Movie with Abe: Safety Not Guaranteed (Capsule Review)

Safety Not Guaranteed
Directed by Colin Trevorrow
Released June 8, 2012

This little gem of a movie is exactly what was promised by its trailer, which I spotlighted two weeks ago. A bevy of TV stars – Aubrey Plaza (“Parks & Recreation”), Mark Duplass (“The League”), Jake Johnson (“New Girl”), Karan Soni (“Touch”), Mary Lynn Rajskub (“24”), Jeff Garlin (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and Kristen Bell (“House of Lies”) – band together for a tiny story of a Washington State-based journalistic team scoping out a peculiar man who was advertised for a time travel companion. Plaza’s demeanor, nearly identical to that of her “Parks & Recreation” character April, is perfect for the role, and Duplass captures the excitable energy of a man who lives in his own world well. Most of the characters in the film aren’t terribly likeable, but the film still manages to tell a pleasant, simple, and endearing story with a truly terrific ending.

B+

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: Safety Not Guaranteed

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

Safety Not Guaranteed – Opened June 8, 2012

I don’t usually feature trailers for films that have already been released, but I only happened upon it after its release, and I’m just so excited that a film like this is being made that I think it’s well worth spotlighting. I love anything to do with time travel, and even if it’s just a guy that might be crazy posting an ad for a companion to time travel with him, that’s more than enough for me. The fact that the girl is Aubrey Plaza and the guy is Mark Duplass just makes things infinitely better. Plaza has been so terrific on “Parks & Recreation” over the past few years, and this is a perfect part for her. The way she tells Kenneth that she wouldn’t have to ask as many questions had his ad specified what kind of weapons would be needed was terrific, and it’s nice to see her express interest in something. Duplass was wonderful in “Your Sister’s Sister,” a Tribeca Film Festival entry out this month, and I love that he’s taking on this role. Jake Johnson has been great as Nick on “New Girl,” and Mary Lynn Rajskub, of “24” and “How to Be a Gentleman,” tends to be very funny as well. This should be an endearing and free-spirited comedy, and I hope to have the chance to see it soon!