Things to Do

Things to Do is a compelling indie movie produced in 2006. The film stars Michael Stasko, who also happens to be the co-writer of the story, along with Daniel Wilson. It also features the talented actress Amy Ballantyne giving a marvellous performance. Things to Do holds a special place in the genre of comedy-drama and it brilliantly balances both elements, therefore, ensuring an entertaining and thoughtful cinematic experience for the viewers.

The movie traces the life of a twenty-five-year-old man named Adam Stevenson, who is played by Michael Stasko. Adam is a fairly typical representation of an urban millennial: he's holding down a nine-to-five job, settled in a city, and leading what seems like a normal life. However, he soon grows weary of his mundane routine and the constant hustle of the city. The noise, the crowds, the monotony of his job, which involves sitting in a cubicle and filling out spreadsheets all day, becomes too much for him. It is at this point where an existential crisis hits him and he finds himself wanting something more -- something that has meaning and value.

The story takes a drastic turn when Adam decides to rid himself of this mundane life. He chooses to do this by returning to his small hometown, a significant deviation from the metropolitan life he's used to living. It is in this quiet, serene setting that he hopes to rediscover his sense of purpose.

It's worth noting that Stasko offers a very authentic and relatable performance as Adam, making it easy for the audience to connect with his character's sense of disillusionment and restlessness. Likewise, Daniel Wilson, who plays Adam's childhood friend Mac, delivers an equally convincing act. When Adam encounters Mac after returning home, their friendship becomes a central part of the plot.

The film takes an intriguing turn as Adam and Mac, during the course of their rekindled friendship, sit down and curate a “to-do” list. However, this is no ordinary list of mundane chores or daily responsibilities. Instead, it is a list that outlines several unusual and whimsical activities they both wish to undertake— a heartwarming concoction of simple, down-to-earth experiences and adventurous exploits that they believe will help them make the most of their lives. This list ends up forming the backbone of the plot; each crossed-off item brings about character progression and further exploration of the story's key themes.

Amy Ballantyne, who portrays Adam's love interest in this film, does an outstanding job. She effortlessly captures the honesty, vulnerabilities, and expressions needed for her character, and her dynamic with the leads provide the narrative with another interesting aspect.

Things to do is a captivating piece of cinema that eloquently captures the struggles of modern life and the yearning for meaning among the mundane. Despite its seemingly simple premise, the film's strikingly relatable message and quirky execution sets it apart. The story resonates with the viewers on a personal level due to its accurate depiction of life's monotony and the human tendency to seek purpose and meaning.

Director Ted Bezaire skillfully embraces the narrative's nuances, maintaining an engaging pace throughout the film, and managing to capture both humor and pathos in his storytelling. The cinematography beautifully captures the contrast between city life and small-town living. The sharp and witty dialogue, coupled with an intriguing plot, imparts the film with a unique flavor, making it appealing to a broad audience.

Things to Do spotlights an array of emotions, experiences, and relationships while keeping humor at its core. It explores themes of friendship, love, the quest for purpose, and the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Featuring impressive performances by its cast, the movie leaves its audience with a sense of nostalgia for their own hometowns, childhood friends, and forgotten personal dreams.

While Things to Do is filled with funny and heartwarming moments, it doesn't shy away from addressing the depressing aspects of life's monotony. Instead, it offers a powerful reminder that life, with all its highs and lows, can be much more satisfying and meaningful when we step back, reassess our priorities, and take the time to pursue the things we always wanted to do.