Linoleum (2023)

I came across this at my theater because I had no interest in seeing Ant Man: whatever sequel we’re on for 2023. Instead, the ticket guy recommended this one and says I would be surprised at how good it is. Well, they also said that about Falbelmans and I could have waited for Redbox on that one. Anyhow, once in a while I stumble upon a surprisingly good movie that stays with me and so far this years it’s this one.

The movie is sarcastic and full of humor in a setting that’s nothing special. In fact, the main character is nothing special either. It’s a guy who lives a life he’s not very fond of doing a kid’s show on public access tv. All our lives we wonder what happened to us when as kids we had such big dreams and high hopes for ourselves. Only we grow up, get married, work for a living, and end up pretty average. It’s like the kid in us, that spark disappears when we become adults.

In the movie, a satellite falls in our central character’s backyard. Now he’s suddenly able to realize that long lost dream he had of growing up to become an astronaut can happen. Through a fun series of events we empathize with him that dreams can be revived if we’re willing to keep them alive. If we’re willing to hold on to the drive to reach our full potential.

Jim Gaffigan does an excellent job as our hero who’s willing to give life another chance at being a little better. Life is what you make it and the world can be as big as you want it to be. Now you have to pay attention once he gets his homemade backyard machine going. There’s a scene of time continuum. In summary, this movie is surprisingly touching to go along with some decent laughs and drama. Plus, the science fiction back story isn’t so bad either. Turns out life is worth living after all and we’re still in charge of the direction we want ours to go.