Exit Strategy
It’s definitely unromantic and it’s definitely a comedy. It’s intentionally awkward sometimes, and unintentionally painful during others. It’s witty in thought but average in execution.
“Exit Strategy,” directed by Michael Whitton in his directorial debut, premiered in Los Angeles Friday, March 9 to a sold-out crowd. Whether that crowd was impressed is another question.
The cast is young, with most of the actors, including Jameel Saleem, Kimelia Weathers and Quincy “QDeezy” Harris, making their first acting appearance. Big Boy from Los Angeles’ Power 106 radio station and comedian Kevin Hart (“Death at a Funeral” and “40 Year Old Virgin”) also made an appearance, which significantly helped to boost the film’s appeal to the general movie-goer.
At times the acting was marginal. It also could have been much worse. From a technical standpoint, the experienced critic could be tough. But this film was independent, and fans wanting to be impressed by Whitton’s first feature film likely overlooked the intermittent unfocused shots.
The greater problem was in the script itself, with some scenes quickly building only to end in an anticlimactic “fade” edit, leaving the viewer wondering, “What was I supposed to get out of that?” Some lines seemed simply out of place and only added unnecessary banter to some already unnecessary scenes.
Scoop, the comically out-of-place high school kid, was funny — at times — but definitely not essential and therefore somewhat forgettable. The critique of the script itself could continue, but the general point remains — it wasn’t a Steven Spielberg film by a long shot. But then again it wasn’t trying to be and this film accomplished what it set out to be: an unromantic comedy.
So despite all the criticism, this film is still one worth seeing.
This film was a first for nearly everyone involved, and for that it deserves credit.
The execution of the tired “breakup” idea was original and at times very relatable. The set design was also very memorable and definitely added to the “suffocating” feeling of the tortuous relationship.
The characters themselves were far from generic and remain quite memorable, each with their own discernable personality. In fact, the movie would not have existed without the overbearing “psychotic” personality of girlfriend Kim (Kimelia Weathers) in contrast with the frustratingly passive character of James (Jameel Saleem). Equally important were the friends, Carville (Quincy “QDeezy” Harris) and Leona who had intriguing characteristics of their own and allowed the misery of James to continue for what seemed to be their own enjoyment. That alone is comedic gold.
Without any of these dynamics the movie simply would not have been a comedy or anything else. Much could have been improved, but the movie entertained, and therefore must be considered successful on some level.
Although it felt flat in numerous areas, “Exit Strategy” overall met audience expectations. Following closely on the heels of Oscar winning movies such as “Hugo,” “The Artist,” “The Help” and “The Iron Lady,” who doesn’t want to relax with a (usually) witty and less-than-family-friendly comedy with absolutely nothing “romantic” about it?
