Things to Do (2006) User Reviews (17)

I thought this was pretty good

[randy_kay · 7/10 · 29 November 2012]

I'm pretty critical about films so a 7 out of 10 is about as high as I go unless I think something is outstanding. The story was good in my opinion and I liked that fact the protagonist actually figured out an interesting career choice for himself which is admirable for a film to even commit to when for the last few decades it's almost become fashionable to be a self-loathing slacker and I'm not btw entirely blaming people for feeling this way as I think computers, as neat and powerful as they are, by and large have made most peoples work environments horrendously boring. Anyhow, my point is, at least they didn't have the protagonist meander back to his crappy office job or hang himself from a tree in his parents back yard while listening to some kind of grunge music although that could have actually been funny in a sick way.

The only negatives I felt was that some of the acting was not very good and reminded me of the films university students make or local film clubs that can't afford actors and I've seen that actually work before since I think you can either act or you can't so sometimes you can hit gold by using totally unknowns but it's rare and I found that aspect very distracting. The way the film was shot was very good, very professional looking and I liked the production quality and there's some very nice subtle editing, flashes of light on the quick edits, that kind of thing which I thought was really creative and really added to the film. All in all I think they did an excellent job for a film that it says was made for $500,000? That's pretty much peanuts these days. I'm not sure if that's accurate but if so I am very impressed and congratulate the people who made it and look forward to their future work.

average

[jcatalfano · 6/10 · 11 August 2006]

A slow, sometimes amusing story about the confusion, disillusionment, and dissatisfaction of a 20-something who moves back home, struggles with an unfulfilling life, etc. One can't help but feel that the whole thing borrows too heavily from other, better films (i.e. Office Space, Napoleon Dynamite). This would be a better film if the acting were better, but then again, the characters are not very interesting as written, so the actors don't have much to work with. The film is simply too ordinary and only slightly amusing to recommend it, but, if you're at this point in your life, you will find a lot to relate to here. Tries to be very droll and Wes Anderson- esquire in its quirkiness, but it all doesn't add up to much, and no one really changes as a result of 90 minutes of film. So few people have voted that I don't think this ever got a wide or noticeable release in either theaters or DVD, which is strange because the production value is above par.

Things to Do on Reel 13

[eplromeo8 · 17 October 2008]

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.

things to do

[tywaters3000 · 2/10 · 30 July 2006]

Lets put it this way. I actually get this movie. I get what the writer/directer was trying to do. I understand that the dialog was meant to be dry and emotionless. I understand that the plot was supposed to be non-climactic and stale. That was what the writer/director was going for. A very very very dry humor/comedy. With all that understanding, I still think the movie sucked. It seemed like the writer/director was trying to recreate Napolean Dynamite with this movie. It had all of the same features. Even the main character behaved similar to Napolean. But Napolean Dynamite was actually funny. Its script worked. This movie is not. It has no purpose. Well, let me rephrase that. Its only purpose is to rip off Napolean Dynamite and try to capture that look and feel. Too bad it didn't work.

Chick Flick

[djs2006 · 4/10 · 30 July 2006]

This isn't a bad movie... but it's the type your girlfriend makes you watch. The story isn't bad .... it just makes the hour and a half seem so long. It's hard for me to trash this movie because I really do like the idea of it but it was just to long and thin on story... too bad. The main character never really seems to change all that much from beginning to end . I mean goes through something "life changing" and he can barely break a smile. I really thought Mac was really good. His weird quirkiness kept the movie from being a complete disaster. Maybe I just don't "get" this film. If anyone can explain it to me I'd love to be informed.

Funny movie, with a good message!

[cowgirl69 · 10/10 · 18 July 2006]

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.

He had to move back home

[sgingras-1 · 8/10 · 22 July 2006]

Well it's all about having to go back home. We've done it a million times, you move away things get messed up with the crap job and you go back home. Hope you don't run into people you know, you find your best friend and search for yourself. This movie is hilarious, like another writer commented, starts a bit slow but does it pick up. The quintessential guy flick, get a beer, some popcorn and get ready to howl. And by the way, the last commenter was right, simple soundtrack but extremely effective, very Good Will Hunting.

By the way this was my first post, I'm a movie junkie and am sure I'll get better with practice.

A beautiful and heartwarming movie

[ComedyFan2010 · 8/10 · 24 November 2011]

A story about a young man who gets enough of his life in the city with unsatisfying job and returns back to his parents. He meets people of his past, makes a list of things he wants to do in his life and goes through it together with his friend Mac.

It may start slowly, but with the time I was falling in love with it. It was pretty funny to see all the things they have done, which included making a great movie and be in a great band. And when we got to see why Adam was doing it, it gave the movie a bit more of a meaning.

I really liked the acting as well. I checked on the work of main characters and it is pretty sad that they didn't do much acting after it. The characters were very well developed.

It is not a Hollywood movie, there are no special effects, but it is a good movie to watch and I recommend it to people who like to see a good story for a light entertainment

Refreshing...

[silikesfilms · 9/10 · 1 September 2006]

things to do.... a refreshing change from all the Hollywood blockbusters!!!

the film brings about many issues in life and makes us think how wonderful it is to be alive!!!! mid-life crisis, stranded in a big city, feeling a bit lost, depressed. Things to do with the aid of a beautiful soundtrack shines a positive light on how life can suck for some and emphasises the importance of being positive, keeping busy and enjoying yourself.

he moves home, he makes a new friend.... re lives his childhood and goes about on a mission to do all the things he wanted to do... GENIUS!!!! the film is a quite therapeutic and cruises along at a nice pace. Beautiful film... highly recommended and will definitely make you chuckle once and awhile!!! first review.... so spare me please lol

Great little indie flick

[allegra-sloman · 8/10 · 24 July 2009]

A solid, bleakly humorous script backed by good direction and an awesome soundtrack make for an enjoyable and (for me) almost painfully true to life film. Adam Stevenson is a neurasthenic social misfit. He's good hearted but kinda wussy. An unpleasant event at work triggers his return to the family home and his parents, who have little emotional connection to him. Adam runs into a trouble-making high school acquaintance, Mac, and after he sees a self-help jackass on TV go on about making lists, Adam decides with Mac's help to relive his life according to a better script than he's been given so far. He makes a list of cool things he wants to do and then, without being too much of a perfectionist about it (the 'Make a Great Movie' scene cracked me up) - he does them.

I was about a third of the way through the film before I realized it was Canadian. That's how good it is. Yes, I know that's a backhanded compliment, but a lot of Canadian movies suffer from "I am a very earnest but amateurish labor of love" disease. This is not an amateurish movie.

Michael Stasko as Adam and Daniel Wilson as Mac carry the movie ably. This movie deserves better than 4.8 stars. All the bit parts are well cast, and the score is a star in its own right. Recommended for when you want to watch a buddy movie with no car chases or gunfights.

Napolean Dynamite meet your match!

[aapostoloul · 10/10 · 26 October 2006]

Things To Do was a totally pleasant and unexpected surprise. I laughed so hard, I spit out my M&Ms! Everyone has gone through a traumatic event in their life that makes them reflect on, where am I going? What I am doing? There are so many things I have yet to do! Things To Do captures this beautifully and makes you laugh in the process! Hysterical moments - tennis balls and tear-away pants! The type of movie you make a part of your collection and watch again and again when you need to feel good. Great performances, look out for Daniel Wilson. Really good soundtrack, love to know where I could find it. Think Garden State meets The Royal Tenenbaums. Loved it!

my list

[PhilipJWells · 8/10 · 4 December 2006]

After seeing this film you start to think about the things that you would have liked to have completed. My list is long and I know that it would have been fun just trying to complete any part of the list. I know that everyone has some kind of list but just, can not find the time to begin. Also we all have a neighbour like Mr. Farston. Theadore had a great idea when he and his partner Gerry wrote the screen play, they came up with a solution that worked. That in itself shows that a disturber liked what he saw and knew the public would also. You can go to your local Blockbuster store and rent the movie. So please take a look at another Canadian Independent Film and then make your own list ......

Just plain magnificent!!!

[lorisigurdson · 8/10 · 14 September 2006]

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.

Great laughs lots of fun to watch!

[info-10563 · 10/10 · 26 October 2006]

I came across this film based on high recommendation from an established film producer. I enjoyed the direction in the film and would like to see more work from this filmmaker. I especially enjoyed the use of the El Camino...where have all these great cars gone? The chemistry between the two leads was also good. I have seen plenty of indie films and this one definitely makes my top ten...it makes for a great trip into a "twenty-something's" past, begging you to ask what's important in life, especially if you've found yourself in a position you did not entirely choose to be in. I am sure there are lots of twenty-somethings in a place like this right now...check this film out, it has something to say about this period of indecision.

A coming of age for the second time type film.

[spearchucker22 · 10/10 · 29 November 2006]

One of the best little Indie's I've ever seen. I saw in a little theater in Utah a while back, and I had a chance a little while ago to see at the Bloor st. Cinema's, still loved it. And now I own it via blockbuster's "no late fee" policy. Now I enjoy it whenever I want to. I recommend everyone to see this at least once, and definitely come and put your vote down into this web site. This is a great little film that needs to be seen. You can rent this at Blockbuster already in the festival section across Canada. I hope this film gets distribution in the rest of North America. Wonderful film. Go see it. Go see it, a must see good for the whole family.

a highly entertaining production

[rb1948 · 10/10 · 29 November 2006]

I enjoyed the film immensely. I found it to be an entertaining and touching story, with a very complex combination of comedy and poignant everyday problems we all face. The director seemed to have a true understanding of the theme. Kudos to the whole crew!!!! A pleasure to watch after most of the things we see .The filming was wonderful and the actors seemed to have a real rapport. I find it refreshing to see so much talent in the young crew. Very professional. You can tell the true talent of all involved.I hope to see much more from Dot Film . The music seemed to fit the whole theme as well.Very well produced. The two leads were perfectly paired and played off each other in perfect timing. The whole production was very impressive.

Slow but ends oke.

[kaasschaaf · 16 July 2006]

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.