By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.25
Director: Jerrod Carmichael
Starring: Christopher Abbott | Henry Winkler | J.B Smoove | Jerrod Carmichael | Lavell Crawford | Tiffany Haddish
Country: canada
Year: 2022
Running time: 86
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11160650/reference/
Michael says: “ON THE COUNT OF THREE is billed as a dark comedy, and while it is that, I felt that it was more an inevitable tragedy sprinkled with humor. It’s a bold story about two men who make a pact to end their lives together in a mutual suicide. One man, Kevin, is hospitalized for manic depression, which he has lived with for his entire life. His best friend, Val, seemed to have a life headed in the right direction, and it’s only as we follow the men’s stories do we find out what happened to change his focus. The bulk of the film deals with the last day the two men plan to remain on this planet, and the things they each want to accomplish before ending their lives, and there’s a certain amount of filler, that’s sometimes entertaining, sometimes a little clumsy, that could have been overcome with a stronger screenplay. The acting, however, particularly from Christopher Abbott as Kevin, is outstanding. The nuance Abbott brings to the troubled Kevin is in stark contrast to Val’s recent life woes. There is a moment toward the end of the film when Kevin has a revelation about what is happening that is a remarkable shift in Abbot’s portrayal. It is both subtle and jarring, and really highlights the Chlotrudis-winner’s acting talents. Jerrod Carmichael both directs, and plays Val, and does a fine job as well, although he is overshadowed by Abbot. A surprisingly strong offering despite its flaws. See it for Abbott’s performance if nothing else. 3 1/2 cats”
Chris says: “One of Christopher Abbott’s best performances and easily his worst haircut (“Ramen Noodle Head”, indeed.) 3 cats”