I watched Keanu and I liked it. 3/5
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“Keanu” (2016) is a comedy film directed by Peter Atencio, starring Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key. Renowned for their sketch comedy on television, the dynamic duo makes their big-screen debut with a movie centered around a ridiculously cute kitten named Keanu. This comedy caper takes the audience on a wild ride through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, where drug dealers, gang members, and our unsuspecting heroes collide in a series of laugh-out-loud escapades.
At the heart of the film is Keanu, a tiny kitten with an impossibly adorable face, whose endearing nature serves as the catalyst for the story. When Keanu becomes the object of a drug gang’s affection, Rell (Peele) and Clarence (Key), the film’s protagonists, are forced to dive headfirst into the criminal underworld to rescue their furry friend. The premise is nothing short of absurd, and that’s where “Keanu” both excels and stumbles.
The film’s central conceit is undoubtedly its biggest selling point. The idea of two regular, mild-mannered guys getting embroiled in gang warfare and drug deals because of a kitten is preposterous, and that’s precisely why it’s so comically appealing. The absurdity of the situation sets the stage for a series of hilarious scenarios and sharp-witted one-liners. The comedy is largely situational and often irreverent, reminiscent of the humor that made Key and Peele famous.
Key and Peele, who share excellent on-screen chemistry, do a commendable job of bringing their sketch comedy skills to the big screen. The film primarily relies on their knack for satire and caricature, as they adopt various personas to navigate the treacherous terrain of the criminal world. It’s in these moments that “Keanu” shines, offering an enjoyable spectacle that never takes itself too seriously.
The film is at its best when it delves into the hilarious dynamics between Rell, Clarence, and the criminal elements they encounter. Their interactions with hardened gang members lead to some of the film’s most memorable and amusing scenes. Method Man, in particular, gives an entertaining performance as the gang leader Cheddar, whose affection for Keanu raises the stakes for our heroes.
However, the film does stumble in its pacing and storytelling. The initial setup is a bit sluggish, taking its time to get to the main plot, which revolves around the cat’s kidnapping. There are moments where the humor feels strained, and the plot sometimes meanders. The film could have benefited from a tighter script and more focused storytelling.
Additionally, while “Keanu” excels in terms of humor, it fails to provide any substantial depth or emotional resonance. It’s primarily a collection of comedic sketches strung together by the loose premise of rescuing a kitten, and it doesn’t attempt to be anything more. For those seeking a profound narrative or thought-provoking themes, “Keanu” falls short.
The supporting cast is hit-or-miss. Nia Long, playing Rell’s romantic interest, provides a strong performance, but she’s underutilized in the story. On the other hand, Tiffany Haddish, as Hi-C, one of Cheddar’s gang members, delivers a memorable, scene-stealing performance. Haddish’s comedic timing and intensity add an extra layer of hilarity to the film.
The visuals and action sequences are competent, but they don’t stand out. The film’s direction and cinematography don’t venture far from the standard comedy movie formula, opting for a straightforward approach. While it gets the job done, it doesn’t add much to the overall experience.
In conclusion, “Keanu” offers plenty of laughs and showcases the comedic talents of Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key. The film’s central premise is delightfully absurd, providing ample opportunity for humorous situations and witty dialogue. However, it falters in pacing and storytelling, and it lacks depth beyond its surface-level humor. Ultimately, “Keanu” is a serviceable comedy that will entertain fans of Key and Peele’s brand of humor, but it falls short of being a comedy classic. If you’re in the mood for some silly, lighthearted entertainment and don’t mind the occasional lull in the plot, “Keanu” is worth a watch for its comical capers and the undeniable cuteness of its feline star.