"The Johnsons are off" Today we cannot imagine a world without phones, computers and other benefits of civilization. Trying not to miss a single free minute, we sit on social networks and the Internet during a break at work, in queues, in the cabin of the bus. Sometimes we don’t notice the world that revolves around us. Friends that surround us, acquaintances and even the other half, which because of this you understand less and less. The young Johnson family in this film cannot imagine an evening without technology. Only occasionally they break away from the screens of their devices to exchange meaningless phrases, and the romance of the past relationship has long disappeared behind the alluring virtual reality. And while Rebecca and Matthew used to read each other’s thoughts, they can’t even agree on such an important event as buying their own house.
But one day the city plunges into darkness, and all devices fail. The Johnsons have no choice but to go to a romantic candlelight dinner, get an old cardboard game with cubes (remember, there were such before) and try to bond again. Realizing that the only way out is to spend less time on the Internet and devote it to themselves, Rebecca and Matthew hide their phones under a thick glass bulb, and agree to no longer use any computers, gadgets, etc. But the Johnsons had no idea it would not be easy. What to do, what to talk about and how to solve seemingly the simplest problems - do not get lost in a huge city without a navigator or make breakfast without a hint from the Internet. They switch to bicycles, walk along the evening streets together, go to cooking shows and slowly realize that a person is nearby - even a stranger - a neighbor in turn - much more alive, therefore and interesting than fake nonsense from the Internet.
Misha Barton did a great job with her role - confident and purposeful Rebecca Johnson. Watching her play was a pleasure. But her partner Sean Faris played somehow the same type, all the time smiling even when it was not necessary, and his voice - squeaky - somewhat annoying. Of course, I think that when translating this problem will be eliminated (I watched the film in the original language, because in Russian “Johnsons off” has not yet been released). The constant presence of musical accompaniment in the picture was somewhat irritating - do not believe it for all 86 minutes there was not a single one! Of course, this is a background that conveys the general mood of the moment, but that much is too much. I am pleased with the constant presence in the film of magnificent urban landscapes, full-scale shooting from a height, and in general the work of the operator.
In general, it turned out to be a good romantic story, quite relevant and topical. Without moralizing, with a slight shade of irony, under which it is pleasant to spend time, especially if the other half is nearby. In principle, Pixl, like Larry Levinson production — who co-produced this movie for us — all movies are like that. If there is a desire, it can be easily viewed online, it is a pity that the Russian voiceover does not yet exist, but I hope that it will appear soon. Enjoy your visit.
9 out of 10