This is a different type of Rinklater movie in that it was more dramatic and entertaining than his other movies. But it had an element of philosophy in it as usual (well maybe a bit heavy-handed because there was a scene about this philosophical conversation).

At the essence, the movie is about how and whether someone can change (into a new personality). Overall, the movie was executed well and it was comedic and sometimes surprising and unexpected. But I still did not buy how the movie answered this question of “transition.” First, I think the transition from Gary to Ron was a bit rushed especially towards the end. The morally questionable ending felt quite abruptly, which made me feel puzzled. Glen Powell is an up-and-coming Hollywood start with some nerdy and geeky features, but I think he was looking too handsome and in-shape to portray the transition from Gary to Ron convincingly. In short, he was already Ron and thus him changing into Roy from Gary felt a bit unnatural.

Not my favorite Rinklater movie, but it’s still decent.