The Little Things
Warner Bros. | Release Date: January 29, 2021
5.7
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 159 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
58
Mixed:
76
Negative:
25
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
tropicAcesJan 29, 2021
Not really sure what Rami Malek was going for here but he just clenches his jaw and puckers his lips the whole time. Jared Leto is effective. Denzel is... there. Ending kind of disappointing, but still solid-enough stuff.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
5
PdfortuneJan 30, 2021
Leto could have had a legendary role as an ultra creepy guy. Malik in Washington are solid. The story in very weak, and the ending was even weaker. There are a lot of Little and Big things wrong with the movie. Sadly, it is super forgettable.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
2
mohammadhoseinjFeb 4, 2021
Such a waste of money and time. How can a film get three phenomenal actors and be almost unwatchable and boring as hell this much? John Lee Hancock could tell The Story in one page of a script, and the relationships between the characters areSuch a waste of money and time. How can a film get three phenomenal actors and be almost unwatchable and boring as hell this much? John Lee Hancock could tell The Story in one page of a script, and the relationships between the characters are so dull and unbearable.
The only good thing about this film is Jared Leto. If Leto's acting was not good (even though the writing is so bad for his character and every other character), I couldn't watch this until the end.
Warner's HBO Max/Cinemas Films so far: WW84 and tlt. WOW:)… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
6
manningn15Jan 31, 2021
The Little Things was pretty good. The neo-noir atmosphere was cool. The writing was good but didn't really stand out compared to other similar movies. Jared Leto, Rami Malek, and Denzel Washington gave phenomenal performances. NatalieThe Little Things was pretty good. The neo-noir atmosphere was cool. The writing was good but didn't really stand out compared to other similar movies. Jared Leto, Rami Malek, and Denzel Washington gave phenomenal performances. Natalie Morales gave a pretty great performance as well. The makeup and hairstyling was superb especially on Jared Leto. The costumes were great especially on Rami Malek. The props were outstanding especially the cars. The music was excellent. Overall a pretty good movie just not super unique.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
3
chadimusJan 30, 2021
This movie wants to be Seven. Frankly, so do I. Unfortunately it falls well short. Homicide detective work can be consuming, ambiguous and frustrating. That's the long long, drawn out belabored point of this movie. Not a grippingThis movie wants to be Seven. Frankly, so do I. Unfortunately it falls well short. Homicide detective work can be consuming, ambiguous and frustrating. That's the long long, drawn out belabored point of this movie. Not a gripping thriller. No investment in the outcome. Remi Malek also miscast as his range in this flick bounces between squinting, puckering, and jaw clenching.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
1
Ogdir1234Feb 1, 2021
What a waste of talent of such great actors. Slow, plot makes no sense. I want back the time I spent watching it!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
1
peteNbamaJan 30, 2021
I thought a poor attempt at making a compelling thriller along the lines of Se7ven or Zodiac. Thought acting and character of the young detective was poorly done; he always looked at Denzel with head cocked sideways and always had upper lipI thought a poor attempt at making a compelling thriller along the lines of Se7ven or Zodiac. Thought acting and character of the young detective was poorly done; he always looked at Denzel with head cocked sideways and always had upper lip grossly overlapping lower lip...what the hell? Could not make it past half way. Something about the color grading made every scene too dark, had to turn up tv brightness all the way even for brighter scenes, something I've never done before. Was presented on HBO Max in HDR, but found the dynamic range worse than regular SDR.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
All this user's reviews
6
umaumaiJan 30, 2021
It’s mildly compelling at best. None of the characters’ actions or motivations make any sense, even with the twist that’s supposed to bring this “thriller” all together. Maybe it could be called a character study, but as bewildering as thisIt’s mildly compelling at best. None of the characters’ actions or motivations make any sense, even with the twist that’s supposed to bring this “thriller” all together. Maybe it could be called a character study, but as bewildering as this movie was put together you could still see the final moments coming. It feels like they were going for “up-beat” as it rolls credits, especially in the music cue, and that for me felt like a very wrong direction with the current climate in regards to law enforcement. I know there isn’t a lot of new content out there right now, but this is skippable. Rewatch “Seven” and “Zodiac” and you have most of what this movie draws from.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
3
jpz1990Feb 2, 2021
A poorly edited, bland, thriller, that wastes the talent of Washington on a predictable and run-of-the-mill police procedural. Leto and Malek try their best but aren't enough to make the film watchable. It's neither thrilling, suspenseful, orA poorly edited, bland, thriller, that wastes the talent of Washington on a predictable and run-of-the-mill police procedural. Leto and Malek try their best but aren't enough to make the film watchable. It's neither thrilling, suspenseful, or unpredictable. Thankfully it's also streaming on HBO Max so you don't have to waste your time and money at the theater.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
9
garethvkJan 29, 2021
Academy Award Winners Denzel Washington, Jared Leto, and Remi Malek star in the new thriller “The Little Things” and combine to make very gripping and memorable performances.

The script was reportedly written over thirty years ago by JohnAcademy Award Winners Denzel Washington, Jared Leto, and Remi Malek star in the new thriller “The Little Things” and combine to make very gripping and memorable performances.

The script was reportedly written over thirty years ago by John Lee Hancock who has gone on to write, direct, and produce multiple films of note in the decades since he first created the screenplay.

The film is set in 1990 and involves a cop named Joe Deacon (Denzel Washington), who travels from his small California town to Los Angeles to get information on a suspect.

Joe has a history in L.A as he used to be a homicide detective for the department which combined with his meltdown while obsessing over a murder case has caused him more than a bit of notoriety.

Jim Baxter (Remi Malek) is the hotshot new Detective who has been leading the investigation into a string of unsolved murders. Joe accompanies Jim to a new crime scene and notes some similarities with his unsolved case.

Joe takes some personal days and begins to do some legwork on the case and reports his findings to Jim which causes Joe to remember aspects of what drove him to his marital, health, and career issues as he is unable and unwilling to let the case drop.

When a prime suspect no longer fits into the picture; suspicions fall on a crime enthusiast named Albert (Jared Leto) who seems to check all the boxes but is also taking delight in winding up Joe which causes Jim to question if he is a viable suspect or just an oddball who gets off on crimes and winding up the cops but does not actually commit any offenses.

As the delicate dance unfolds between the characters the fact that this is an era before Cell Phones, DNA tests, GPS, and elaborate computer networks helps underscore the plight of the officers. If the film was set in a modern setting much of the suspense and uncertainty of the story and characters would be moot thanks to technology.

As the game of cat and mouse unfolds between the characters Jim learns how a person can become obsessed with a case and Joe attempts to mentor him from the success and failures of his life which includes some gray areas.

Aside from the strong performances and engaging story what makes “The Little Things” work is that it is a film that does not take the Hollywood fallbacks of extended gunfights, car chases, and over the top action scenes. What it does show is real and flawed characters that are doing what they think is right and does not attempt to wrap things up in a nice and tidy package.

The film uses the element of doubt to not only drive the story but to help motizate the actions of the characters and underscore the elements of uncertainty exists in some investigations.

ambiguity also puts the focus on how investigations and procedures have evolved with the resources available to police.

The film will appear in cinemas and HBO Max and is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that is not to be missed.

4.5 stars out of 5… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
8
mrmonsterJan 31, 2021
An excellent thriller with great performances from Washington, Malek, and Leto.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
shoulderoforionFeb 1, 2021
Better than bad, but not great, this movie is all about Denzel who is top notch, with less than excellent performances by Leto (who is going for a Se7en vibe but doesn't nail it) and Malik (as some jittery [why so jittery dude] cop), whoseBetter than bad, but not great, this movie is all about Denzel who is top notch, with less than excellent performances by Leto (who is going for a Se7en vibe but doesn't nail it) and Malik (as some jittery [why so jittery dude] cop), whose performances I've yet to enjoy in anything he's done). The reveal is eye roll inducing, and I think I audibly said "nahhhhhh, really, really??"… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
jeffw38Jan 29, 2021
Only marked down because of the ending. Otherwise this was a gripping movie with solid performances by the leads, especially Jared Leto who should be in the mix for an Oscar for his supporting role.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
3
EFRAMFeb 7, 2021
John Lee Hancock has made some good films. "Saving Mr. Banks" and "The Blind Side" among them, but "The Little Things" is not one of them. Rambling, confusing, lugubrious to a fault, lacking substance, style or any kind of thrill or fearJohn Lee Hancock has made some good films. "Saving Mr. Banks" and "The Blind Side" among them, but "The Little Things" is not one of them. Rambling, confusing, lugubrious to a fault, lacking substance, style or any kind of thrill or fear inducing storylines, the film falls far short of its much better predecessors such as David Fincher's brilliant, Se7en or Zodiac. I guess people thought, "Oh yeah, lets get 3 Academy Award winners together in one film and it's bound to be incredible." No matter the fact that the script was weak and the direction even weaker. There's no need to go into any spoilers for this mess of a movie because I never got fully invested in any of the characters or the very uneven plotlines which were so full of holes and convoluted that it made no sense to try and follow it at all. The acting was marginal at best, even from Denzel Washington who never looked fully invested in the character. Rami Malek was terribly miscast as the other protagonist, (he would've been better as the killer, or taken a pass at this film) and Jared Leto was his usual self absorbed "method" self. In the end, none of this mattered because the movie never gets up on its legs and stands tall. A disappointment which goes to show that the little things DO matter, they just didn't matter very much here.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
9
SupermanMatosFeb 4, 2021
Great thriller movie carried by Leto’s performance. Denzel and Malek also gave solid performance as well. The last 25-30 min are a continuous suspense and the ending is not what any would have expected.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
ramirez667Feb 1, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Guess what??? Crimes are often not solved and anyone who can't comprehend that and believes the hollywood bs that every crime movie has an ending that brings the story full circle, is an idiot. This movie is a great telling of multiple lives in law enforcement that are affected by the crimes they deal with. It dives into the past,present, and future of careers and how the little things people deal with shape their lives. This is one of the most spot of movies that touches upon the reality of law enforcement officers, especially homicide detectives.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
OhmyfrecklesJan 30, 2021
Neo-noir cerebral slow burn at it’s finest! Don’t let the negative reviews fool ya. This film is for cinephiles not blockbuster fans.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
All this user's reviews
0
TacosTrumpFeb 28, 2021
I watched this so you wouldn’t have to ... don’t waste your time ... it’s not a movie it’s a chore
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
3
MetacriticOnurJul 14, 2021
bad
[ bad ]

adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36.
not good in any manner or degree.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
5
TVJerryJan 30, 2021
This film is set in the 90s, when serial killer thrillers were at their peak. This effort echoes that genre, but without the edge. Denzel Washington stars as a Deputy Sheriff haunted by his past, who travels to LA for a quick assignment. OfThis film is set in the 90s, when serial killer thrillers were at their peak. This effort echoes that genre, but without the edge. Denzel Washington stars as a Deputy Sheriff haunted by his past, who travels to LA for a quick assignment. Of course, this develops into a full-fledged manhunt as he partners with upstart detective (Ramy Malek). The prime suspect is played by an almost unrecognizable Jared Leto, who transformed himself into a greasy, gross sleazebag and the movie’s only interesting character. This genre usually includes some graphic and sometimes sick crimes to add an element of shock. Sadly, this killer’s cases are bland enuff for a TV show. To make matters even duller, there’s virtually no suspense and the final encounter pushes credibility. What’s left is character and relationship development, neither of which offered much more than solid performances from the cast. A bland procedural.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
dharmaMar 6, 2021
An outdated film literally written in the 90's. Released then, it would have been acceptable. But released now with its onslaught of Prestige TV, it became a toothless thriller with no sense of suspense or drama, despite its stellar casts. IAn outdated film literally written in the 90's. Released then, it would have been acceptable. But released now with its onslaught of Prestige TV, it became a toothless thriller with no sense of suspense or drama, despite its stellar casts. I heard that Denzel was upset for having this flick being released directly on streaming on the same day in the cinemas. If it was the case, it would have been his biggest flop in his career. Watch at your own peril.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
Compi24Jan 30, 2021
A noted passion project of writer/director John Lee Hancock's that's been in the making for somewhere around 30 years, "The Little Things" definitely has all the surface-level elements to convince you of that eponymous passion. The cast isA noted passion project of writer/director John Lee Hancock's that's been in the making for somewhere around 30 years, "The Little Things" definitely has all the surface-level elements to convince you of that eponymous passion. The cast is stacked with Oscar winners. The cinematography is evocative and appropriately seedy. Even the soundtrack finds Thomas Newman operating at a relatively notable level. The problem here is that when you really dig into the intangibles of this picture, you really start to understand how badly this movie needed to be produced in its initial heyday - the 1990's. From the familiar structure, to the trope-y stylings littered throughout, to the deeply problematic nature of the film's conclusion, all of it sings of a movie from years ago that's watchable, but really hasn't aged all that well. Problem is, this movie was produced in the present day, thus making its issues even more flagrant. It's not terrible, but really, truly needed a second look in the pre-production phase of things.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
1
chrisse989Sep 5, 2021
3 (in theory) great actors in your movie, yet you do nothing with them. Denzel Washington just stares and frowns through this movie. The other two stars do a good job, but the scenario is too weak to make much of their performance and the3 (in theory) great actors in your movie, yet you do nothing with them. Denzel Washington just stares and frowns through this movie. The other two stars do a good job, but the scenario is too weak to make much of their performance and the story ultimately falls completely flat.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
bfoore90Jan 30, 2021
Great cast and a good film up until the last 15 minutes or so. The script was written in 1993 and you can certainly tell as it feels dated and could have been better with further polish. On a positive note, up until the ending, the film isGreat cast and a good film up until the last 15 minutes or so. The script was written in 1993 and you can certainly tell as it feels dated and could have been better with further polish. On a positive note, up until the ending, the film is incredibly similar to that of David Fincher's Se7en. Its atmospheric, dark and psychological with thrilling moments to be had. Its a film thats definitely a good time but has its obvious flaws and draw backs.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
2
ccmillertxFeb 4, 2021
My first review was censored by MetaCritic so this one will be too I guess. Still this movie doesnt just suck, it sucks in ways I didnt think a movie could suck

The plotline should be a straightforward serial killer/cop doo dah. Well itsMy first review was censored by MetaCritic so this one will be too I guess. Still this movie doesnt just suck, it sucks in ways I didnt think a movie could suck

The plotline should be a straightforward serial killer/cop doo dah. Well its hard to follow. Theres no tension. No mystery as to who the killer might be. Denzel is average at best. His back story makes very little sense especially the big reveal toward the end. It simply doesnt work.

Remi whatever is horribly casted. HE is the creepiest guy in any scene he's in. He does not nor will he ever look or sound like a cop, let alone an LA homicide detective which are some of the hardest guys wearing blue in the world. Freddie Mercury maybe, a detective? Never. The women in the film are more masculine.

Don't waste your hard earned money on this mess. Stay home and watch Chinatown, Dirty Harry, or Silence of The Lambs. So I publicly cried boo on a two minorities. I'm sure this will be censored. I know,Im a white supremacist homophobe for dissing Denzel and Remi. Oh well.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Voodoo123Feb 21, 2023
The superb cast and cinematography provide a boost to an otherwise very average crime drama. In such an oversaturated genre there is little original material here although I greatly appreciated the ambiguity of who the killer truly is. WhileThe superb cast and cinematography provide a boost to an otherwise very average crime drama. In such an oversaturated genre there is little original material here although I greatly appreciated the ambiguity of who the killer truly is. While the screenplay teases us with scenes discussing physical evidence, intriguing character backstories and a few tense cat and mouse sequences, none of it never really bares much fruit. Maybe a berry or two though!! Worth a watch for genre fans or fans of the cast.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
Brent_MarchantFeb 11, 2021
Cop-with-a-past thrillers centered on resolving cold cases may have provided some intriguing entertainment options in the past, but, over time, they have become so cliched that it makes one wonder "What's the point?", as is the case with thisCop-with-a-past thrillers centered on resolving cold cases may have provided some intriguing entertainment options in the past, but, over time, they have become so cliched that it makes one wonder "What's the point?", as is the case with this latest lackluster addition to the genre. Its formulaic approach, uninteresting and unengaging story line, and plot twists that are easily spotted from a distance epitomize the triteness that has come to characterize many recent films of this ilk. And, despite a seemingly stellar cast, the performances leave much to be desired; Denzel Washington and Rami Malek could have phoned in their portrayals, and Jared Leto's much-heralded but overrated performance is capable enough in spite of the implausibly written lines he's called upon to deliver. If movies of this type are your thing, you might find it enjoyable, even though it pales in comparison to many of its much better predecessors. And, if such offerings are not high on your list of preferences, there's no point in tuning in for this one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
Q8MarrongGlaceFeb 12, 2021
Denzel Washington what made me watch this movie unfortunately I am not a fan of complicated nor open endings! plot has been repeated yet you have to search for an explanation that movie would be much better .. what a waste !!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
MattBrady99Feb 8, 2022
The biggest crime that has ever been committed wasn’t even in the movie itself, but having a cast like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, with a promising concept of a murder mystery and it turned out to be…whatever.

I mean theThe biggest crime that has ever been committed wasn’t even in the movie itself, but having a cast like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, with a promising concept of a murder mystery and it turned out to be…whatever.

I mean the performances were decent at least, even if Rami Malek felt a bit out of place here.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
RalfbergsApr 25, 2021
While the story overall might have been good and interesting and the acting was great here, the movie itself when watching started to feel boring so often and stretched out that yeah something was missing, the suspense they tried to went forWhile the story overall might have been good and interesting and the acting was great here, the movie itself when watching started to feel boring so often and stretched out that yeah something was missing, the suspense they tried to went for there felt more like very long "cat chasing the mouse" type of stuff with just following each other and driving around. Plus I assume I will forget that such movie even existed very soon too… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
andre27Sep 13, 2021
Eu gostei do filme, os personagens são bons e o enredo é interessante mas ao mesmo tempo confuso. Adorei o antagonista mas não entendi certos fluxos do filme o que torna o filme não tão bom.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
3
flabbygumsFeb 7, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It tries to be a psychological thriller, but it’s more like a drab snails-paced TV crime drama. If you choose to watch it, be prepared for a lot of setups with no payoff. For example, the scenes about the two-way mirror. Why? I love the scene where Rami says ‘I owe you breakfast’ around midnight, and the next thing you see is them bright-eyed and bushy-tailed eating breakfast at the table and it’s morning. Why? I guess Deke slept over. The hit with the shovel wouldn’t have killed Leto unless it was an absolutely perfect hit to the temple, but the blood dripped from the middle of his face. In one scene they are drinking and talking in a packed bar at 4:30 pm. I know the time from Rami’s watch. No bars in LA are packed at 4:30 pm unless it’s a Saturday and Superbowl weekend. There were a million times the actors just stare at each other, squinting their eyes, clinching jaws, lost in thought…. but it’s not explained. In LA, they drive around places I grew up. They make a left turn in Hollywood and now they’re on the freeway in the North end of the valley. Just a laughable amount of continuity mistakes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
H473NMITFeb 1, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think that the ending was ok, but the overall story could have been better. Malek's character should have been an older character and the father or the husband of the girl that Denzel's character had accidentally shot. The story would have played out somewhat similar, with the detective joining the force, but joining in order to find his daughter or wife's killer while still replacing Denzel's character. At the end, he would have found out from Leto's character, as he was a "crime buff", that Denzel's character was actually the one that had killed his daughter or wife. This re-telling would have led to a larger reveal at the end. It would have also played into the whole, "the past becomes the future becomes the past" .… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
berylekmotylekDec 14, 2021
ten film to żart i doskonałe epitafium dla wszystkich niedokończonych gniotów wypuszczonych na siłę w późnym 2020 dla podreperowania budżetów wytwórni rozmaitych
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
1
JPenguinEsqFeb 20, 2021
Omg this movie is awful. I've got 20 minutes to go until the end and it is so lame. Jared Leto's overacting is cartoonish and the script is horrible. I signed up for HBO just to see this. Will be cancelling and going back to Netflix. DenzelOmg this movie is awful. I've got 20 minutes to go until the end and it is so lame. Jared Leto's overacting is cartoonish and the script is horrible. I signed up for HBO just to see this. Will be cancelling and going back to Netflix. Denzel was just ok. I hope he got paid well for this.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
1
getsmeliftedJun 5, 2022
How they got these actors to sign on for a script like this is baffling. The dialogue is clunky, character development for the leads is almost non-existent as is the development of the relationship between the two and a big reveal for oneHow they got these actors to sign on for a script like this is baffling. The dialogue is clunky, character development for the leads is almost non-existent as is the development of the relationship between the two and a big reveal for one character is placed at the end of the movie when it should have been at the beginning to have any sort of impact on the story. As we all know, writers these days love using the phrase 'subverting expectations', so they try to do that here but all they do is make a bad movie with possibly the most unsatisfying ending I have seen in probably 10 years. This is a waste of 2 hours of your life.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
JLuis_001Feb 5, 2021
Three Academy Awards winners are unable to lift and bring this incredibly poor thriller to life.

And I'm a sucker for these kinds of stories, however, and what's terrible about this one, is that it's whole ordeal is mostly boring. TheThree Academy Awards winners are unable to lift and bring this incredibly poor thriller to life.

And I'm a sucker for these kinds of stories, however, and what's terrible about this one, is that it's whole ordeal is mostly boring.

The mystery never becomes engaging, or at least for me, it wasn't catchy enough to feel yourself involved in the outcome.
And the shadow of the obsession that permeates the characters is very weak.

Denzel Washington doesn't even try, while Rami Malek is devastatingly unconvincing, and Jared Leto tries to be creepy but most of the time he just looks **** stoned. HBO Max will undoubtedly release a lot of these fillers, but it's nothing different than what Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ have been doing. If you have nothing to watch this weekend, consider giving some of your time to see if it hooks you, beyond that, the rest is up to you.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
2
dchipps1945Feb 23, 2021
I left this film wondering, "They hire professional people to make these things--directors, actors, technicians, editors--so how do they all get together and make such a piece of unwatchable garbage?"

Grindingly slow, completelyI left this film wondering, "They hire professional people to make these things--directors, actors, technicians, editors--so how do they all get together and make such a piece of unwatchable garbage?"

Grindingly slow, completely uninteresting, and, at times, just ridiculous. What a waste of time and money. If you took all the good parts out of "Seven," then all the mediocre parts, you'd be left with this film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
theredskyFeb 25, 2021
As the title suggests, it’s the little things that tank this movie. Typically, I love Rami Malek’s performances but here, you could have gotten a wooden door to act better than him. Every line he gives comes across as bland and boring and heAs the title suggests, it’s the little things that tank this movie. Typically, I love Rami Malek’s performances but here, you could have gotten a wooden door to act better than him. Every line he gives comes across as bland and boring and he puts hardly any emotion into his performance which really sucks. Denzel Washington did a decent job with what he was given and Jared Leto was pretty good. Leto stole the show in every scene he was in but it wasn’t enough to save the film. It’s a very confusing mess of a film. Nothing really makes sense and events kinda just happen without a lot of buildup except the ending. The ending was different and I wasn’t expecting it but it left me feeling unsatisfied. The whole movie is around a string of murders and it seems like the movie is taking you in that direction but instead it doesn’t explain anything. I’m okay with leaving a movie’s main killer ambiguous but it feels weird when the film builds up that we are gonna find out who it is and then doesn’t. The editing also was really choppy and pacing was all over the place. The beginning is incredibly slow and then the ending comes at breakneck speed. There were some well shot scenes, interesting color choices, and music but it isn’t enough to keep this film afloat. If you enjoy these actors or like murder mysterious then you might get something out of it but it might leave you feeling unsatisfied.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
Mauro_LanariMar 6, 2021
(Mauro Lanari)
Hancock seeks an encore of the previous "The Highwaymen", where he had mixed the atmosphere of the first season of "True Detective" and the role of losers for the couple of protagonists. Unfortunately this time he eliminates(Mauro Lanari)
Hancock seeks an encore of the previous "The Highwaymen", where he had mixed the atmosphere of the first season of "True Detective" and the role of losers for the couple of protagonists. Unfortunately this time he eliminates the first ingredient and dwells on the second, cloning Fincher: the biracial buddy cop movie evokes "Seven", the crazy search for truth evokes "Zodiac".… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
2
morebutterplzMar 9, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Never again dude just b/c my boy Denzel is in it doesn't mean it's going to be a quality film.
This was a boring movie, going into it I thought it was going to like a Law & Order type of film, but the whole storyboard made no sense. Usually a good film has a feel good pop to the ending, but "the little things" left me scratching my head and unsatisfied.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Stream2BigScreeJan 29, 2021
Long awaited and full a stars, The Little Things premieres on HBO Max, and we here at Stream to Big Screen finally got our chance to watch it. With three Academy Award winners like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto this film couldLong awaited and full a stars, The Little Things premieres on HBO Max, and we here at Stream to Big Screen finally got our chance to watch it. With three Academy Award winners like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto this film could grad the attention of those Academy members and play well for general audiences. Let's see if this star-studded cast delivers the big performances to the theaters and streaming service.

The Little Things follows Deke (Washington) a burnt-out Kern County, CA deputy sheriff who begrudgingly teams up with Baxter (Malek) a young and talented LASD detective, to catch an elusive serial killer. And get this Deke has an eye for the "little things" *wink wink* that always seem to be eerily spot on. Yet, Deke likes to take his liberties with the rules, which entangles Baxter in an internal struggle, going against his otherwise by-the-book ways. Meanwhile, Deke is tormented by a dark secret from his past. Seems like a typical storyline we've seen. Old cop revisits his old stomping grounds to help solve a case he couldn't solve before. Alright, great, so you've already got me bored; but it's not that simple. The film uses the basic story and a slight twist ending to give you the feels, chills, aches, and palpitations. The movie moves along at a smooth but slow pace, always building but I felt like I never made it anywhere. I was fully invested but left hanging. I'm just living with the fact that some filmmakers really don't know how to end movies anymore. They've given up on originality, and they've given up good endings. It's a reality that us as viewers, and patrons, deserve better.

Trip: Let me interject on this point. I completely agree that this movie left me hanging. While I was generally conflicted the entire time because I felt like the film wanted to be 2021's version of Seven, but there's no real hook like the creep-factor that that movie had. Deke's secret is supposed to be the lynchpin that makes you wonder why he's so invested in the search for this serial killer, but that's not interesting enough to propel the film forward. The slow burn is fine, but it doesn't truly catch fire. Pardon the interruption.

S2S: You done?

Trip: blink... blink...

S2S: Okay, then. Outside of the storyline and plot, let's get to our leading stars. Leto is creepy, greasy, and not his best work. I'd watch him as the Joker again over this but he does bring his character to life in a subtle way. As for my guy, Rami, his character was in a way creeper than Leto's. Yes, he grows on you as the movie goes on but again not his best work, enjoyable but also meh.

Trip: Raises hand...

S2S: Yes.

Trip: Yeah, Rami is so creepy. I feel like that was bad casting. He did a good job, but he was miscast. To me, Leto was good, but I felt like he didn't have much to work with. I wish there as more of him.

S2S: Anyway, as for my guy Denzel, this is the closest thing we'll get to the Equalizer who doesn't fight anymore. This tells me that Denzel needs to step away from these cop roles for a bit and give us his full acting ability again. Again, his character is fine but really just meh. I can't tell if it was the writing or the directing that left our three stars going to leave you wanting more.

Trip: What he said.

Needless to say, The Little Things is a solid movie on execution until the end. In a way this slow burn of a film floats through in a pleasing way but the end taste is not satisfying. For those who want to go to the theater and risk Covid, save your money and yourself. For those who already have HBO Max, you can catch munch on a bowl of unsalted popcorn for this film.

Trip: The Little Things is an okay, paint-by-numbers detective chasing a serial killer movie, but it will leave you unsatisfied. I’d say it is fine to watch sitting at home on a lazy Sunday afternoon.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
KstrauchFeb 11, 2021
Wonderful acting, great suspense. Very impressed with the character development and cinematography.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
POPCULTURETODAYFeb 3, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After seeing the heavy marketing push for this film it was impossible for me to say that this film wasn’t on my radar. The Little Things is Warner Bros second movie to release day and date on HBO Max as well as theaters and out of all of these home releases from the past year I can happily say that I’m glad that I didn’t waste my time seeing this in theaters. The Little Things portrayed itself as this suspenseful thrilling crime drama about 2 cops trying to find a Californian serial killer in the 1990’s. With heavy hitting actors like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto one would expect this to be an amazing film on the same caliber as something like “Seven” or “Zodiac”, but The Little Things does very little to invest the viewer like those films and if anything it made me feel as if I wasted 2 hours of my life for a story that doesn’t even matter by the end.
One would assume that the main focus of the film is trying to catch a serial killer. Well you wouldn’t be completely wrong. Here’s the thing; catching the killer is something that the audience needs to know is the goal of the cops, but that story arc is not the one that the movie wants the viewer to grasp. The film does an amazing job portraying itself as this game of cat and mouse, but ultimately it tries to be a character study. Specifically for the characters of Jimmy, played by Rami Malek, and Deke, played by Denzel Washington. I personally do not have issues with character studies, but when the characters the audience is supposed to follow are bland at best then it is hard to want to feel for them. I was very surprised when I came to the conclusion that the acting in this film was mediocre at best. Denzel and Rami were beyond boring in this film with Jared Leto actually being a great supporting actor. Going into this film I was expecting Oscar worthy performances, but instead I got Tweedledee and Tweedledum trying to solve a case. By the end the case isn’t even solved. You spent 2 hours watching a film hoping to catch this terrible person, but you don’t. It is heavily hinted at who the killer could be, but even then no one can definitely know who it is. The point that the movie is trying to convey is that everyone can be just as bad as the serial killer if you let yourself become that bad. A message that I didn’t need to waste 2 hours of my life to figure out. Ultimately The Little Things offers very little and it is a shame.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
1salamJan 30, 2021
The movie had many good elements: cinematography, music, suspense, acting... However, the story dragged and could have been much better. MOST important, the ending was terrible. Beacause of the ending, I would not recommend the movie,
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
megomikeJan 30, 2021
The Little Things is a classic Noir Murder Mystery set in 1990 Los Angeles. Deke, a small-town deputy previously banished from LA returns to his old beat to retrieve evidence needed for a small case in his new life. While waiting forThe Little Things is a classic Noir Murder Mystery set in 1990 Los Angeles. Deke, a small-town deputy previously banished from LA returns to his old beat to retrieve evidence needed for a small case in his new life. While waiting for evidence to clear, he becomes marginally involved in a case being handled by Jim Baxter, a series of killings eerily similar to the case that sent him packing years before. The unlikely pair manage to pool their talents to move the investigation forward and identify a suspect. As in all good mysteries, nothing, including the strongest suspect, is what it appears, and Little Things becomes a redemption story in a tale where none of the heroes are innocent.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
HollywoodMafiaJan 29, 2021
This was one of those movies that you kinda know who it is but liked the ride.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
straysinnerJan 29, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This crime-thriller endeavor ultimately and tragically wastes three great actors. It breaks down to a 2 hour long slog that never thrills but rather bores. Simply put, it retreads old ground about law enforcement officials that ride the line of of good intentions and hidden past truths.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
ParrisAJan 30, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Love this movie and Denzel is a great actor. This movie was a great suspense movie and it kept us watching the whole way through. Very good movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Candlejack84Feb 7, 2021
Fairly disappointing as I had high hopes for this. I ve missed this type of film being produced by Hollywood. The story itself was fairly bland and I didn't care enough about the characters to have any emotional investment in the outcome.Fairly disappointing as I had high hopes for this. I ve missed this type of film being produced by Hollywood. The story itself was fairly bland and I didn't care enough about the characters to have any emotional investment in the outcome. Seven, Copycat, Kiss The Girls, Zodiac and even Bone Collector (also starring Washington) are far superior to this film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
MattFornerFeb 9, 2021
The Little Things is a fun late-night "who-done-it" thriller. It can be slow at times...but has strong performances by Washington, Malek, and Leto.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
davemelbourne58Feb 17, 2021
I think the cast was better than the script. It has it's moments, but it just didn't pack enough of a solid punch.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
3
MaperFeb 22, 2021
Listen to my story , I went to a cinema where it has A bad screen , and the reason why I want to whatch the film cause Rami Malek was in the movie , welp after Knowing the screen was blury , I got off immediately and set off just to find aListen to my story , I went to a cinema where it has A bad screen , and the reason why I want to whatch the film cause Rami Malek was in the movie , welp after Knowing the screen was blury , I got off immediately and set off just to find a better Quality screen , cause you know .......one of my favourite Actor of all time (Rami Malek) . At the end of film I didn't say I wast my mony for the trip and for useless movie no!! All I kept thinking you had one of the best actors in the intier Hollywood , how could you funked it up ???… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
filmfabJun 2, 2021
Good, movie. Don't listen to the bad reviews. If you're looking to be entertained for a couple of hours then this is a solid choice.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
CarlElmoreNov 24, 2022
It's just very boring. I don't remember a whole lot about this other than Rami was alright.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

54 Critic Reviews

5.7 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL