Is Nothing to Do Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)
Nothing To Do is the story of 50 something Kenny, an aimless DJ at an oldies station in Philadelphia. He's called to a hospital in Washington D.C., where he's informed that his father Irv, due to many complications, is at the end of his life. Something Irv has kept from his children. It's suggested that Kenny and his father discuss hospice. Kenny's younger sister, a more accomplished person, tries to intervene. She wants to send her father back to the hospital to "get better." Nothing To Do - A story of the family bonds that never die.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Nothing to Do offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2017 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Nothing to Do, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Nothing To Do is the story of 50 something Kenny, an aimless DJ at an oldies station in Philadelphia. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama 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: "Nothing To Do is the story of 50 something Kenny, an aimless DJ at an oldies station in Philadelphia. He's called to a hospital in Washington D.C., where he's informed that his father Irv, due to many complications, is at the end of his life. Something Irv has kept from his children. It's suggested that Kenny and his father discuss hospice. Kenny's younger sister, a more accomplished person, tries to intervene. She wants to send her father back to the hospital to "get better." Nothing To Do - A story of the family bonds that never die."
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. The presence of Paul Fahrenkopf provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.
The direction by Mike Kravinsky 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 81 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 Nothing to Do 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 Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 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, Nothing to Do explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Mike Kravinsky 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, Nothing to Do is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Paul Fahrenkopf or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Nothing to Do is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.