Who Invited Charlie?

On the surface, it's a laugh-out-loud comedy, filled with drinking and pot-smoking antics, led by Adam Pally. He reminds me a little of the late, great John Belushi. He's funny, crazy, and has that infectious mantic quality Belushi had. But this film goes a bit deeper than that, and I found it to be a solid, touching look at family life and dysfunction. The story revolves around a New York couple and their son. Rosie (Jordan Brewster) and Phil (Reid Scott) and their son Max (Peter Dager) decide to leave the city and spend time at their summer home in the Hamptons. The film takes place during the beginning of the pandemic, which I thought was a bit annoying. Get used to it folks, I think we're going to see a lot more of them in the near future. The couple has some problems to work out, and their son is incredibly shy. The one day Charlie (Pally) shows up, unannounced. He's a total wild man, sucking down booze and smoking pot all day. At first the family is on edge, but eventually things begin to click. It's implied that several years ago, Phil stole an idea that Charlie had and ran with it--and ended up making a pile of dough from it. But Charlie doesn't begrudge him for doing it. And while he's there, he gets the couple to try to work out things. He also helps Max come out of his shell. I had a feeling that it was going to turn into an "Animal House" crazy film, but I thought it went a lot deeper than that. It was an overall solid flick.

Why are people still producing 'pandemic' era films in 2023? They weren't cute 2 years ago and they aren't cute today either. Anyhow. I have no idea why I kept watching 'Who Invited Charlie?'. I honestly kind of assumed it be something more along the lines of Bill Murray's 1991 'What About Bob?'. It is not. As far as entertainment, from my perspective there is none. Unless you are from Connecticut and 'summer' in the Hamptons, there is very little relatable content in this film. In conclusion, I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't an actual script for 'Who Invited Charlie?' and the actors just improvised all their lines. Its pretty much, that.

Phil (Reid Scott) runs an investment firm. When we meet him, Jess (Dylan Penn) is leaving him. Phil is married to Rosie (Jordana Brewster). During a mishap, he runs into Charlie (Adam Polly) an old friend. We later discover Phil stole an idea off of Charlie and doesn't want any contact. For Charlie, it was lost of friendship that hurt him. Phil and Rosie have a teen son Maxy (Peter Dager) who has a list of insecurity issues, among which is going off to boarding school and concerned if a girl will DM him back. When COVID sets in, Phil is at home all the time on phone swearing as Trey (Peter Grosz) his former partner is stealing all of his big clients. Charlie invites himself over because of the pandemic. Phil reluctantly lets him stay as he knows about Jess. Charlie and Maxy hit it off fine, as Charley brings Maxy out of his shell. The film was a lite version of "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" where a guy partially disrupts the family so they can find themselves. Predictable comedy so it lacked the spontaneous humor. Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

I remember when Hollywood used to make this psychological test in the audience, just to learn about people's minds and they would use it. One of the most used findings was that about, catching the audience attention in the first 10 minutes. I watch for only 20, and i was bored. Also the camera work is so clumsy that i got dizzy. There was nothing funny in this movie, although the acting is really good and the photography is amazing. But hey, who doesn't like New York?. Other movies come to mind, from the 80's... I might not remember the names, but I do remember laughing. Bill Murray, Bette Middler... Not laughing with this one.

This film feels like the kind of movies Netflix should be suggesting! Well known cast, accessible story and just a feel good movie without feeling like I've been dumbed down. What About Bob? For a new generation and times. Any time I get to see some familiar VEEP faces, is also a bonus!!! Reid Scott has never not made me chuckle, and even as he doubles down on the "coolest guy in the room" and then reels it in, he is just great in every scene. Definitely recommend it for a smarter take on Rom Com Night! The story gets rolling quick and it touches on everything we've been going through with a nice magnifying glass that both makes it feel comfortable and awkward and comical! Really happy I stumbled upon this!

What Fun! Was not expecting for this to hit on so many levels. Movie had ideal timing where we could look back and laugh a bit about Covid - you forget how crazy that initial phase was, people were scared and insane! It's a movie that everyone can enjoy, which is rare these days. It had just enough of all the top needs; drama, laughter, irreverence, feeling, warmth, and friendship. All beautified by great locations. Adam Pally's clothing was like another character, and worked so well, a real highlight--I need more clothing like that!! The intro animation felt new, I so appreciate when they make that fun. Movie was poignant and funny, with a satisfying ending. More like this please!