Wilson

I watched Wilson while flying to Los Angeles earlier this week. This 2017 film is an adaptation of the quirky graphic novel of the same name. The film stars Woody Harrelson (Wilson) as a lonely extrovert who lacks the ability to filter his thoughts before he utters them. It is a dark comedy that meanders along with just enough humor to keep viewers interested.

The premise of the film centers on a lonely Wilson, who seems to have no sense of personal space. He will sit next to people at an empty cafe or empty bus, intent on striking conversation. And the conversation is never far from social taboo. He lacks ability to filter his thoughts before speaking them. The results are often chuckle worthy, although politically incorrect or sacrilegious. Wilson was married once, but has been alone for seventeen years, comforted only by his dog. When he learns his ex-wife put up her baby for adoption rather than aborting, he seeks reunification with the pollyanna idea that he can pick up where he left off and have a family. The results are tediously funny.

If you like dry, quirky humor, you are bound to get some laughs out of this film. The plot was original and interesting. The characters were well done. As it should be for a character-driven comedy. The pacing was sluggish at times. The humor was often funny, although situational at times. Which felt contrived. The premise was intriguing. The story moved just fast enough and was just funny enough to keep me engaged.

If you are easily offended, particularly by religious references, then this film is not for you. I am not easily offended, but could easily see this film irritating some people. The content was contextual and didn't bother me. I don't recall any nudity, but I was watching on an airplane, so the film could have been modified for that reason. The film definitely had adult humor and subject matter not intended for younger audiences. This is a film with mature humor. If you are looking for something to watch with the kids, I would skip this one. The film is rated R by the MPAA.

This is definitely a rainy day (or airplane) movie. I'm glad I didn't go see it in the theater. I often see quirky films in the theater and am often delighted with them. This film is a bit more "ho hum." It is funny, but in a forced, contrived sort of way. The film has a unique plot and interesting characters, but is also tedious at times. Particularly the pacing, which is not uncommon with character centered films. The characters were pretty good, although there were even some flat characters. The performances were solid. Overall, I make a mild recommendation. If you like quirky, don't mind slow-paced movies and find this streaming for free...go for it. 5.5/10.