RATING★ 6.1
WORTH IT? MAYBE
A Very Bad Friend backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for A Very Bad Friend.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is A Very Bad Friend Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

Mika, a little crook, took a quick tour of the prison, where he got to know "Putin", a crazy and unpredictable detainee. As soon as his sentence has been served, he decides to start from scratch and start his life over again. As he prepares to marry the daughter of a wealthy businessman, his past catches up with him: Putin arrives without warning! Mika will quickly realize that we do not easily get rid of such a ball ...

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Comedy cinema, then A Very Bad Friend offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2019 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy cinema, the 2019 release of A Very Bad Friend stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Mika, a little crook, took a quick tour of the prison, where he got to know "Putin", a crazy and unpredictable detainee. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Mika, a little crook, took a quick tour of the prison, where he got to know "Putin", a crazy and unpredictable detainee. As soon as his sentence has been served, he decides to start from scratch and start his life over again. As he prepares to marry the daughter of a wealthy businessman, his past catches up with him: Putin arrives without warning! Mika will quickly realize that we do not easily get rid of such a ball ..."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Ahmed Sylla ensure that the emotional beats of A Very Bad Friend always land with sufficient weight. Ahmed Sylla provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Varante Soudjian is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 94 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is A Very Bad Friend truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, A Very Bad Friend explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Varante Soudjian respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, A Very Bad Friend serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ahmed Sylla or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, A Very Bad Friend is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

94MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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