Watch When Jeff Tried to Save the World
- NR
- 2018
- 1 hr 33 min
-
6.7 (45)
When Jeff Tried to Save the World is a heartwarming and uplifting indie comedy-drama that premiered in 2017. The movie is directed by Kendall Goldberg and stars Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Jeremy Shada (Adventure Time) and Jim O'Heir (Parks and Recreation). The film tells the story of Jeff, a man who runs a rundown bowling alley in a small Midwestern town but has dreams of something bigger.
The film opens with Jeff getting a call from his boss, who tells him that the bowling alley is going to be sold soon. Shocked and disappointed, Jeff realizes that he may lose the only thing that he is truly invested in. The bowling alley is his passion, and it has been his home for many years. Jeff is determined to find a way to save the bowling alley, and he becomes increasingly desperate to come up with a plan.
As the story unfolds, we see Jeff balancing his job at the bowling alley with his responsibilities as an uncle to Owen, his young nephew. Owen's mother has just died, and Jeff is struggling to deal with his own grief while also trying to be there for his nephew. The relationship between Jeff and Owen is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the film. Their bond is sweet and genuine, and it's hard not to root for them.
As the days pass, Jeff's attempts to save the bowling alley become increasingly more bizarre. He attempts to make a viral video of himself bowling, thinking that it could bring publicity to the alley. He also tries to raise money by holding a "spirit week" at the bowling alley, complete with a karaoke night and a pizza-eating contest. These scenes are both hilarious and sad, as we see Jeff struggling to keep the alley afloat in the face of almost certain failure.
One of the highlights of this film is the performances by the three leads. Jon Heder is pitch-perfect as Jeff, capturing his awkwardness and vulnerability while also showing his determination to succeed. Jeremy Shada is charming and sweet as Owen, bringing a sense of innocence to the character that is both endearing and heartbreaking. Jim O'Heir is also excellent as Jeff's boss, who is constantly at odds with Jeff but ultimately wants the best for him.
Another thing that stands out about this movie is the way it depicts small-town life. The Midwestern town where Jeff lives is depicted as a place where everyone knows each other, and where there's a sense of community that is lacking in big cities. The bowling alley is the center of social life in the town, and it's clear that it means a lot to the people who use it. This setting gives the film a cozy, intimate feel that makes it easy to connect with the characters.
When Jeff Tried to Save the World is a film that is full of heart, humor, and charm. It's an indie gem that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. The movie deals with themes of grief, community, and finding purpose. It's a movie about ordinary people who are struggling to make sense of their lives, and who are trying to find happiness in the face of adversity. This movie will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling, and it's definitely worth checking out.
When Jeff Tried to Save the World is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.