Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) User Reviews (363)

Sincere and enjoyable feel good movie

[KnightsofNi11 · 8/10 · 22 June 2012]

When a man puts a classified ad in the newspaper asking for a companion to time travel with him, a magazine writer and two interns go find him to find out his story. Aubrey Plaza plays Darius, one of the interns who at first seems pretty disinterested in the whole situation, ends up being the one who has to pretend like she wants to time travel. She expects to be working with a total nutjob, completely off his rocker, but instead she finds that Kenneth, the man who put the ad in the paper, is actually an incredible insightful, sweet, and softhearted person and that time traveling is more a facade for finding yourself and it's more of a metaphor for fixing old mistakes. It's a surprisingly touching film that has a lot more to offer than one might have expected.

Great dramadies are few and far between these days. They are usually too unfocused, can't find that perfect balance between comedy and drama, and try too hard to be profound when it comes to taking a look at the human condition. Safety Not Guaranteed finds a way past all these things. It has a clear and poignant focus that drives a heartfelt and oddly moving story. It's a great blend of comedy and drama as it tells a great story on a very human level, but also delivers its own pleasant brand of comedy. It's more clever comedy than laugh out loud comedy, but it fits just right for what this movie is trying to accomplish.

Safety Not Guaranteed could have easily been a sham and it could have gone too far overboard on its profundities. Instead, the excellent script keeps itself at bay and manages to tell a story that is more sincere than one would expect and feels more real than a dramady that is trying to be the most realistic of human stories. There's nothing here that will floor you or blow you out of the water, but it truly is a lovely and heartwarming story.

Normally feel good movies aren't my thing, but Safety Not Guaranteed is sincere enough and of a quality that makes it an absolute joy to watch. That being said, I don't know that I'd watch it again, and I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but it's great for one viewing and it's an hour and a half well spent. I would certainly recommend it to anyone with a heart.

One of those rare movies that fascinated me so much that I kept watching the end credits till the very end, filled with a joyous feeling of delight and surprise.

[imseeg · 8/10 · 27 February 2019]

What a wonderfully, joyous, uplifting, quirky story about a man who puts an ad in a newspaper, in which he is searching for fellow humans who want to TIME TRAVEL. Safety NOT guaranteed. A newspaper magazine thinks this might be an interesting news article and sends 3 young reporters to check out this mysterious guy who placed the ad for the time travel. During researching this time travel guy, things quickly get out of control in a very amusing and quirky way.

The subject of time traveling does sound silly, but surprisingly enough this movie is really grounded and down to earth and although the mystery plot seems to be truly about some sort of time travel, the true heart of this movie is to be found in longing and reliving memories of love, that once were. Still sounding too vague to get an idea what this movie is about? Well then, just imagine a quirky love story mixed in with a mystery plot, that about covers this movie in a nutshell.

Very sweet and lovely and quirky and original. Great acting performances by Aubrey Plaza (those eyes!) and Mark Duplass. Terrific music score as well. Just one of those movies that really put a lovely, joyous uplifting, surprised feeling in my head that stayed there well beyond the end credits... For all ages to be enjoyed...

Indie Excellence

[zeelu-89550 · 7/10 · 30 August 2020]

I just love really solid indie films, and this is one great example of that. Funny, sincere, dramatic all wrapped up very nicely. Great cast! It's a solid must watch for me.

Why I keep watching Indie films, is for the few Gems like this.

[alanpgini · 7/10 · 4 September 2016]

Very slow, but its worth it. Great ending, but the last words of the ending could have been better. These two things helped bring the film down a couple notches. Plus it also didn't stay true to the ad in the paper, which had inspired this story-line. Add in a small plot hole near the end, and a 9 of 10 movie becomes a 7 of 10. But they can be forgiven for these small sins. You've got to give credit to the producers who made this on a 4 thousand dollar budget, and made 4 million out of it. Who am I to nit-pick that kind of success? It's these kind of shoestring budget movies, few as they are in this quality, that makes Hollywood look like an idiots playground. Even with its problems, its well worth the watch, based upon the total package of being a sci-fi love story that works. This came out in 2012, near the same time as "The Adjustment Bureau" film. Sadly, these two didn't start a trend. Like all good films, it makes you think, after the final credits roll. I myself have always said, that regrets are for people with time machines. After all, we were who we were back then. But I'm also a sucker for a good film, or even just a good love story, that tries to answer those regrets.

Magical Little Gem That Makes You Believe

[Michael_Elliott · 16 July 2012]

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Grocery clerk Kenneth (Mark Duplass) places an ad in a local paper asking for someone to go with him as he time travels. He says they'll be paid once they return but safety isn't guaranteed as he's only done this once before. A magazine writer (Jake Johnson) hears about the story and takes a long a couple interns, one named Darius (Aubrey Plaza), quickly gets caught up with the time traveler as she applies for the job without him knowing that she's actually on a job. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED is a pretty strange film to classify because it's part comedy and there are certainly some very light moments but the film also has a tremendous heart, which lets the characters actually be characters and this leads to some pretty dramatic moments. I guess the best way to classify this film is just by calling it life because it pretty much has a little bit of everything in it. What I found so good about the picture is simply how cute and charming it actually is. The reporters go into this story expecting to find a crazy man because we all know that time travel can't happen. What works so well with the film is the fact that you makes you believe that these type of things are possible and you really get caught up with all the characters and their situations. By the time the movie is over, and I won't spoil the ending, you're leaving the theater with a smile on your face no matter what your brain might tell you afterwards. Duplass and Plaza are simply perfect together as both of them bring the weirdness and loneliness out of their characters but they also have such a warm and wonderful chemistry that you can't help but fall for both of them. I also thought Johnson was extremely good in his supporting role as is Karan Soni as the other intern. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED is really a magical little gem that is a breath of fresh air if you're wanting to get away from the loud blockbusters of the summer.

With witty lines and well written characters we're entertained through to the original ending.

[napierslogs · 7/10 · 16 August 2012]

"Safety Not Guaranteed" is based on an actual classified ad placed in a magazine, looking for someone to go back in time with. The real ad was just a joke for last-minute content. The movie, though, wonders what if it wasn't a joke. One young writer and two young interns are assigned to the story to figure out who is behind the ad, and how crazy he is.

Darius (Aubrey Plaza) is a sarcastic, defensive lost soul and appears to have at least some kind of genuine interest in the story. Jeff (Jake M. Johnson) is the staff-writer taking the lead but his only interest in the story is that he gets to go to the town where his high school crush lives. Arnau (Karan Soni) is tagging along because he does whatever will look good on his resume. The guy they are hunting down is Kenneth (Mark Duplass) and he truly believes that he is building a time machine. Darius forms an immediate connection with the guy and wants to help him with his adventure. Jeff immediately pegs him as a lunatic, so that just means he has more time to go skirt-chasing.

These are good characters, better written than what you would expect to find in a simple comedy. Each have their reasons for being there; each have a time they want to get back to; and each have something they want to experience. They also appear to be responsible in determining how much you will enjoy this movie. The rave reviews and the standing ovation reports coming out of Sundance all mention how much the characters echo their own lives. As if the writer has found the true essence of being a human being. However, there are people, me included, who don't actually connect to any of the characters but still found their plights and misadventures amusing.

This is a well written film, as most successful indies are. It thrives on witty lines and its ability to fully explore each of the characters. The first point makes it a comedy but the second point, the main one, makes it a drama so be prepared for a more thoughtful journey than just a laugh riot.

It is fairly original, especially with the much talked about ending, but I personally found that the low-budget indie "Juko's Time Machine" (2011) handled a similar concept in a much more ingenious way. "Safety Not Guaranteed" added fresh spins to basic concepts and was funny and entertaining throughout, just be careful with some of the comparisons it's getting.

Fun, weird, authentic, indie feel good film

[perica-43151 · 9/10 · 16 October 2019]

This movie has an authentic vibe but is at the same time a very sweet movie, that honors the nonconformist and weird. A romantic comedy of sorts, but quite quirky and original, it is one indie gem. Not easily forgotten, great fun that will leave you uplifted and optimistic, a movie filled with authentic positive energy - truly recommended.

Outer Limits ... ?

[Pat100 · 7/10 · 12 August 2019]

A whimsical little film. A bit like a slightly padded-out Outer Limits episode. Well acted and worth watching but be aware that it leaves more questions than it answers. I think there is plenty of scope for a follow up or as a pilot for a series.

Safety Not Guaranteed...3 out of 4 Skittles

[FilmStallion · 8/10 · 6 September 2012]

LOGLINE: Mark Duplass (Puffy Chair & Humpday) plays Kenneth, the local small town weirdo who bags groceries and places a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel. Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation & Funny People) plays Darius, an intern sent in on assignment with her co-workers (Jake M. Johnson & Karan Soni) to secretly pose as potential time travel candidates and get the scoop for the entertainment magazine.

Obviously the guy is an insane wack-job…or is he? As Darius gets in closer with Kenneth and slowly finds out more and more about him, she isn't so sure anymore. Can this guy actually do what he claims, or is he so far off his rocker that he has lost all sight of reality? Writer Derek Connolly weaves in and out the possibilities of what is true and keeps the audience guessing until the film's final second payoff.

Actors Duplass and Plaza are so great radiating weirdness off of each other. The two form an unusual friendship that rings true in every detail. Jake M. Johnson (New Girl) and Karan Soni add several laughs to the bizarre…yet hilarious story. The film had many chances to lose sight of believability, but finds a way to stay on course.

The film's ending left me torn. No matter if you are the kind of person rooting for Kenneth to be vindicated, or believe he is crazy all along…the story keeps you hooked until the credits roll. Safety Not Guaranteed was a breakout hit from the Sundance Film Festival, and contains the spirit of what independent films strive to be. It's authentic, creative, unusual, and a breath of fresh air. It's fun to see what independent filmmakers come up with when they aren't restrained by the annoyance of making every viewer happy. If you are up for something different…do yourself a favor and see this one.

For more quick reviews check out www.FilmStallion.com

Great until the end

[roxalox · 7/10 · 25 May 2015]

I really enjoyed this movie up until the end. **SPOILERS AHEAD**

So near the end she finds out that everything he told her was a lie (for example Belinda is alive, they never dated and he was the one that smashed into her house...) Then Jeff reveals that he's working with Darius, so Kenneth flips out. Then he runs away and she chases after, and all is forgiven because his time machine works? And when she's about to get on the boat he says "I'm not going back for Belinda anymore, I'm going back for you." But wouldn't she be like a 14 year old girl at the time? Not really sure how the ending worked out, the sci-fi fantasy element with the time machine was only added at the end so it seemed strange and out of the blue.

**SPOILERS OVER**

I like the actors/actresses cast but was not happy with how the movie ended. A lot of the messages in the movie are good though, so I think it's worth watching. Just beware you may not be happy with the end like I was.

Loved it.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 19 August 2019]

I've watched so many sub standard films recently, that I feared for the worst with this one. It's so nice to be genuinely blown away by a film, and this one did the job. It is just a lovely, sweet, enjoyable film. It doesn't have massive action, gore or big special effects, but it has depth, it's as much about relationships as it is about time travel, the time travel aspect of the film is secondary to the complexity of the relationships.

One of those heart warming films, that you'll enjoy a second time. I wish it had gone on for longer, or some sort of follow up had been made, showing if the duo had actually gotten to their desired destination.

Loved it. 9/10

Staring Fear and Danger in the Ear

[ThomasDrufke · 7/10 · 2 June 2015]

This is a prime example of an original film. We always hear about people complaining with the lack of originality in Hollywood, well Safety Not Guaranteed is about as fresh as a film can get. It tells the story of a group of journalists who investigate and attempt to write a story on a man who put out on ad for a companion on his time travel mission. It already sounds like a strange kooky film, but throw in Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass and you have a smart off beat comedy.

I ultimately decided to watch the film because Colin Trevorrow, the director, is helming the upcoming Jurassic World. And even though this film isn't the best test to see how he can handle a huge blockbuster, I think it shows that he will bring something fresh to the franchise. I don't the last time I saw a film as original as Safety Not Guaranteed. It has many flaws, including Jake Johnson's subplot, but I always felt like this film was setting out to make a story about finding the right pair or romance. Each character's story is about finding the companion. So in reality, each character goes on their own time travel mission throughout the film. Aubrey Plaza was perfect for the role of a strange, semi-antisocial woman who finds certain things mysterious and interesting that other people wouldn't care about. Duplass was equally as good at creating a peculiar guy who is trying to build a time machine in a non sci-fi film.

There were times the film veered off into uninteresting story lines, such as Johnson's subplot and even the third writers hope to lose his virginity. The characters were more intriguing as a group rather than individually. But the music is great and the story is completely original, so Safety Not Guaranteed is a fun small film that can definitely be enjoyed by anyone.

+Lead quirky performances

+Originality

+Writing

-Lack of focus at times

7.0/10

Promising Beginning, Pointless and Boring Development

[claudio_carvalho · 5/10 · 6 April 2013]

In Seattle, the editor of a magazine, Bridget (Mary Lynn Rajskub), assigns the cynical reporter Jeff (Jake Johnson) and the interns Darius (Aubrey Plaza) and Arnau (Karan Soni) to find and interview the author of an advertisement inviting a companion for a time travel.

They travel to a coastal town in Washington and Jeff leaves Darius and Arnau watching the PO Box. Darius finds that the man is Kenneth Calloway (Mark Duplass), who works in a supermarket. Meanwhile Jeff's only interest is to find his former sweetheart that lives in town and Arnau wants to have sexual experience. Now Darius has to find whether Kenneth is a lunatic or has really invented a time machine.

"Safety Not Guaranteed" is a comedy with a promising beginning, with funny and witty dialogs and situations. Unfortunately, in a moment the story becomes pointless and boring romance that goes nowhere. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): "Sem Segurança Nenhuma" ("Without any Safety")

SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED - SF lite, Quirky heavy

[gortx · 10 June 2012]

Another entry in the recent lite Sci-Fi sweepstakes: Films such as ANOTHER WORLD, MELANCHOLIA, SOUND OF MY VOICE which use a slight SF tinge in what would otherwise be 'straight' non-genre movies. The film that SF fans will probably most closely associate it with is HAPPY ACCIDENTS. Both are Rom-Coms with a woman entering into a relationship with an oddball man who claims to be a time-traveler.

SAFETY is based on a real (if planted) classified ad that ran in Backwoods Home Magazine several years ago: "Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before. Safety not guaranteed." The ad has been adapted by screenwriter Derek Connolly into a story about Darius (Aubrey Plaza), a magazine intern, who tracks down the Ad's author Kenneth (Mark Duplass, who also Co-produced with his brother Jay). Of course, a deeper relationship ensues.

SAFETY's problem isn't so much its Sundance quirkiness quotient as much as its structure. If the film had stayed with the central relationship with Darius and Kenneth (as in 'What's the Frequency, Kenneth'?) it may have worked. The actors work well together and Plaza is particularly engaging.

Unfortunately, the film has Darius working with a lead reporter (Jake Johnson) and another intern (Karan Soni). The intern is a nerdy horned-rim glasses wearing Indian science student who's only function seems to be as a convenient "comedic" foil for the reporter. Every time the main relationship seems to be building momentum, Director Colin Treverrow cuts away to a subplot involving the Reporter and an old flame. It's not so much that the subplot is poorly played, nor somewhat story driven (Darius has to report to somebody 'neutral', I suppose), but, it seriously undercuts what should be the main thrust of the story - Darius & Kenneth. So, by the time we get to the climax, it feels rushed and unsatisfying.

The throwaway ending is even more frustrating for those hooked by the film's initial premise. Even worse, hints are laid of something consequential as the reason that the protagonists want to time-travel, but they are left unfulfilled as well. Of all the films mentioned in this sub-genre, SAFETY has the least edifying conclusion of them all, appealing stars and all.

Not a bad movie with a simple story

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 22 June 2017]

I only know Aubrey Plaza from Parks & Recreation, and that show is hilarious. In Safety Not Guaranteed she has the same cheeky innocent face like in the show and it perfectly works again. Her strange relation with Mark Duplass in the movie is lighthearted and entertaining to watch. You would think this movie is a typical afternoon television movie but it's actually better than a lot of movies that get in the theaters for some reason. The story is very simple but it works. The weirdness of Mark Duplass and the gullible attention Aubrey Plaza gives him are the major attractions of this movie but you won't get tired of it. It's a feelgood movie that doesn't need a big budget to make it good. Point is that I didn't get bored and that's a good thing.

A Comedic Romance with a Little SciFi

[tweekville · 7/10 · 11 December 2019]

This is a movie that makes you happy.

Which is rather shocking because it's got a bit of romance in it. When watching this film, you can almost feel that someone said, "Hey, lets try to make a story with a little romance that appeals to a different demographic than the standard 'The Proposal' loving crowd."

It's fairly funny, it has pretty good acting, a bit of uncertainty to the plot and the relationship aspects add balance to the story rather than define it.

This is a great movie for when a romance watcher and a non-romance watcher want to watch a movie together.

Gracious

[Skipfishh · 7/10 · 4 May 2023]

Simple and heartwarming indie film, cheap production with great soundtrack and beautiful work by the actors, Aubrey Plaza is very good in the role.

Don't expect a hollywoodian production, an elaborate sci-fi or an action or fast pacing movie, if you're looking for something like that, stay away from this one, it's the opposite. It's much more like a gracious and alternative rom-com, focused on unpopular, common or even nerdy characters, who are looking for a place in society in the way as they are. Science fiction itself here is extremely subliminal and occupies less than 1 percent of the projection, isn't the main premise, not even by a long shot.

My rating is 6.5 out of 10, but since it is not possible to give a broken rating here on IMDB, rate 7 for the site.

Amazing

[buzzbruin · 9/10 · 8 June 2012]

A wonderful film. The story is science fiction, fantasy and real-life relationships. The plot is unique (I know some reviewers have likened it to the back to the future series which was for fun and was fun). It is not only funny, (laugh out loud funny) but mysterious as to what is really going on and stir in some fantasy and science fiction-- but underneath is the inspection of all human beings and their lives and relationships. The casting was superb and the scenic northwest photography was great, I didn't know any of the actors but suffice to say they were chosen by a director of amazing talent. His idea his plot and his script were really really fine. I saw it in LA in Burbank and the audience was mostly the internet set and they loved it. All of their generations electronic things were a big part of the film, but this masterful director reached me, a senior--explaining the kids and yet reaching me with the love stories and those of friendship. Thus the director brought the old universal story of love among all of us. I can only say he is in for a tough career because with this film he has set the bar for himself and his crew very very high. Based on this work he will be great!!

Oh! Those nasty holes.

[davidstockman-01393 · 7/10 · 10 April 2021]

Oh My God! (I'll take the time to write out OMG it is so important.) This script is a swiss cheese with so many holes and poor editing! The acting by Aubrey Plaza, Jake Johnson, Mark Duplass, Karan Soni, et al was delightful. But so much time is wasted in irrelevant and illogical scenes where more character relationships could have been inserted. Overall, the movie moves along nicely until speed-bumps jar your attention to the plot. For instance, in the beginning, the trio arrive at the inventor's doorstep and he isn't concerned how they discovered his residence although his want ad only referenced a P. O. box number. Then, the journalist's (Jeff's) real reason for going to the town was to reconnect with his old girlfriend. But by the end of the movie it fizzles in a final (and forced) breakup scene. Why include this waste of film time at all? They should have cut the girlfriend scenario and simply used the reason as to write a story. This may have given more development time to give weight to the FBI agents who seem superfluous in the film.

Near the end of the movie, Kenneth, the inventor, states that his old girlfriend being alive is proof his invention works. But if she was still alive, then he wouldn't have needed to invent the time machine. You can't have it both ways in time travel. Once something is changed, that time line prevails and you're on it.

Other illogical reactions slip in to the script that cause a double take which should have been corrected with reshoots or in editing. For instance, why was the time machine on a boat? When put into action the boat didn't move and simply disappeared. Did Derek Connolly (screenplay writer) think all time machines must move as in Back To The Furture? Why didn't the inventor simply build it in his shed?

In the climax of the film, the ending seemed abrupt with no gentle letdown or consequences. Everyone just stood around with their mouths open, go to black. Writing 101 states that endings should fade out gently with a moral, epilogue, or some tying-up-the-loose-ends scene.

Had the director, Colin Trevorrow spent a bit more time on his script and in final edits, he could have gotten better reviews. Yet, the movie is cute, touching, and moves along. But it could have been so much more.

What a joy it was to watch "Safety Not Guaranteed"

[ebru7772010 · 6/10 · 3 May 2013]

If Safety Not Guaranteed was made 5 years ago, no doubt the character played by the hilarious Aubrey Plaza, would've been played by Ellen Page and Mark Ruffalo would have replaced Jake Johnson as Jeff.

Now, as mentioned, Plaza is very funny, but sadly, she, almost note-by-note, reprised her Parks and Recreation TV role. That said, if you liked her there, she'll continue to crack you up here. (Thankfully, both Mary Lynn Rajskub from TV's 24 and The League's Mark Duplass, did not follow suit by mimicking their TV characters. Not in the least.) -The climax ,one of the best ending I ever see (it will spin your mind for half in hrs) Well in the end (as always ignore my faulty English :P but I am improving :) ) I recommend it from my heart , Yes It start on a slow note but the movie worth it for 1 time watch. ıt's amazing film. The story is science fiction, fantasy and real-life relationships. it were shot with with millions and had few major "stars" it would be a box office smasher.There is a conversation that takes place between the two main characters in Safety Not Guaranteed, Aubrey Plaza's Darius and Mark Duplass's Kenneth, in which Kenneth talks about his first girlfriend. He tells Darius that yes, technically he could go out and get another girlfriend like everyone always says, but he could never find a way to replicate the time and place. He could never capture that same ephemera and unhinged optimism again no matter what. I loved that conversation, and that feeling Kenneth mentions is one that struck me hard watching Safety Not Guaranteed; this is an inspired effort and one that I'm not going to forget. Therefore I advise to everybody.

I have watched this so many times.

[clivecollett · 10/10 · 30 January 2020]

Absolutely one of the best movies I have ever watched. I love the characters, the story is unique and the ending is just the best. As feel good movies go, you can't get much better. C.

The Best Film I've Seen All Year

[akkus_gursoy · 7/10 · 3 May 2013]

With a budget of perhaps 10 box tops from some Cocoa Puffs, this film managed to be the most entertaining thing I've seen all year. The entire cast fits together and play off each other in a delightful way and the ending is great without being sappy sweet or maudlin.

I don't want to get into the plot, but Aubrey Plaza's debut as a lead actress is right on target and I see much success for her in the future in a lot more movies. Mark Duplass and Jake Johnson are excellent, and that new kid Karan Soni...well, you'll be seeing more of him in the future is my guess. This was a movie crafted with care from both the mind and the heart. I also saw Prometheus this summer and found it sterile, empty and pointless, everything this movie isn't. But in the end it was the characters and writing that made this movie so enjoyable.

Synthetic Mumblecore RomCom

[Cinnyaste · 2/10 · 9 August 2012]

First, the poster touts "From the Producer of "Little Miss Sunshine." It's actually only one of the Producers. The true genius behind the terrific "...Sunshine" is sadly lacking here. This film is the venue of the Duplass brothers of mumblecore fame. (Brother Mark took the lead role.) And mumblecore "Safety Not Guaranteed" is. (One wonders if the Duplass boys will ever move forward.)

One expecting more SciFi adventure finds disappointment in "Safety Not Guaranteed." This is simply an Indie RomCom with a smidge of quirk and a little SF. As a RomCom it's a fairly standard damaged goods story: alienated girl loses her Mother; iconic, self-conscious guy who is either a genius or completely nuts. By end credit's roll we find he may be both. Her motivation for returning to 2001 is to save her Mother. His, we find, is to save a love killed in an auto accident. The revelation his lost love was not killed and lives not too far away (Kristen Bell in a cameo) is a tossed in deceit that's right out of the RomCom play book. But it cheapens the character and story, particularly in the lame way he reacts to being called on it.

These two souls find each other when a lazy journalist undertakes writing a magazine story based on an ad seeking a time travel partner. He takes along, and abuses, two interns: our heroine and a geeky, game-obsessed Indian. The journalist's ulterior motive is to look up a high school flame he's never forgotten. This parallel love story leads nowhere and simply provides balance and further proof safety is not guaranteed in love's arena. Then there's the virgin Indian the Journalist leads to getting laid.

The Indian is a stereotype, and that goes down a little hard. It's certain the character was written with the best comedic intentions but the portrayal veers over the line. And the big de-virginizing is a yawn as seen in every teen comedy featuring a male who must be rescued from his virginity by a more experienced male.

Ms. Plaza does fine, but her snarky edge is off putting. That leaves little empathy for her. She's written to be hollow following her Mother's death, but Ms. Plaza fails to plumb the void she carries within. Mr. Duplass is sufficient. Nothing more, nothing less.

The destination, 2001, is tantalizing. Within that date is a small kernel of a great addition to this lame tale; live in the present. Unfortunately it's unpopped. Conversely, using 2001 is macabre.

The technical execution is muddy, dark, desaturated cinematography and lackadaisical editing. Mumblecore exemplified.

The little charm and few laughs contained in "Safety Not Guaranteed" are greatly overshadowed in a hackneyed plot the filmmakers try to hide under a synthetic blanket of something greater. The film also tries too hard to be hip and only partially succeeds. The result is barely watchable. Queue up if an exercise in Mumblecore 2.0, RomCom is your thing. Otherwise protection of your film viewing sensibilities is not guaranteed.

Embarrassingly amateur

[bdkwhite · 11 March 2013]

I do not understand the hype surrounding this movie—or the fact that it won a writing award at Sundance. Seriously?

Safety Not Guaranteed is a poorly written, acted, directed, and edited romantic comedy with an obnoxiously predictable ending. This is what independent film has to offer us these days? Where's the risk? It's so sad that indie filmmakers just crank out the same Kate & Leopold crap. At least Hugh Jackman looked good in tight pants.

Stop pretending that inserting a time machine somehow makes your film quirky. It doesn't. Your ideas are mediocre at best.

This movie had so much potential. I don't dislike Aubrey Plaza or Mark Duplass, but there's absolutely no chemistry here. Two weirdos don't always make a right.

And unlikely and touching romance

[Lucy_Rose84 · 7/10 · 9 February 2013]

I had no idea what to expect from this film, but within about 5 minutes I was hooked. Aubrey Plaza plays Darius, a dry-witted and cynical magazine intern desperate to move up the ranks and write her own articles. When an opportunity arises to assist on an assignment to investigate a man who claims he can time travel, she jumps at the chance. She befriends the man, Kenneth, and plays along with his eccentricities in order to win his trust and be accepted as his time travelling partner.

The characters are excellent - quirky yet humane, with snappy and witty dialogue that reminded me of 'Juno' - which is important with a story as character led as this. Mark Duplass as Kenneth is superb, and somehow manages imbue the character with enough eccentricity for us to question Darius's trust in him, whilst being endearing enough for us to buy her attraction to him.

If it wasn't for my investment in the characters, I think I would have felt the pace lag. There is a lot of repetition as Kenneth trains Darius in preparation for their mission - but I was kept guessing right until the end as to whether Kenneth's time travelling claims would be revealed as a product of a wild imagination or brilliant scientific mind. At the end of the day it didn't really matter. This is the story of two damaged souls who form an unlikely bond and make each other whole, and that in itself was utterly touching.