Read Mixed User Reviews for Downsizing

5

Rebecca31Jan 28, 2018

The most notable thing about Downsizing was I laughed a lot more than I ever expected to. I'm not about to urge you all to rush out and see this one. For one thing the trailer painted a slightly different picture than the one you end upThe most notable thing about Downsizing was I laughed a lot more than I ever expected to. I'm not about to urge you all to rush out and see this one. For one thing the trailer painted a slightly different picture than the one you end up getting. Not only that but there are a number of scenes that don't appear in the film at all. When a trailer about a topic as weird as this features a scene involving people 5 inches tall drinking out of a massive bottle of vodka and then doesn't appear in the film you can't help but notice that. It's not the best movie you'll see all year but it's so quirky and out there that you'll enjoy it in the moment and might even get some laughs out of it, I know I did.

In a world where overpopulation is an issue the only feasible solution apparently is to undergo a permanent procedure called downsizing. This will greatly benefit the environment etc but more importantly your money will get you a lot more so you can afford to live like millionaires in a little perfect town and a huge house. Matt Damon fed up with his life, experiencing money problems and unable to afford a house decides the best option for him and his wife is to downsize and live the life they've always wanted. Well things don't go according to plan for poor Matt Damon and that's about the point where the movie decides to take a sharp turn in another direction. I wasn't relishing the idea of seeing a depressed mini Matt Damon for 2 hours 15 minutes so the introduction of Christoph Waltz and Hong Chau was exactly what the story needed. So although I feel the second half of the movie differs so much in tone it does feel like you're watching a whole new movie I enjoyed Downsizing for the most part. For all its problems and lack of focus it makes up for it with unexpected and random bursts of hilarity. Not the easiest rating I've ever given, I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. A great idea, with a very good script so I can't help but feel like it should have been better. Recommended if you're looking for something a little bit different.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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4

pirMar 2, 2018

Unfortunately from a promising start this film devolved into a dull homily on "helping people is what matters". I could see so many promising avenues this could have explored based on the premise of shrinking people to lessen their impact onUnfortunately from a promising start this film devolved into a dull homily on "helping people is what matters". I could see so many promising avenues this could have explored based on the premise of shrinking people to lessen their impact on the environment, and it touches very lightly on a few of them (for example the inherent conflicts between the "smalls" and the "normals", the notion that repressive governments would use the technology in repressive ways, the problems of borders dealing with humans who come in pint size, the obvious issue that even in Leisure Land somebody needs to clean the toilets), but then it wastes time in a drug-induced trance, and loses its way entirely by meandering off into the original small colony in Norway reacting to a potential doomsday scenario that makes absolutely no sense (it does make sense to plan for it in the long run, but there's no reason at all for the darn hurry). Matt Damon is the most boring protagonist I can ever remember him being in any of his films, and even the always impressive Christoph Waltz and the bright newcomer Hong Chau couldn't pull the unfocused script back from the brink. I did like how Matt Damon's character came full circle (from taking care of his ailing mother at the start), that's a neat thematic viewpoint, but I really wanted this film to do a lot more with its premise and the big ideas that came with that. Heck, even just more of the interaction between tiny humans and the regular-sized world would have been more interesting, though that was the most superficial if funny aspect of the film. As usual, science fiction remains best left to actual science fiction writers.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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5

section20mi6Mar 20, 2018

What could've been an astounding social commentary piece ends up to be a multi-faceted disjointed disaster piece. Downsizing focuses on the good Samaritan character Paul Safranek as he ventures the downsized world with some realizations andWhat could've been an astounding social commentary piece ends up to be a multi-faceted disjointed disaster piece. Downsizing focuses on the good Samaritan character Paul Safranek as he ventures the downsized world with some realizations and disappointments without delving into any of the important societal issues, but simply stating them and moving into cliche stories of characters. Payne misses the mark with the great cast and occasional humor, ultimately dooming Downsizing the chance to become politically important.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

TVJerryJan 4, 2018

In order to extend our planet's life span, a technique is invented that shrinks people down to 5", so their energy usage and waste is greatly reduced. Matt Damon plays the man caught in this tiny world after his wife abandons him. Once theIn order to extend our planet's life span, a technique is invented that shrinks people down to 5", so their energy usage and waste is greatly reduced. Matt Damon plays the man caught in this tiny world after his wife abandons him. Once the novelty of the small vs. large wears off, what's left is a forceful ecological lesson. Luckily, it includes his relationship with a Vietnamese woman (Hong Chau in a delightful and sometimes touching breakout performance). This adds a level of human responsibility and expands the message to compassion for one's fellow earthlings. There's virtually no humor, so what looks like it could be fun turns into a mildly involving drama and a heavy-handed tract on the foilables of human nature and the dangers of disregarding our planet's health.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

eagleeyevikingOct 19, 2018

While the first half of the film introduces plenty of interesting ideas, the second half fails to capitalize on those ideas, instead asking more vague questions that leaves a sense of confusion.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

CriticFerJan 11, 2018

Yeah, the movie is disappointing but i don't think is bad. It has good acting, good jokes, the Visuals Effects of the tiny people are ok and the music is decent but the way is handle, how's the writing and which direction is going is reallyYeah, the movie is disappointing but i don't think is bad. It has good acting, good jokes, the Visuals Effects of the tiny people are ok and the music is decent but the way is handle, how's the writing and which direction is going is really mediocre and is like the three acts are just changing the story. The idea is great, it would be better if the movie would be a satire sci-fic comedy-drama that could work, but it couldn't for the direction that Alexander Payne goes and also the writing of Jim Taylor and Alexander Payne. It could be better, but they waste the oportunnity, that's why is disappointing, even more disappointing than LEGO Ninjago.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

amheretojudgeJan 28, 2018

why did this happen..

Downsizing An idea isn't everything and this movie is a fine example of it. Yes, it has its heart in the center of it and has genuine effort in writing and direction but it completely fails on offering the audiencewhy did this happen..

Downsizing

An idea isn't everything and this movie is a fine example of it. Yes, it has its heart in the center of it and has genuine effort in writing and direction but it completely fails on offering the audience what they were promised. Surprisingly as we know, it has a premise of an animated feature and much like it, it is finely detailed as it had to create its own world (in a way) and this is the only note where the movie scores for these little amusing things are the only thing helping one survive this overlong script. Downsizing lacks a gripping screenplay, better editing, fast pacing and a particular palpable environment (it fluctuates a lot; the first act is completely different than the others, it doesn't quite fits in). Matt Damon and Christoph Waltz are equally good in it but surprisingly so is Hong Chau; she is perfect in her role. And in the end, Alexander Payne is the man responsible for all of it and as far his direction or execution is concerned he puts all his effort in each and every frame; one can completely see it, but on the writing part he fails to either surprise or entertain the audience. Downsizing is sweet and beautiful filled with hope (not for the viewers though) but has an overlong second act and a disappointing climax.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

MarcDoyleDec 3, 2017

The first third of this film is brilliant and hilarious stuff. It's most everything you see in the trailers. Unfortunately, it settles into much more mundane, tedious sequences which lack humor. The final few scenes are satisfying, butThe first third of this film is brilliant and hilarious stuff. It's most everything you see in the trailers. Unfortunately, it settles into much more mundane, tedious sequences which lack humor. The final few scenes are satisfying, but they're not enough to rescue the film. Damon is generally solid in his "every-man" role, and Wiig is great, though her role is brief. Incidentally, the funniest bit in the trailer - the tapping massive vodka bottle - didn't make the final cut, which is a bummer.… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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6

DubeauDec 25, 2017

Downsizing had a good idea. The story starts well and is funny until half of it. After that it's more a semi drama. I really loved the romance in the second half. It was funny and a bit more realistic then usual. The problem with this movieDownsizing had a good idea. The story starts well and is funny until half of it. After that it's more a semi drama. I really loved the romance in the second half. It was funny and a bit more realistic then usual. The problem with this movie is that there is not treat to their lives in general, while almost everything would try to eat or attack them. Even the most aseptic of environments has failures. In that sens the movie only display some political, ethical, religion views of the situation but with no real danger...I give it a 60% because this was a great idea but the story in itself isn't very realistic and somewhat boring. Great acting from all the actors, I especially loved those actors/actress around Matt Damon.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

AcaciaDec 22, 2017

This movie is hard to describe. The premise is certainly interesting: miniaturizing people to save the planet. The first part of the movie is about the discovery of the process and the eventual selling of the concept as we see Paul (MattThis movie is hard to describe. The premise is certainly interesting: miniaturizing people to save the planet. The first part of the movie is about the discovery of the process and the eventual selling of the concept as we see Paul (Matt Damon) and wife Audrey getting the sales pitch for Leisure World, the place tou can live in a tiny mansion for a tiny amount of money. The next thing we see is Paul’s life in Leisure World and meet his obnoxious neighbor played by Christoph Waltz. At this point, the movie takes a left turn and becomes a whole different movie. And, we meet a Vetnamese woman (Hong Chau) who becomes an important character. There is het another plot twist before the end. At this point, it begins to sound like a ride at Epcot. Preachy and like a hippie love fest. It sort of lost me sometime around this part. It is entertaining, but not entirely enjoyable. It is too unfocused for my taste.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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6

Willyam_CarrDec 30, 2017

Downsizing is a solid, fun idea for movie. Sadly, the concept is better than the film itself. The first 40 minutes are downright boring, and the ending just felt odd. However, the concept is so strong that film makes you think about it for aDownsizing is a solid, fun idea for movie. Sadly, the concept is better than the film itself. The first 40 minutes are downright boring, and the ending just felt odd. However, the concept is so strong that film makes you think about it for a while. The biggest highlight of the film is Hong Chau's performance; she's one to look out for.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

JLuis_001Dec 31, 2017

Disappointing, especially coming from Alexander Payne. I think it's the most unfocused film of his career and despite dealing with quite interesting topics, he never manages to make them resonant or flashy, therefore the film falls and onlyDisappointing, especially coming from Alexander Payne. I think it's the most unfocused film of his career and despite dealing with quite interesting topics, he never manages to make them resonant or flashy, therefore the film falls and only manages to stay on put because Matt Damon has enough charisma to avoid it, even on front his simple acting.

And to waste Christoph Waltz that way only adds fuel to the fire.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

OscarAdcockMar 2, 2018

What did I just watch. Downsizing looked so good, its trailer was great and the first 30 (give or take) minutes where genuinely really great. The premise was so unique and they could have gone so far with it. But, by about the 30/40 minuteWhat did I just watch. Downsizing looked so good, its trailer was great and the first 30 (give or take) minutes where genuinely really great. The premise was so unique and they could have gone so far with it. But, by about the 30/40 minute mark it completely loses all focus. Its like someone stood in an office with a bunch of executives and pitched them the concept of Downsizing but actually hadn't written a story that could back it up. The film ultimately leaves you confused to wear its going to go next and in the end its really not satisfying.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

ProteusDec 23, 2017

Intensity. This movie has none. It needs some badly. Somewhere anywhere. Long slow paced mildly very mildly entertaining movie. Unfortunately mildly entertaining is very easy to find these days. If ever a movie was a 5 out of 10 this is it.Intensity. This movie has none. It needs some badly. Somewhere anywhere. Long slow paced mildly very mildly entertaining movie. Unfortunately mildly entertaining is very easy to find these days. If ever a movie was a 5 out of 10 this is it. You can probably do better.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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6

EpicLadySpongeDec 22, 2017

Downsizing gives us the once-in-a-while size-changing theme and a very rare shrinking feeling to it but for the absolutely wrong reasons. That is much of a shame of what I just saw as the final film because I expected more to come out of thisDownsizing gives us the once-in-a-while size-changing theme and a very rare shrinking feeling to it but for the absolutely wrong reasons. That is much of a shame of what I just saw as the final film because I expected more to come out of this one hence the R rating. It makes everyone's promises come true but then eventually forgets where to put them in the finalized film. I was expecting an actual unforgettable adventure like what I have been experiencing with my dreams lately with this movie's theme and feeling but instead what I just got is too much drama put onto the film. Whenever it comes to films like these, I don't think drama is the best genre to aim for since it'll just make the finalized film worse than the promised film I was expecting. How many years do we have to wait until we get another film that focuses on size change? I sure hope not any longer than four because I would be so disappointed if that was the case.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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4

solitas777Mar 16, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What a piece of crap. The first 50 minutes is decent. Matt Damon is an occupational therapist, who wants the good life. He's struggling with life and he's going through the hum drum of daily grind. There is no joy in this man's life, there are no smiles, just the world weariness of the unending grind. Downsizing, a process that allows people to get small and live a higher standard of life on the cheap. Throughout this process, is his passionless wife, a cutesy (but not pretty) plain jane, who abandoned him after he goes through the process. Now...this would be the perfect time and vehicle for the story to transition to a guy that only know mediocrity to find fun and passion in his life. A sex love story could have been introduced here with a happily ever after.

NOPE. There is a divorce where a guy that had $150000 assets, which equals $12.5 million dollars in the "little world". After a divorce he works at a call center and loses his awesome mansion with a crappy apartment. I feel like their math is bad because even if he kept 10% of the money after his divorce he's still have over a million dollars, so what gives? This movie is slow and boring. I won't bore you because once it transitions to his life post divorce it slowed down to a crawl. In fact, it's so boring I can't even continue to review it. This piece of garbage isn't even worth putting any more effort into.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

BHBarryDec 24, 2017

“Downsizing” was directed by Alexander Payne who, with Jim Taylor, wrote the story and screenplay. The film stars Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Kristen Wiig and Hong Chau. I went to this film expecting to see an elaboration of a very tempting“Downsizing” was directed by Alexander Payne who, with Jim Taylor, wrote the story and screenplay. The film stars Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Kristen Wiig and Hong Chau. I went to this film expecting to see an elaboration of a very tempting trailer but, unfortunately, the best part of the film was, in fact, all in the trailer itself. What starts out with a very intriguing concept, i.e. shrinking human beings to a height of 5 inches with a proportionate environment around them, loses itself in the first 30 minutes and travels in a number of different directions, most of which involve the writer’s political statements about climate change and the harm humans are doing to the planet. Also, to add another negative to the film is the role played by Thailand actress Hong Chau and what has to be the worst attempt ever made at imitating a Vietnamese émigré. Simply stated, she ruins each scene in which she appears with this ‘chalk on a blackboard” dialogue. Couple all of this with plot changes and ideas that make no sense and you have a disappointing and uncomfortable 135 minutes. I give the film a rating of 6.02 because of what it started out to be, and could have been, but unfortunately went downhill in mid reel. In summary, all of Mr. Payne’s efforts as director and co-writer of this film came up short (pun intended).… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

DaveisonlineMar 16, 2019

Downsizing is a film with a very intriguing idea with promising world building, but ultimately fails to capitalize on its own concept and instead opts for a poorly executed political message that conflicts with its subject matter.

I will sayDownsizing is a film with a very intriguing idea with promising world building, but ultimately fails to capitalize on its own concept and instead opts for a poorly executed political message that conflicts with its subject matter.

I will say the first act of the movie does a great job of setting up its world building by having its dialogue grounded in its sci-fi premise of humanity able to shrink down to a few inches to create a whole new society where they only need a fraction of the resources they would consume as normal sized beings and effectively live a life of wealth. Unfortunately once the 2nd act, its entire premise becomes completely trivial, to the point where its Sci-Fi premise is practically meaningless. And it also doesn't help that the story we have now is driven by a main character who is completely bland and uninteresting, not to mention that he seemingly fails to make any meaningful decisions for himself until the very end to run back for a cheesy romance subplot that lacks any chemistry.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

mrdr4gonApr 7, 2018

I actually recommend watching on the basis of it being completely bizarre and constantly ridiculous alone.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

FilmTVReviewJul 27, 2019

I’ll just wait til it’s on Netflix’ is the type of film this is and why it flopped at the cinema. Full of great actors, but a hollow script. I’ve never seen a film that starts so promisingly, intriguing and quirky, but then just slowly getsI’ll just wait til it’s on Netflix’ is the type of film this is and why it flopped at the cinema. Full of great actors, but a hollow script. I’ve never seen a film that starts so promisingly, intriguing and quirky, but then just slowly gets worse and worse. I want my money back! Oh right yeah, didn’t go to the cinema... phew!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

Sosmooth1982Jul 9, 2023

Really weird and pointless movie. He decides to become small but then that's pretty much it. After he has the operation there's really nothing else interesting about the movie after that. I give it a 4 just cause the Vietnamize lady had meReally weird and pointless movie. He decides to become small but then that's pretty much it. After he has the operation there's really nothing else interesting about the movie after that. I give it a 4 just cause the Vietnamize lady had me cracking up.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

geewahJan 8, 2021

An ambitious movie that starts off with a lot of promise but the further this bloated movie goes on it quickly loses it's appeal.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Tss5078Jan 23, 2019

Billed as a comedy, Downsizing didn't last long in theaters, but looking at it from the perspective of Science Fiction and taking into account it's message about environmental protection, this film ends up having a lot more depth than theBilled as a comedy, Downsizing didn't last long in theaters, but looking at it from the perspective of Science Fiction and taking into account it's message about environmental protection, this film ends up having a lot more depth than the lame duck comedy it was advertised as. In the near future, a scientist comes up with a way to stop the problem of overpopulation by shrinking people to five inches tall. At first the world is shocked, but when the financial benefits come to light, ordinary people are rushing to have a life of luxury. One such person is Paul Safranek (Matt Damon), who is at risk of losing his home and marriage. He and his wife decide to undergo the procedure, but when Paul awakens, he learns that his wife couldn't go through with it, and he's left to navigate this brave new world on his own. The logistic and social changes brought upon by this simple transition are amazing! I really got into the whole thing from the process to the luxury world they live in, and to the discovery that poverty can still exist even in paradise. I really don't know why the studio would bill and advertise this film as a comedy, because really it's more sad than it is funny. In fact, aside from a few lines here and there, nothing about this film or the situation Paul gets into are really funny. Matt Damon stars and as has become common place with him lately, he seems to just be going through the motions. His lack of emotion made his a hard character to like. Thankfully he is paired with newcomer Hong Chau who really steals the show. Downsizing is a film with a terrific idea, with every last detail executed to perfection, however once characters get involved, the story becomes much less interesting. Once you put aside the setting, this film can be broken down to a simple love story, which doesn't do the rest of the film justice.… Expand