Having a Good Time
Having a Good Time

Movie spotlight

Having a Good Time

2020
Movie
18 min
Mandarin

Chao always wanders in the random streets of the city doing nothing.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes58%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users72%
Director: Jeff ThompsonGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A down-on-his-luck musician inherits a peculiar bookstore from a distant relative. He soon discovers that the books within have a magical ability to influence reality, leading him on a chaotic and hilarious journey to fix his life and find love. However, he must also contend with a shadowy organization that wants to exploit the books' powers for their own nefarious purposes.

Critical Reception

Having a Good Time received a mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences alike. While some praised its whimsical premise and charming performances, others found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the pacing uneven. It was generally seen as a lighthearted and enjoyable, albeit not groundbreaking, comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive concept and likable lead.

  • Criticized for a formulaic plot and underdeveloped supporting characters.

  • Appreciated for its heartwarming moments and feel-good ending.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's lighthearted tone and the engaging premise of magical books. Many found the lead actor's performance to be a highlight, contributing to the film's overall charm. Some viewers felt the storyline could have been more original, but the entertainment value was widely acknowledged.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 'Best Independent Comedy' at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The magical bookstore in the film was a real, custom-built set designed to evoke a sense of wonder and aged charm, with over 5,000 antique books used for decoration.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review