain

Running Time: 1:30

Nominated for: Actor in a Supporting Role, Original Screenplay

How I watched: Hulu

When it had me: Does his cousin live at the airport?

When it lost me: Blandness

What systems does it challenge: Family Reunions

Watching this movie, it is very clear that it is autobiographical in nature. Sometimes you can just feel that it wouldn't have been written this way unless it was staying true to real events. I liked that feeling of authenticity to a point. More specifically right up to the point where I felt bored.

Both actors were great in their roles. While they were both sort of playing what they play, Kieran Culkin brought an extra helping of chaotic danger to the movie.

There's an almost cute scene of the two cousins trying to leave a token in remembrance of their grandma, but it fell really flat. It wouldn't have taken much to add some more absurdity and comedy to the scene, without seriously altering the events. I like how I'm trying to give writing notes to someone who just got nominated for an Oscar for screenwriting. Maybe I should go back to writing mediocre reviews and mind my own business.