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IMDbPro

Playing God

  • 2021
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
5.2/10
1K
YOUR RATING
Playing God (2021)
Official Trailer
Play trailer2:15
1 Video
12 Photos
ComedyDrama

A pair of con artists recruit their longtime mentor to "play" God in order to scam a grieving billionaire.A pair of con artists recruit their longtime mentor to "play" God in order to scam a grieving billionaire.A pair of con artists recruit their longtime mentor to "play" God in order to scam a grieving billionaire.

  • Director
    • Scott Brignac
  • Writer
    • Scott Brignac
  • Stars
    • Hannah Kasulka
    • Luke Benward
    • Jude Demorest
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    5.2/10
    1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Scott Brignac
    • Writer
      • Scott Brignac
    • Stars
      • Hannah Kasulka
      • Luke Benward
      • Jude Demorest
    • 31User reviews
    • 11Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination

    Videos1

    Playing God
    Trailer 2:15
    Watch Playing God

    Photos12

    Alan Tudyk in Playing God (2021)
    Michael McKean in Playing God (2021)
    Michael McKean, Luke Benward, and Hannah Kasulka in Playing God (2021)
    Luke Benward and Hannah Kasulka in Playing God (2021)
    Luke Benward in Playing God (2021)
    Michael McKean and Alan Tudyk in Playing God (2021)
    Luke Benward and Hannah Kasulka in Playing God (2021)
    Michael McKean, Luke Benward, and Hannah Kasulka in Playing God (2021)
    Michael McKean, Luke Benward, and Hannah Kasulka in Playing God (2021)
    Playing God (2021)
    Michael McKean, Alan Tudyk, Luke Benward, and Hannah Kasulka in Playing God (2021)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Hannah Kasulka
    Hannah Kasulka
    • Rachel
    Luke Benward
    Luke Benward
    • Micah
    Jude Demorest
    Jude Demorest
    • June
    Marc Menchaca
    Marc Menchaca
    • Vaughn
    Michael McKean
    Michael McKean
    • Frank
    Alan Tudyk
    Alan Tudyk
    • Ben
    Leighton B. Allen
    Leighton B. Allen
    • Owen
    Raoul Canoli
    • Jesús
    Elle LaMont
    Elle LaMont
    • Lizzy
    Iheanacho 'Ike' Orabuchi
    Iheanacho 'Ike' Orabuchi
    • Gerald
    • (as Ike Orabuchi)
    Danielle Evon Ploeger
    Danielle Evon Ploeger
    • Nurse
    • (as Danielle Ploeger)
    Cory Hart
    Cory Hart
    • Security Guard
    Andy T. Tran
    • Jeff
    Charley Townsend
    • Father Paul
    Sam Eidson
    Sam Eidson
    • Bob
    Lee Stringer
    Lee Stringer
    • Detective Stevens
    Byron Brown
    Byron Brown
    • Tailor
    Kendal Farr
    Kendal Farr
    • Katie
    • (as Kendall Farr)
    • Director
      • Scott Brignac
    • Writer
      • Scott Brignac
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    User reviews31

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    7/10
    Well Crafted for the Ending.
    Like the storyline says: a group of con artists reunite to scam a grieving billionaire. The added twist, they're trying to con their mark into believing one of them is god, which is a lofty con to say the least.

    The movie is well made, with solid writing and convincing acting too. The pacing is a little slow, and the actual con could have been a little more elaborate to keep things more interesting. Also, the subplot involving the pregnant couple had a purpose, but it's the least interesting parts of the film. It's not a boring film, and the plot is more complex than the brief storyline would lead you to believe.

    There is one massive contrived coincidence that I am not sure actually exists. The fact one character mysteriously went into debt suggests the selection of the mark wasn't a coincidence. The character went into debt finding the mark, and the scene where they're given their implied random target was part of the con. Unfortunately, the writing and directing is too vague on this plot point, so even adding a throw away line to confirm these suspicions would have benefited the film greatly. But to avoid spoilers, no more details will be discussed.

    Near the end of the film I had concluded this was a 5 or a generous 6/10. It's a slightly above average con artist movie, but nothing spectacular or memorable. Then the final scene concluded, and this movie became a 7/10. I rate movies by what they are. I'll rate a horror/comedy, monster movie by how competent it is as a horror/comedy, monster movie.

    It's not as well crafted as Ocean's Eleven (2001), and it's not as flashy as Now You See Me (2013), but it's competently made. The ending reminds me of Hellowoo Goseuteu (Hello Ghost), a Korean film made in 2010. Both have final scenes that alter the tone, themes, and intent of their entire films. Turns out, this wasn't just a movie about playing god.

    Many movies don't know how to end, this movie was written for it's ending. Between the two, the latter is always appreciated. The irony that this movie conned me into believing it was a completely different movie isn't lost on me either.
    helpful•13
    1
    • ReaLMoisan
    • Aug 8, 2021

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 6, 2021 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Watershed Motion Pictures
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Una estafa celestial
    • Filming locations
      • Houston, Texas, USA
    • Production companies
      • Watershed Motion Pictures
      • Ralph Smyth Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 35 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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