The Beach Bum
Neon | Release Date: March 29, 2019
5.4
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 78 Ratings
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Positive:
32
Mixed:
23
Negative:
23
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2
Coconut67Jun 20, 2021
I convinced my now ex girlfriend to see The Beach Bum in theatres instead of "Us," which she really wanted to see (I didn't). I thought this movie would be more enjoyable for both of us since it was marketed as a comedy. It was not. In myI convinced my now ex girlfriend to see The Beach Bum in theatres instead of "Us," which she really wanted to see (I didn't). I thought this movie would be more enjoyable for both of us since it was marketed as a comedy. It was not. In my opinion, the main issue with this movie is that the philosophy and poetry spouted by moondog comes off as complete **** which gets in the way of the comedy. Anyway, when the credits rolled there was palpable hatred emanating from my ex for making her sit through this crap instead of "Us." There was already tension between us and this movie only made things worse. A few weeks later, she broke up with me. **** this movie

I have edited this review to make it a little less mean, because I imagined Harmony Korine actually reading this and felt bad at how it might make him feel.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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4
Compi24Apr 2, 2019
In many ways, "The Beach Bum" acts as a perfect distillation of Harmony Korine's cinematic sensibilities, whilst still adhering to a mainstream standard of identity. The plot is as thin as can be, the morality in play is suspect as all Hell,In many ways, "The Beach Bum" acts as a perfect distillation of Harmony Korine's cinematic sensibilities, whilst still adhering to a mainstream standard of identity. The plot is as thin as can be, the morality in play is suspect as all Hell, and the thematics are definitely present, but just vague and murky enough to stump even the most astute filmgoers. It's a rough watch, but to be sure, I'm certain that's exactly what Harmony Korine intended it to be. However, that's not to say that any or all of these things add up to a final product that's interesting, amusing, or even good. In fact, the final product feels largely plotless, with any sense of a narrative throughline feeling more like a late addition than an intentional story. The characters are depraved and unlikable. The jokes range from minutely amusing to downright offensive. It's not a good movie. But is that the point? Who knows? As it stands right now, though, I hope the above score is exactly the one that Harmony Korine wants.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
CinemaCrushJun 22, 2019
if you came to this page, odds are, you're a Harmony Korine fan, OR, didn't know what Harmony films are like when you went to see this (from the bad reviews). Besides being cut of the Korine cloth in the best ways possible, there's nothingif you came to this page, odds are, you're a Harmony Korine fan, OR, didn't know what Harmony films are like when you went to see this (from the bad reviews). Besides being cut of the Korine cloth in the best ways possible, there's nothing much else to say to a Korine fan. If you're happy with what he's done post-Gummo/Julien, and really dug Mister Lonely and Spring Breakers, you'll enjoy it all the same. If you're not predisposed to Korine, and aren't much into the style, you'll probably find it, quote, "boring", as the bad reviews have noted in more words. Korine is Korine is Korine ~ Gertrude Korine.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
amheretojudgeApr 1, 2019
A Small Boat And A Bigger Man.

The Beach Bum Korine's vacation gone wrong case wouldn't factor in on his carefree attitude, if anything it should be more fun for him. A dogmatic anecdote to possibly any crisis, is called being ignorant, butA Small Boat And A Bigger Man.

The Beach Bum

Korine's vacation gone wrong case wouldn't factor in on his carefree attitude, if anything it should be more fun for him. A dogmatic anecdote to possibly any crisis, is called being ignorant, but it is that long procedure where a character so subtle as Moondog (Matthew McConaughey) is not easy to deconstruct or simplify. And this wild ride deserves a character so rich and three dimensional. Similar to Steven Knight's Serenity- McConaughey's previous film- the film is jarringly fascinating enough to lure you in for a deep dive, no matter how banal things turn out to be later, for a brief period it will show you something that not ordinarily films does.

And this also could have easily been its downfall, since the storytelling is high all the time, it could be difficult for the makers to create an arc on a dramatic point that is actually the peak of the film. Fortunately, the writer-director Harmony Korine has smartly invested a vivid and eerie empathy in Moondog for us to vote for him effervescently among the contenders given to us. This longingly hilarious cloak that McConaughey has been dying to put on in his acting career is foliated with a broad smile in his face, smooth voice and flamboyant body language throughout the film.

The supporting characters like Snoop Dogg and Isla Fisher have funny gags to invest while Jonah Hill, despite of sharing a few laughs, gets a more pragmatic character to play- of course compared to these non-sober personalities. In fact, the first act of the film, where the characters are introduced and equation formed with the Moondog, all these first visits remains the highlight of the film. The Beach Bum is confined in an impenetrable cell and yet it never grows dark, justifiably pathos and one long drag, but never cringingly dark, and no, the light whimsical background score has got nothing to do with it.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
TheMovieDuderAug 23, 2019
This movie is prentious garbage. No plot, overly reliant on music and bad edits. There are some pretty shots, but this is a movie not a music video. Very boring, would not recommend.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
TeslaBrownApr 15, 2023
I smoke marijuana,
but it has nothing to do with this genre.
that seems to be only to fill or complete fiscal budgets on the part of the production companies: unrealistic, risky, "supposedly comic" scenarios, which contribute nothing toI smoke marijuana,
but it has nothing to do with this genre.
that seems to be only to fill or complete fiscal budgets on the part of the production companies:
unrealistic, risky, "supposedly comic" scenarios, which contribute nothing to society or to the moviegoer: it does not take away that Matthew and some others show their acting ability; even the photography is remarkable - the humor is merely local, or Hollywood indoctrination (as always).… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
MNBAMar 31, 2019
Do yourselves a favor, skip this movie and go get the book “Mile Marker Zero : The Moveable Feast of Key West” by William McKeen, and read that instead.

Huge Buffett fan, love McConaughey, Snoop, Fisher, Efron, all good. Love Key West /Do yourselves a favor, skip this movie and go get the book “Mile Marker Zero : The Moveable Feast of Key West” by William McKeen, and read that instead.

Huge Buffett fan, love McConaughey, Snoop, Fisher, Efron, all good. Love Key West / Caribbean vibe/culture, benders, good times, all that. All that goodness was wasted on this movie. Ideas that pretend to be founded on some Hunter S. Thompson building block of substance that we never actually see, and then funneled into scenes of what 8th graders might think is cool, is more or less what’s going on here. McConaughey played the Moondog role to perfection, unfortunately the whole project was such entitled teenager attitude idealism that I was embarrassed for the entire cast by midway thru. I guess I didn’t realize that the writer/director was a corny 15-yr-old that recently discovered weed and is currently throwing a tantrum cuz his pampering mother is reluctant to take him to get that giant pot leaf tattoo on his back that he really really wants.

McConaughey made a few spots feel like there might be something, and the character could have been interesting under better circumstances, but then “Hey man” reckless stupidity won out.

I felt bored and strung out by the end. And despite the last ditch effort at some philosophical take away, the real Moondog is sh**ting on himself in a tent in LA, and nobody's cheering him on.

And the token square punching bag, why bother??

Some nice scenery though.… Expand
5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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1
ProteusApr 3, 2019
I enjoyed my last trip to the grocery store more than this movie. Moondog seems to be having less fun that a normal person going about a normal day. He gets high, drunk, dances with the nearest girl, spews poetry, and staggers around. For 95I enjoyed my last trip to the grocery store more than this movie. Moondog seems to be having less fun that a normal person going about a normal day. He gets high, drunk, dances with the nearest girl, spews poetry, and staggers around. For 95 minutes. THAT is it folks. Nothing to see here.… Expand
7 of 9 users found this helpful72
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2
Arnold_ZiffelJun 20, 2019
Vapid, decadent, and only marginally funny. An alcoholic's fantasy, with no downside or consequences.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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0
The3AcademySinsMar 23, 2020
This is hands down one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I couldn't even finish it. Harmony Korine's vanity project has no script. The Beach Bum is meandering, pointless, filled with bad performances, and seems to have been made only toThis is hands down one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I couldn't even finish it. Harmony Korine's vanity project has no script. The Beach Bum is meandering, pointless, filled with bad performances, and seems to have been made only to give the cast and crew an excuse to go on vacation in the Florida Keys and get high. I found this film to be painful to watch, and a huge, worthless waste of time. It's not even entertaining accidentally.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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5
TVJerryApr 3, 2019
Remember the character in Dazed & Confused that launched Matthew McConaughey's career? Fast forward 20 years and you get his evolution into Mooddog: a high-living, free-spirit poet who staggers thru life with a carefree attitude. This isRemember the character in Dazed & Confused that launched Matthew McConaughey's career? Fast forward 20 years and you get his evolution into Mooddog: a high-living, free-spirit poet who staggers thru life with a carefree attitude. This is McConaughey at his most indulgent: In almost every scene exposing his most outrageous self (and his butt cheeks). This rambling party from Harmony Korine revels in trying to be outrageous and excessive with little regard for narrative thrust or character development. On the bright side, the cinematography is lovely and Korine's direction is full of energy. The only comic turn that works is by Martin Lawrence, but the rest of the cast seems to be having fun. Audiences into excess partying and semi-absurd silliness might enjoy it.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
jocJan 3, 2021
hated it. kept waiting for it to turn into something interesting or meaningful - or even funny. worst movie I've watched in years.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
GrantD243Oct 8, 2019
I'm convinced that this film was made purely so Matthew McConaughey and his fellow cast members could smoke weed and drink alcohol the entire time while getting paid. There is no point to this film. It's not entertaining, it's not funny, andI'm convinced that this film was made purely so Matthew McConaughey and his fellow cast members could smoke weed and drink alcohol the entire time while getting paid. There is no point to this film. It's not entertaining, it's not funny, and the story is incredibly hollow.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
B52nukerAug 6, 2019
The emperors have no clothes, people - neither Harmony nor M.M. This film is a slackers' wet dream, as a total jerk - the kind of drunk at a party who thinks everything is funny, especially his own bon mots - finds fame and fortune, all theThe emperors have no clothes, people - neither Harmony nor M.M. This film is a slackers' wet dream, as a total jerk - the kind of drunk at a party who thinks everything is funny, especially his own bon mots - finds fame and fortune, all the while displaying a stunning lack of talent getting there (the "poetry" is unrecognizable as such). The (predictable) cherry on top is his self-righteous, or should I say self-conscious spurning of it all, should we somehow come to the conclusion his mad shambles has been a "sellout". If you must watch this, I suggest you pair it with Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas to rinse the nasty taste from your mouth and to see how tone can make ALL the difference. This one's a collosal dud.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
greatoneiwMar 31, 2019
Beach bum is really the most spiritual movie that I've seen, it shows the meaningless of it all and a person who is 100% awake and had already let go of the ego self. this masterpiece won't get much rates and views because of course, the massBeach bum is really the most spiritual movie that I've seen, it shows the meaningless of it all and a person who is 100% awake and had already let go of the ego self. this masterpiece won't get much rates and views because of course, the mass population are busy with superheroes in 2019 but the movie is just as deep as it can be.… Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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10
RoonunApr 1, 2019
It's amazing go watch it. Best comedy in a long time, best stoner film in a long time, best film in a long time.
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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10
PunksNotDead200Mar 31, 2019
That was awesome experience. The film has a lot of funny moments and Matthew McConaughey acting is fantastic. I recommend this film with clean soul to everybody.
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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10
xXTheKingXxMar 30, 2019
I couldn't stop laughing, great characters and moments and the cast was was amazing
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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10
levistringMar 29, 2019
Beach Bum had some really funny moments. It's has some sharp commentary and a great cast.
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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8
Lambo442Jun 25, 2019
Man this film is hilarious. I don't know whether this guy is enlightened or a complete narcissist, but watching McConaughey swagger around for the duration obeying his every whim is an absolute joy. If the film trys to make any importantMan this film is hilarious. I don't know whether this guy is enlightened or a complete narcissist, but watching McConaughey swagger around for the duration obeying his every whim is an absolute joy. If the film trys to make any important points, for me it gets lost in the absolute farcical lunacy of some parts. It reminds me of a delicious blend between an Adam McKay and an Evan Goldberg film, just not stop humour and very sweet and touching in places. I'm certain we can all learn a lot from Moondog.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
ScraperAug 16, 2019
A fun and enjoyable movie about a man living the life I could easily see myself living. Korine of course dots the screenplay with outlandish moments of supreme wackiness but it only adds to the fun. The Beach Bum is never too emotionallyA fun and enjoyable movie about a man living the life I could easily see myself living. Korine of course dots the screenplay with outlandish moments of supreme wackiness but it only adds to the fun. The Beach Bum is never too emotionally heavy and never too dull.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
RalfbergsAug 25, 2020
Different movie from others. It does have great cast and the role really fits to Matthew's style. Weird while interesting, stupid at times and sometimes feels like wanting to skip through, but yet watchable and I watched it all. The movie isDifferent movie from others. It does have great cast and the role really fits to Matthew's style. Weird while interesting, stupid at times and sometimes feels like wanting to skip through, but yet watchable and I watched it all. The movie is about bohemian type guy who has money, then loses access to it but tries to show that money doesn't matter while at same time at some points being worried about money. Anyway, in general weird a bit but watchable, just maybe not fully for me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
JLuis_001Apr 23, 2019
An uninhibited and fearless performance by Matthew McConaughey in a film that most of the time goes nowhere.

And it's not only based on the inability of the film to achieve more than getting lost in its own conformity with a story so thinAn uninhibited and fearless performance by Matthew McConaughey in a film that most of the time goes nowhere.

And it's not only based on the inability of the film to achieve more than getting lost in its own conformity with a story so thin and fragile. It's also because it feels dumb.

Harmony Korine usually receives much more credit than he deserves.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
CrazyStupidJakeJul 30, 2019
This is easily Harmony Korine’s most accessible film yet. Led by McConaughey’s wonderful performance as Moondog, audiences find themselves drifting from one ridiculous encounter to the next in one of 2019’s funniest films. The tone remainsThis is easily Harmony Korine’s most accessible film yet. Led by McConaughey’s wonderful performance as Moondog, audiences find themselves drifting from one ridiculous encounter to the next in one of 2019’s funniest films. The tone remains consistently fun and engaging, even if the film loses its footing in a couple of scenes or moments hold for just a little too long. The different characters Moondog comes in contact with on this journey help make it memorable and it’s clear that this is the closest we’ve come so far to an “arthouse-stoner” movie. Wild, creative, and very entertaining. 
Grade: B… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
ajzeg01Sep 20, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a strange movie. It has a strange story with strange characters with a strange structure. Now, I like strange movies, like The Big Lebowski (Which I feel this movie was trying to be like.), but I don’t know, I think this one might be a little too all over the place for my liking. Well, what’s the story? Matthew McConaughey plays Moondog, a drunken pot smoking coke snorting womanizer. He is also a brilliant poet. He’s also married, but his wife is well aware of his habits and is 100% okay with them. They love each other very much. But one day, his wife dies in a car accident and leaves him and their daughter with her entire fortune. However, he isn’t getting any of the money until he matures and writes his novel. From there, Moondog kind of just wanders around from weird character and weird situation to another weird character and weird situation. It is very meandering and it doesn’t really have much of a focus. Now, The Big Lebowski is also pretty all over the place, but it had really strong characters, strong performances, a ton of great comedy and genuinely fascinating philosophy. I don’t feel like The Beach Bum really had that. A lot of the performances are fairly one-note and they got kind of old, such as the main character and his friend played by Snoop Dogg. The cast is very hit or miss. Zac Efron and Isla Fisher were good, but Jonah Hill wasn’t great. It’s a mixed bag. The movie has a good soundtrack, the editing had some personality, and this movie is very colourful. All the colours are super warm and nice to look at. It really does feel like chilling on the beach in the summertime. That’s another thing I enjoyed, I liked the laid-back chill vibe this movie has. I was never bored. I got some laughs out of this movie, but I wouldn’t say it was hilarious. I also appreciated that this movie was unapologetically trashy. There’s drugs and sex everywhere! Definitely not for kids! Overall, this movie is okay. It has some personality and some laughs, but it’s just a little bit too unfocused for me. Check it out if you like raunchy comedies, but otherwise just stick with The Big Lebowski.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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