24 reviews
'Reunion' came out of absolutely nowhere. 24 hours ago I hadn't even heard of it. Tonight I found myself really enjoying it. It was exactly my kind of movie. An isolated mystery/whodunit with a pretty decent cast. Sign me up immediately. And even though it was a little formulaic, it ticked all the boxes that needed to be ticked.
The film leans a lot more towards the comedy side of things than taking itself too seriously. That said, I thought it found a pretty good balance. There was one character played by Jillian Bell who was perhaps a little overly comedic for the overall tone of the film - but she was so funny and got so many laughs out of me that I didn't even mind.
The key thing for a film like this to stick the landing. It needs a good wrap up that makes you think back on everything you've seen and see it in a different light. This film had that. It was a well done ending. 'Reunion' is a really good time and a film I would happily recommend. 7.5/10.
The film leans a lot more towards the comedy side of things than taking itself too seriously. That said, I thought it found a pretty good balance. There was one character played by Jillian Bell who was perhaps a little overly comedic for the overall tone of the film - but she was so funny and got so many laughs out of me that I didn't even mind.
The key thing for a film like this to stick the landing. It needs a good wrap up that makes you think back on everything you've seen and see it in a different light. This film had that. It was a well done ending. 'Reunion' is a really good time and a film I would happily recommend. 7.5/10.
- jtindahouse
- May 23, 2024
- Permalink
I think the score of 5 is pretty harsh, I actually thought this movie was really good.
True it could have been a bit polished in certain places and packed in even more jokes, but I enjoyed it.
I think Lil Rel Howery is brilliant in this, he almost reminds me of Kevin Hart, who might have been a better lead in this, just due to the fact he is such a great comedian and would have brought more laughs in.
The cast is good; they're all established actors, but I can't help but feel a different cast would have made a massive difference. I like Jamie Chung, I like Nina Dobrev, but not all actors suit comedy roles.
I did like the murder reveal at the end, guessed part of it, but the final reveal was a bit of a surprise.
All in all, had some really good laughs, could have been better but I enjoyed it.
True it could have been a bit polished in certain places and packed in even more jokes, but I enjoyed it.
I think Lil Rel Howery is brilliant in this, he almost reminds me of Kevin Hart, who might have been a better lead in this, just due to the fact he is such a great comedian and would have brought more laughs in.
The cast is good; they're all established actors, but I can't help but feel a different cast would have made a massive difference. I like Jamie Chung, I like Nina Dobrev, but not all actors suit comedy roles.
I did like the murder reveal at the end, guessed part of it, but the final reveal was a bit of a surprise.
All in all, had some really good laughs, could have been better but I enjoyed it.
- bangel3322
- May 29, 2024
- Permalink
A decent and enjoyable whodunit that has its attractive features (the cast, mostly), but it only works if you're not much demanding on the plot and some of its
loose ends. I liked it, as there was a fair share of laughs and the mystery was quite involving, but it's one of those things I had to lower my
expectations for a little while. If looking for a "Knives Out" kind of experience, better look elsewhere. "Reunion" is more about the awkward humor
that comes in a high school friends reunion than it is actually about solving a murder case on an isolated mansion. But the detective story is there
in between a series of confusions, attempts of rekindling with old crushes and letting past high school traumas come to surface.
It's hard to go wrong with those kind of films but when the intelligence is a little limited or the excess of cliches and characters stereotypes take over, it can be a problem. The moments at the party were a little annoying and most of the characters fun looked fake, abruptly cut here and there as if the director didn't know what he was trying to show. But when the crime happens and they all begin to investigate, it gets better and fun to watch.
"Reunion" hits a different and positive note as we don't have an outside detective looking for clues, but instead all the characters try to find who killed the host and the reasonings for it. Not exactly a jawdropping mystery but it's amusing anyway.
Its quality lies on the cast, all comfortable in their roles, specially the shy cop played by Billy Magnussen, and Jillian Bell as the least likely person to attend such party, as she was never part of the gang since she was a bully victim. Her creepy character is hilarious and steals the show. Didn't exactly like the loudmouth Ray (Lil Rel Howery), super annoying for the most part and only having his moments of triumph on the bathroom scene and at the end. He just tries too hard to be funny.
If the idea is to kill some time with some laughs and go for a detective mode while trying to solve the case before anybody, "Reunion" serves well exactly for such purposes and nothing more. 6/10.
It's hard to go wrong with those kind of films but when the intelligence is a little limited or the excess of cliches and characters stereotypes take over, it can be a problem. The moments at the party were a little annoying and most of the characters fun looked fake, abruptly cut here and there as if the director didn't know what he was trying to show. But when the crime happens and they all begin to investigate, it gets better and fun to watch.
"Reunion" hits a different and positive note as we don't have an outside detective looking for clues, but instead all the characters try to find who killed the host and the reasonings for it. Not exactly a jawdropping mystery but it's amusing anyway.
Its quality lies on the cast, all comfortable in their roles, specially the shy cop played by Billy Magnussen, and Jillian Bell as the least likely person to attend such party, as she was never part of the gang since she was a bully victim. Her creepy character is hilarious and steals the show. Didn't exactly like the loudmouth Ray (Lil Rel Howery), super annoying for the most part and only having his moments of triumph on the bathroom scene and at the end. He just tries too hard to be funny.
If the idea is to kill some time with some laughs and go for a detective mode while trying to solve the case before anybody, "Reunion" serves well exactly for such purposes and nothing more. 6/10.
- Rodrigo_Amaro
- May 23, 2024
- Permalink
With its B-movie cast, director Chris Nelson's murder-mystery comedy "Reunion" should be B-movie standard, but despite not being lol funny its whodunnit plot (from debut writer Willie Block & second-time Jake Emanuel) keep it engaging enough. Small-town douche Chace Crawford is slain at a 'Class of 01' high-school reunion at his mansion, with suspicion falling on those trapped there overnight (and subsequent days) by a huge snow-storm: Lil Rel Howery; politician Nina Dobrev; cop Billy Magnussen (good); reporter Jamie Chung; oddball Jillian Bell (meh); & teacher Michael Hitchcock... but whodunnit? It won't sweep any awards, but it ain't too bad.
- danieljfarthing
- May 23, 2024
- Permalink
If you have seen The Afterparty, or at least the first season, then you've seen this movie already.
It really just is a movie version of that whole season.
They've tweaked a few moments and characters, but it's not even slightly disguised in any real way.
The cast is slightly better than the cast in the series, and the budget is clearly slightly higher, but that's about it.
If you haven't seen season one of The Afterparty, then you might like this, if you like mediocre, uninspired murder mysteries. It's not terrible, just eh.
Not a whole lot more I can say, to be honest. Oh, it's better than season 2 of The Afterparty, so it has that going for it.
It really just is a movie version of that whole season.
They've tweaked a few moments and characters, but it's not even slightly disguised in any real way.
The cast is slightly better than the cast in the series, and the budget is clearly slightly higher, but that's about it.
If you haven't seen season one of The Afterparty, then you might like this, if you like mediocre, uninspired murder mysteries. It's not terrible, just eh.
Not a whole lot more I can say, to be honest. Oh, it's better than season 2 of The Afterparty, so it has that going for it.
- dalastmotel
- May 23, 2024
- Permalink
If you enjoyed this you could give season 1 of 'The Afterparty' (2022-2023) a look, and vice-versa. If you have not seen either, please read another review (:
The setting and a lot of the characters are very similar, so is the comedy. I did not think about it a lot, but I think the crime is similar as well, as in it is theoretically possible to figure out, but not practically, it all hinges on a minute detail. The movie is concise, which suits the facility of the crime.
The main thing the TV show has that the movie does not is that in each episode you get a subjective point of view style recount of the murder, each of which are presented in a different movie genre. These are pretty good in my opinion, but they come at the cost of a much longer runtime.
The setting and a lot of the characters are very similar, so is the comedy. I did not think about it a lot, but I think the crime is similar as well, as in it is theoretically possible to figure out, but not practically, it all hinges on a minute detail. The movie is concise, which suits the facility of the crime.
The main thing the TV show has that the movie does not is that in each episode you get a subjective point of view style recount of the murder, each of which are presented in a different movie genre. These are pretty good in my opinion, but they come at the cost of a much longer runtime.
- MoziSzerdanPapucsban
- May 24, 2024
- Permalink
What in God's name was this!
Half a movie looking like a bad teenage movie with bad acting and childish humour. Jokes and gags about sex, drinking and more sex are about 20 years old. Arrogant characters putting down weak-willing ones with the odd crazed one making stupid comments is also 20 years old.
Then out of nowhere come the finale and the whole plot of the movie comes out. A crime solved with the motive and murderers blurted out l, with details only the writers knew about. Totally ridiculous and pointless ending. And no reason to care about any of the characters either.
Oh, and there's another black character who just rambles constantly and is incessantly annoying, while throwing in the odd curse like a "tru-bro" does. How unoriginal.
Basically a load of utter rubbish!
Half a movie looking like a bad teenage movie with bad acting and childish humour. Jokes and gags about sex, drinking and more sex are about 20 years old. Arrogant characters putting down weak-willing ones with the odd crazed one making stupid comments is also 20 years old.
Then out of nowhere come the finale and the whole plot of the movie comes out. A crime solved with the motive and murderers blurted out l, with details only the writers knew about. Totally ridiculous and pointless ending. And no reason to care about any of the characters either.
Oh, and there's another black character who just rambles constantly and is incessantly annoying, while throwing in the odd curse like a "tru-bro" does. How unoriginal.
Basically a load of utter rubbish!
- HereWeGo_Ali
- May 22, 2024
- Permalink
Honestly, this film is not bad at all. In my opinion the film was shot well, with a solid cast and funny dialogue which is rare to find with these newer films being pumped and dumped. For someone critical of films, it was enjoyable throughout and would recommend for casual viewing.
Don't take the film too seriously, the movie does well by blending comedy and mystery, that kept me glued in the whole time.
Even though, It's not a perfect film, it does great in what it's trying to do, somewhat like a modern cluedo with some uniqueness of its own.
This films exceeded my expectations, and would recommend it if you're on the fence on whether to watch it.
Don't take the film too seriously, the movie does well by blending comedy and mystery, that kept me glued in the whole time.
Even though, It's not a perfect film, it does great in what it's trying to do, somewhat like a modern cluedo with some uniqueness of its own.
This films exceeded my expectations, and would recommend it if you're on the fence on whether to watch it.
- theoriginalalen
- Nov 5, 2024
- Permalink
- MrLucasmang
- May 25, 2024
- Permalink
This is very obviously a funny, nonsensical movie. Its name is literally reunion- if you didn't want to see a highschool reunion, don't watch it. I liked it! It made me think and I feel that the mystery, although taking a B plot to the comedy and being a tinyyyy bit predictable (only 1 piece of it, though), was very well concocted, even if it didn't get enough screen time to be the A plot. Overall, I liked it- it was funny, raunchy, silly and got me involved. The characters truly shine- the "weird girl" is expertly played and so so funny. Watch it- but don't expect Shakespeare. Expect over the top characters, funny and stupid situations, and highschool-esque fun.
- tallpurplepenguin
- Jun 29, 2024
- Permalink
- hailtotheredskins
- May 25, 2024
- Permalink
Netflix's "Reunion" stands as a prime example of missed potential and lazy execution. What could have been an engaging and suspenseful whodunit instead devolves into a tedious and predictable film that fails to capture the viewer's interest. Directed by Chris Nelson, "Reunion" is marred by poor writing, unlikable characters, and an overly obvious plot that leaves little to the imagination.
The film's premise-a group of high school acquaintances reuniting at a rich classmate's house for their high school reunion only to confront a series of mysterious events-promises intrigue but delivers mediocrity. The writing is uninspired and formulaic, with dialogue that feels forced and unnatural. Characters spout lines that sound more like exposition dumps than genuine conversation, making it difficult to invest in their plights.
Perhaps the most glaring flaw of "Reunion" is its cast of unlikable characters. Each one is a walking cliché. These characters are so steeped in their stereotypes that they never transcend them, resulting in a group that is more annoying than endearing. Their interactions are devoid of depth, and their motivations are shallow, making it hard to care about their fates.
The film's plot is equally problematic. Any seasoned viewer will easily guess the identity of the culprit long before the big reveal, thanks to clumsy foreshadowing and an overreliance on red herrings that do little to mislead. The so-called twists are telegraphed well in advance, stripping away any potential for surprise or suspense. By the time the film reaches its climax, the audience is left feeling more vindicated than shocked, having figured out the ending far too early.
The pacing of "Reunion" is another major issue. The story drags in parts where it should be building tension and rushes through moments that could have provided crucial character development. This erratic pacing makes it hard to stay engaged, and many viewers will likely find their attention waning as the film progresses.
Even on a technical level, "Reunion" fails to impress. The cinematography is bland and uninspired, with generic shots that do little to enhance the mood or atmosphere. The score, meant to heighten the tension, often feels disconnected from the on-screen action, further diminishing any potential impact. But the worst part is the lack of anything funny in this "comedy".
In conclusion, "Reunion" is a disappointing and forgettable entry in the thriller/comedy genre. With lazy writing, unlikable characters, and a plot that is painfully easy to unravel, the film offers little to engage or entertain. For those seeking a gripping and well-crafted mystery, "Reunion" is one reunion better left unattended.
The film's premise-a group of high school acquaintances reuniting at a rich classmate's house for their high school reunion only to confront a series of mysterious events-promises intrigue but delivers mediocrity. The writing is uninspired and formulaic, with dialogue that feels forced and unnatural. Characters spout lines that sound more like exposition dumps than genuine conversation, making it difficult to invest in their plights.
Perhaps the most glaring flaw of "Reunion" is its cast of unlikable characters. Each one is a walking cliché. These characters are so steeped in their stereotypes that they never transcend them, resulting in a group that is more annoying than endearing. Their interactions are devoid of depth, and their motivations are shallow, making it hard to care about their fates.
The film's plot is equally problematic. Any seasoned viewer will easily guess the identity of the culprit long before the big reveal, thanks to clumsy foreshadowing and an overreliance on red herrings that do little to mislead. The so-called twists are telegraphed well in advance, stripping away any potential for surprise or suspense. By the time the film reaches its climax, the audience is left feeling more vindicated than shocked, having figured out the ending far too early.
The pacing of "Reunion" is another major issue. The story drags in parts where it should be building tension and rushes through moments that could have provided crucial character development. This erratic pacing makes it hard to stay engaged, and many viewers will likely find their attention waning as the film progresses.
Even on a technical level, "Reunion" fails to impress. The cinematography is bland and uninspired, with generic shots that do little to enhance the mood or atmosphere. The score, meant to heighten the tension, often feels disconnected from the on-screen action, further diminishing any potential impact. But the worst part is the lack of anything funny in this "comedy".
In conclusion, "Reunion" is a disappointing and forgettable entry in the thriller/comedy genre. With lazy writing, unlikable characters, and a plot that is painfully easy to unravel, the film offers little to engage or entertain. For those seeking a gripping and well-crafted mystery, "Reunion" is one reunion better left unattended.
- GrumpyMovieBuff
- May 25, 2024
- Permalink
Wow, this movie is not only a cliché or a comedy mystery but of course it's 2024 so it's also a Hollywood cliché. Every box got checked one amazing group of friends that they were able to do that because I'm sure that that's how every group of friends around the country around the world they have one of each category that Hollywood has chosen as necessary for each movie regardless of talent regardless of script. Congratulations I will be so glad when these movies just keep failing and keep failing eventually those who front the money will grow tired of losing thousands and thousands of dollars and start pushing writers directors, and producers to create , good Content, instead of hitting all the checkmarks to please, that tiny tiny one percent of the population who probably doesn't even pay to go to the movies by the way.
We wandered the Internet on Saturday night looking for a fun film to watch and came across Reunion. It is a terrific comedy mystery and all around good time. The cast really delivers, a bunch of discontents each with his own motive. You understand why they all came together years later . The script is clever and Chris Nelson, the Director, keeps
the tension high. We were left wondering how is this going to end. The ending is intelligent and surprising. We had such a good time watching it and betting with each other as to who the bad guy was going to be. We never guessed who it was and when exposed it made a lot of sense.
Get some popcorn and relax with Reunion for a good ride.
Get some popcorn and relax with Reunion for a good ride.
An ok movie with q predictable ending and sometimes funny but it's okay, its not a big deal tbh its just kinda of a mess and very average.
Its just another who killled the duchbag of a group with a lot of comedic actors and its just very ok and not a big deal, its very short its like a 85 minutes and that's always good I guess. Overall its not the beat if the genre but i guess it's well made and very good acted and there is q couple of funny scenes and that's very much all, not a big deal and just lets enjoy ok, lets enjoy the movie and we need to stop nitpicking everything ok its ok goodbay ok.
Its just another who killled the duchbag of a group with a lot of comedic actors and its just very ok and not a big deal, its very short its like a 85 minutes and that's always good I guess. Overall its not the beat if the genre but i guess it's well made and very good acted and there is q couple of funny scenes and that's very much all, not a big deal and just lets enjoy ok, lets enjoy the movie and we need to stop nitpicking everything ok its ok goodbay ok.
This was a very straight-down-the-middle comedy mystery that you will likely completely forget about within days. At a 20 year high school reunion party, the person holding the event winds up murdered, and the killer is one of the guests who crashed overnight due to a snowstorm.
At first, I wasn't even sure I could finish the movie. The first 30 minutes are achingly unfunny. Once the murder happens, the film manages to kick into gear, delivering a couple of mild laughs. I actually thought the murder mystery plot was done well. Performances across the board are all great, with Jillian Bell (who usually annoys me), Jamie Chung, Nina Dobrev and Michael Hitchcock all being standouts.
I'm glad I managed to get a little bit of enjoyment out of it, so I don't feel like I wasted my time. But, with a copyright date of 2022, it's easy to see why this sat around unreleased for two years. Those first 30 minutes are an embarrassingly unfunny slog to get through, and although it improves from that point, it's hardly a laughfest.
At first, I wasn't even sure I could finish the movie. The first 30 minutes are achingly unfunny. Once the murder happens, the film manages to kick into gear, delivering a couple of mild laughs. I actually thought the murder mystery plot was done well. Performances across the board are all great, with Jillian Bell (who usually annoys me), Jamie Chung, Nina Dobrev and Michael Hitchcock all being standouts.
I'm glad I managed to get a little bit of enjoyment out of it, so I don't feel like I wasted my time. But, with a copyright date of 2022, it's easy to see why this sat around unreleased for two years. Those first 30 minutes are an embarrassingly unfunny slog to get through, and although it improves from that point, it's hardly a laughfest.
- paulsebastianphillips
- May 24, 2024
- Permalink
The movie doesn't take itself that seriously with a very comedic tone, but to be honest, the resolution of the crime, even if not particularly great, does satisfy the convention of the genre in my opinion. Maybe less convoluted than the good ones, but good enough.
If I compare it with the two Rian Johnson ones of the genre, the Knives Out movies, I can say that it has worse writing, probably, but they are less obnoxious, less pretentious and the resolution of the mystery probably less convoluted and requiring less nosense, with more likeable characters.
But contrary to the Johnson ones, I would forget about this one very quickly. I was entertained and that's about it.
If I compare it with the two Rian Johnson ones of the genre, the Knives Out movies, I can say that it has worse writing, probably, but they are less obnoxious, less pretentious and the resolution of the mystery probably less convoluted and requiring less nosense, with more likeable characters.
But contrary to the Johnson ones, I would forget about this one very quickly. I was entertained and that's about it.
When you view this film you have to tell yourself it is what it is. This is not a great piece of cinema. This is not a Agetha Cristie Whodunit. This is just a silly low budget comedy that turns into a whodunit but is still fun and entertaining. Take it for what it is, don't seek something that it is not. This film is very fun to watch though. The story is centered around a group of people that have been invited to a wealthy friends home for a high school Reunion. Some have kept in contact with each other and some have not. They have drink ls and reminisce. Then the next day they find one of them murdered and another and another. At this point it is all about who committed this crime and why! This is a fun film to view once just to relax after a hard day!
- IceCream-57
- Aug 5, 2024
- Permalink
Not a masterpiece, but tons of fun! Watched it with my parents and they absolutely loved it. Jillian Bell and Lil Rel are great. The rest of the cast has some great moments too, but Jillian and Rel really stood out as super funny with some great one liners. I definitely had no clue who did it and was taken by surprise at the reveal - great writing there! Overall, this was a really fun and funny murder mystery set at a high school reunion (such a weird social thing we do...) and I would highly recommend for anyone looking for laughs! For those who don't like scary movies, you're totally good watching this one - it's really not scary, much more of a comedy.
- jesseskelin-77011
- Jun 30, 2024
- Permalink
Simple. Funny. Engaging. Perfect. Loved everything anout this movie i wouldn't change a thing about it. Has everything you need for a good time. Now my new fave movie of the year. From the beginning it just kept me wanting to find out more and what was going to happen. It never got boring or dull. All the characters are funny and made me care about them enough. The twist was something i definitely was not expecting. Everyone that worked on this movie did a very good job! Its a 10 for me because i really had a good time watching this. Thats what good entertainment should be about right? No matter what the genre is.
I loved this little gem of a comedy who dunnit! It looked like not a movie for me but couldn't help wondering what a cast like that could mess up. I'm glad I stayed the course. They deliver. It's super silly and raunchy in the best way. Lil Rel, Jillian Bell Billy Magnusson really do deliver. I give it an 8 out of 10. The timing and VFX are spot on. If it weren't for the alcohol use and a nod to murder I would give it a PG 13. Nina Dubrov and Jamie Cheung also do stand out performances. Michael Hitchcock also very good in this. The casting is amazing and worth watching. The direction is really great.
- emart65-826-820598
- Jun 30, 2024
- Permalink
Wow! This was way better than expected. Good story. Hilarious cast (especially Jillian Bell). Watched it with my family and we all had a blast! Not perfect, but was very surprised by how fun and entertaining this was!
The plot follows a group of old classmates who are coming together for their 20-year high school reunion. There are hilarious antics at the party, it almost has the nostalgic vibe of Old School or American Pie, then suddenly & surprisingly sh#t hits the fan. Then the movies becomes a great blend of an ensemble comedy and a murder mystery. It also really stands apart from Knives Out and other entries it the genre. Strong recommend!
The plot follows a group of old classmates who are coming together for their 20-year high school reunion. There are hilarious antics at the party, it almost has the nostalgic vibe of Old School or American Pie, then suddenly & surprisingly sh#t hits the fan. Then the movies becomes a great blend of an ensemble comedy and a murder mystery. It also really stands apart from Knives Out and other entries it the genre. Strong recommend!
- maxeman-44878
- Jun 30, 2024
- Permalink