Wasting time on watching movies about the underdogs has a sense of calm and peace about it. The tension is zero, and the vibes are peaceful and relaxed… it’s “hakuna matata” cinema time. This film ‘The Gutter’ is all about that. Brought to you by directors, Yassir Lester and Isaiah Lester, the film does not aim to be motivational or inspirational; it simply seeks to tickle the audience and be funny. In that regard, the film is a perfect spare and in such, the film does allow satisfaction (thankfully, it is a film about bowling and not baseball).
The title most likely describes that area in the bowling lane that you do not wish your ball to end, nevertheless, it may as well be used to describe the figurative hole from which the characters came out of. Most of the main characters are the scum of the earth in terms of their character: they are idler’s, swear, and can’t communicate with anyone. And what is more, they are still the characters who a viewer can empathize with. At the center of the story stands Walt (Shameik Moore) who is a functional illiterate and an impossibly difficult person to actually keep in a job. He manages to get himself employed at the rarely patronized bowling alley owned by Mozell (Jackée Harry) who employs him as a barman. There, he encounters Skunk (D’Arcy Carden), a washed up bowling addict who spends all her days and nights at the alley. Quite by chance, Walt learns due to some quirk that he is rather capable of bowling but his approach to it is somewhat unique. He and Skunk make plans of turning him into a professional bowler as they seek out the trophy and its present owner, a haughty Linda Curson (Susan Sarandon).
The Gutter is worth seeing not least because of the exceptional cast. Moore, although playing a character who is not exactly someone you would want to sit next to on a bus, is a charming lead. His on-stage charm lends him an element of pleasant disorganization when it comes to comedic actions. It is entirely unclear how one can be so inventive when manipulating one’s body in the ‘exactness’ of a bowling game. Of course skillful improvisation is nothing new to viewers of The Good Place so having Carden participate as a brazen idiot Skunk is just great (she even comically introduces herself to Walt and is surprised at the question). It is always entertaining to hear her lines because they are delivered in such a straightforward and strange manner that both the actors and their audience are continuously baffled. Harry also leaves an indelible mark during her brief but expressive part. It was a great decision to portray the character with so much determination, delivering the most ridiculous dialogue with a touch of authenticity, which in turn enhances the humor. And then there is Sarandon who is completely self-assured in her role and does not use any sort of pretense. She embraces the part in a demure manner but has a ready-made stand that decidedly ‘screams sexuality’.
The screenplay has so many jokes that they seem to be bursting like an overstuffed bag of popcorn. Of course, since there’s a lot of punches, a good number of them also miss their targets, but even the most unfunny ones amp expectations and anticipation, knowing the hilarity will come up in no time. Only a laugh out loud quote can be described as a worthy plot twist when the movie builds on clouds that are out of this world. Rather, it creates a ridiculously comical universe in which every character embodies the same distorted lead-in-the-pipes insane energy. It’s exaggerated and never becomes too self-important; even the second act which is supposed to carry the monotonous tone, doesn’t let go of the pace of the comedy. Avoids becoming overly sappy, where every comedy seems to have a benchmark.
“The Gutter” will not be a life altering experience to many or be that memorable. But it’s very much like the game of bowling, you don’t focus on the end but on how the game is played. Be sure to give it a try-and you do not need to put on any ugly shoes.
For more movies visit like The Gutter on 123Movies.