WHY STOP NOW? (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Why Stop Now takes a series of tough life events where one asks, ‘What else could go wrong in this kid’s life?’ and produces comedy. The film may be one of Jesse Eisenberg’s better works since The Social Network and Zombieland. He is well supported by actor Tracy Morgan. This movie will age well and has potential to become one of those re-watchable films in the category of A Christmas Story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Eli Bloom (Jesse Eisenberg) masterfully juggles a drug-addicted Mother, Penny Bloom (Melissa Leo), who desperately needs to enter rehab, a younger sister Nicole Bloom (Emma Rayne Lyle)  who intimidates classmates with a threatening hand puppet, drug dealer Sprinkles (Tracy Morgan) to whom his mother owes past-due monies, an aunt Trish (Stephanie March) who locks herself in the bathroom to stay away from her drug-addicted sister, a budding romance with a girl named Cloe (Sarah Ramos), and his need to perform well at a professional music audition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Phil Dorling and Ron Nyswaner for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Wendy Cox and Peter Sterling for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Black (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), Eduardo (Paul Calderon), and Dave Epstein (Neal Huff).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Jesse Eisenberg is perfectly cast in this comedy that works for its money. The small underlying message that the best things in life can happen out of the worst series of catastrophes is not lost in the story’s climax.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers