Poolman

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2:28

Poolman

R

Released May 10, 2024

1h 40m

Comedy

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

24%

Tomatometer

59 Reviews

20%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Verified Ratings

In Chris Pine's feature directorial debut, Poolman tells the story of Darren Barrenman (Pine), a native Angeleno who spends his days looking after the pool of the Tahitian Tiki apartment block and fighting to make his hometown a better place to live. When he is tasked by a femme fatale to uncover the truth behind a shady business deal, Darren enlists the help of friends to take on a corrupt politician and a greedy land developer. His investigation reveals a hidden truth about his beloved city and himself. The film also stars Annette Bening, Danny DeVito, Jennifer Jason Leigh, DeWanda Wise, Stephen Tobolowsky, John Ortiz and Ray Wise.

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Critics Consensus

First-time director Chris Pine has clearly watched and loved numerous classic L.A.-based neo-noir comedies; unfortunately, Poolman suggests he'd have been better off not trying to add his own entry to the genre.

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Steve Rose

Guardian

Chris Pine is usually a likable screen presence but he’s let down here by a flimsy script and over-indulgent direction -- which could have something to do with the co-screenwriter (Chris Pine) and the first-time director (er, Chris Pine).

Rated: 1/5

Jun 26, 2024

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Emily Zemler

Observer

I’m sure Pine meant well. He probably had a good idea and couldn’t execute it. An incredibly stoned person wouldn’t be able to decipher Poolman—and neither can a general audience.

Rated: 1/4

May 15, 2024

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Claudia Puig

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It's fun! Yes, I was almost pushed to the edge a few times, but it's fun if you don't expect too much.

May 15, 2024

Full Review

Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

Very much in the Long Goodbye/Big Lebowski/Inherent Vice tradition of stoned L.A. mystery-solving.

Dec 12, 2024

Full Review

Katie Hogan

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

Poolman hits the story beats found in any crime mystery with a few added random surprises.

Nov 13, 2024

Full Review

John Serba

Decider

Pine tries Atlmanesque overlapping dialogue, surreal-dream indulgences, love-letter shots of L.A., bleached noir strokes... and madcap Coen Bros. homages that are such comedic failures you’ll want to rename the movie Burn After Watching.

Nov 12, 2024

Full Review

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ALR

God awful movie, I had to walk out after 45 minutes

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/19/24

Full Review

Daniel R

I liked it. My girlfriend didn't get it and was bored. The thing to realize about thus movie is that if you're not familiar with Chinatown, you'll miss half of it.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/15/24

Full Review

Peggy

I didnt k ow what it really was going in but love the cast. Its different but I like the craziness and lightness to it. A little confused on the way out but left with a smile.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/12/24

Full Review

eileen r

Terrible...no cohesion between characters and plot. Hard to follow plot.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

05/11/24

Full Review

ME R

The characters are fantastic in this movie. They needed a better plot, but it is worth seeing for Darren, Jack and Diane alone.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/13/24

Full Review

vxf111

I'm lowkey upset that I put myself through this.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/10/24

Full Review

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Chris Pine

Director

Chris Pine

Darren Barrenman

Danny DeVito

Jack

Annette Bening

Diane

Ray Wise

Van Patterson

Juliet Mills

Mrs Van Patterson

Poolman: Exclusive Movie Clip - Packing the Car

1:49

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Poolman: Trailer 1

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Poolman: Teaser Trailer

1:51

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Synopsis

In Chris Pine's feature directorial debut, Poolman tells the story of Darren Barrenman (Pine), a native Angeleno who spends his days looking after the pool of the Tahitian Tiki apartment block and fighting to make his hometown a better place to live. When he is tasked by a femme fatale to uncover the truth behind a shady business deal, Darren enlists the help of friends to take on a corrupt politician and a greedy land developer. His investigation reveals a hidden truth about his beloved city and himself. The film also stars Annette Bening, Danny DeVito, Jennifer Jason Leigh, DeWanda Wise, Stephen Tobolowsky, John Ortiz and Ray Wise.

Director: Chris Pine
Producer: Ian Gotler, Patty Jenkins, Chris Pine, Stacey Sher
Screenwriter: Ian Gotler, Chris Pine
Distributor: Vertical
Production Co: Shiny Penny, Barry Linen Motion Pictures, Catchlight Studios, Brickell & Broadbridge International (BBI), Wicious Pictures
Rating: R (Some Language|Brief Sexuality)
Genre: Comedy, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 10, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 31, 2024
Runtime: 1h 40m

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