The Angriest Man In Brooklyn could be dubbed “The Diary Of A Mad Man”. The film is a straight-to-DVD release directed by Phil Alden Robinson and stars comedian, Robin Williams as one obnoxious lawyer. After being told he has 90 minutes left to live the irate curmudgeon engages in a frenzied, amazing race around New York to make amends with the individuals he has fractured relationships with. But this is ultimately awkward, artificial and unsatisfying.
Williams has starred in some excellent films and TV programs over the years but this is not one of them. Here, his performance as Henry Altmann feels forced and at times he even seems to be over-acting. Starring opposite Williams is a whiny, Mila Kunis (Black Swan) who puts on an equally poor show. She stars as Dr. Sharon Gill a young, frazzled doctor who is subbed in by her love rat partner (Louis C.K. ) to work that particular Friday.
Dr. Gill is overwhelmed by the recent death of her cat. She also deals with being overworked and emotional by popping pills. After she tells Altmann that he has a brain aneurysm, the latter pushes her to know how long he has left to live. She blurts out that he has 90 minutes, which leads him to seek out his wife (to have sex with), his brother (to make amends) and his son (to give his blessing over the youngster’s choice of profession).
The Angriest Man In Brooklyn is a remake of the Israeli film, 92 Minutes of Mr. Baum. The premise is really silly (who would actually believe that they have such a short period left to live and yet can still go on a crazed running spree) and the characters are too one-dimensional. The film also suffers from trying to be too many things at once. So occasionally it tries to be a light comedy, a thought-provoking family drama, a black comedy or a new-age style lesson à la Eat Pray Love and The Bucket List. The comedy here is outrageous and far too farcical in making light of a serious situation. The fluffy flashbacks try too hard to be sentimental and the voiceovers by Williams and Kunis speaking about their characters in the third person are intrusive and explain unnecessary and simple things.
The supporting cast includes the fabulous Peter Dinklage (Game Of Thrones) and an under-used, James Earl Jones. It’s a shame that this film is such a waste of talent. Ultimately, The Angriest Man In Brooklyn is a soulless and clumsy comedy that suffers from an odd premise, lacklustre script and poor performances. The audiences will be left with little to believe in, even less to emotionally invest in and will no doubt dismiss it all as a rambling and shambolic ride around New York.
Review score: ONE STAR (OUT OF FIVE)
The Angriest Man In Brooklyn is available on DVD from August 6.
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