Silent but Deadly (2012)

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

the audience applauded

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

I expected this movie to be ridiculous, over-the-top, and crude. And because of its relatively low-budget, I also expected the acting, the special effects, and the storyline to be sub-par. However, the worst of all was - in my amateur opinion - the editing! Some scenes looked as if they should have been cut long after the joke was delivered, rather than dragging it on as if the writers were patronizing the audience saying, "DO'YA GET IT? DO'YA GET IT? FORGET YOU! WE THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY, WE'RE DRAGGING IT ON!" And many scenes looked as if they really, REALLY belonged on the cutting room floor; they neither contributed to the overall plot or moved the story along.This is not to say that the story was by any means fast-paced. The story was in fact slower than molasses running uphill in December. And by randomly throwing in Bruce Vilanch towards the end of the movie, was that somehow going to make up for the hour that I was tormented? NO! My opinion is this: I have visited relatives in retirement AND convalescent homes, and just a single facility - I believe - actually possesses a livelier pulse than this movie.

A ridiculously over the top film that would have been better if it had toned down the slapstick and played it at least somewhat straighter--but that's me. I know lots of people love this kind of comedy. Given the deliberate use of outrageous stereotypes that still manage to come across as surprisingly sympathetic portrayals of senior citizens who have been dumped and subsequently ignored in a "retirement home", I was able to indulge the outrageousness of the script. I loved the fact that it showed seniors as still sexually active and attractive, and it gave the individuals character. Great cast--it looked as if they had fun with their roles and just went for it. That helped a great deal in making the film fun to watch.Too many of the vignettes and comedy schtick simply went on too long and dragged down the pace. Tighter pacing would have helped enormously as some of the genuinely funny bits simply fizzled out before moving on to the next scene. This had the overall effect of leaving the audience unfulfilled (a bit too often) rather than wanting more. Still the film had it's laughs and it was great fun to watch recognizable icons of the past (Gilligan's Island Mary Ann is the star--and still gorgeous!) play their ages without apology--and looking fantastic. There was nothing overtly offensive about the movie's adult themes, unless you object to puppet shows discussing STDs--and single adults talking about sex and sexual innuendo, as well as (mild) schoolyard type rivalries. There is swearing though (Forgot about that) which is something you might want to consider before letting any kiddies watch with you. It offers frank discussion and portrayals about other adult issues as well, including death (there is a murderer stalking the home after all) and drugs as well as loneliness and abandonment--but with a surprisingly sensitive touch for this type of film and of course, (mostly) played for laughs. It IS a comedy...and despite the title, surprisingly few fart or "potty" jokes. I don't recall any nudity even though sex is an ongoing theme in the film.I would not recommend it for children. Young teens might appreciate it--maybe (they'd like the fart and bathroom jokes most assuredly--and would probably go "EW" at the rest but could still find it funny--gramma having sex? Using condoms?); it would certainly give them a different view of seniors than they usually see in popular entertainment and would offer a light platform for serious discussion. For a lazy afternoon's entertainment then yeah, go for it. Watch it with Gramma and get her reaction!