Naked (2017) Movie Review: A Repetitive and Uninspired Comedy
Overview
Directed by Michael Tiddes, “Naked” (2017) is a Netflix original film starring Marlon Wayans, Regina Hall, and Dennis Haysbert. The movie is a remake of the 2000 Swedish film “Naken” and follows a man who finds himself stuck in a time loop on his wedding day. Despite its intriguing premise, “Naked” struggles with repetitive humor and a lack of depth, making it a less-than-memorable comedy.
Plot Summary
The film centers around Rob Anderson (Marlon Wayans), a carefree and commitment-phobic man who is set to marry the love of his life, Megan Swope (Regina Hall). On the night before their wedding, Rob goes out for drinks and wakes up naked in an elevator, with no memory of how he got there. As he frantically tries to get to the church on time, he discovers that he is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same hour over and over again.
Each time the clock resets, Rob must navigate a series of obstacles and embarrassing situations, trying to figure out what went wrong and how to break the cycle. Along the way, he learns important lessons about love, responsibility, and maturity. The film culminates in Rob finally making it to the altar, having grown as a person through his repeated experiences.
Performance and Direction
Marlon Wayans delivers an energetic performance as Rob Anderson, fully committing to the physical comedy and absurd situations his character encounters. Wayans’s charisma and comedic timing are the film’s highlights, but even his efforts can’t entirely save the movie from its repetitive nature. His portrayal of Rob’s growth from an immature, carefree individual to a more responsible and loving partner is commendable, though the script doesn’t give him much depth to work with.
Regina Hall provides a grounded and likable performance as Megan, though her role is limited by the film’s focus on Rob’s antics. Dennis Haysbert, as Megan’s disapproving father, brings a touch of gravitas to the otherwise lighthearted film, but his character is also underutilized.
Michael Tiddes’s direction keeps the pacing brisk, but the film quickly becomes predictable due to the repetitive time-loop structure. While the concept of reliving the same hour could have been explored with more creativity, the execution falls flat, relying heavily on slapstick humor and cliché scenarios. The film’s direction lacks the nuance needed to balance the comedy with the underlying themes of personal growth and responsibility.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by David Ortkiese is straightforward, with a focus on capturing the physical comedy and fast-paced action. The film makes good use of its locations, particularly the hotel and church settings, but there is little visual innovation to enhance the story.
The repetitive nature of the time loop is visually reinforced through similar shots and setups, which, while necessary for the plot, contribute to the sense of monotony. The visual style serves the comedic elements well but does little to elevate the film beyond its basic premise.
Themes and Relevance
“Naked” touches on themes of maturity, responsibility, and the importance of commitment in relationships. Rob’s journey through the time loop forces him to confront his fears and insecurities, ultimately leading to personal growth. However, the film’s focus on humor often overshadows these themes, resulting in a shallow exploration of the character’s development.
The narrative’s potential to delve into deeper emotional and psychological territory is largely untapped, making the film feel more like a series of comedic skits than a cohesive story with meaningful character arcs.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Naked” is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Conclusion
“Naked” (2017) is a comedy that relies heavily on its time-loop premise and Marlon Wayans’s energetic performance. While the film offers some laughs and entertaining moments, its repetitive nature and lack of depth prevent it from being a standout entry in the genre. Regina Hall and Dennis Haysbert provide solid support, but their characters are underdeveloped and overshadowed by the film’s focus on slapstick humor.
Fans of Marlon Wayans and lighthearted comedies may find “Naked” to be an enjoyable, if forgettable, watch. However, those looking for a more inventive and emotionally resonant exploration of the time-loop concept may be disappointed by the film’s shallow execution. Overall, “Naked” is a movie that falls short of its potential, offering surface-level entertainment without leaving a lasting impression.
