Safety Not Guaranteed

Believe it or not, the inspiration for the film Safety Not Guaranteed is a real classified ad which appeared in the back of a magazine stating the following: “WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me.  This is not a joke.  You’ll get paid after we get back.  Must bring your own weapons.  Safety not guaranteed.  I have only done this once before.”  It’s the kind of bizarre ad that makes you laugh at first, but then maybe wonder if he’s really serious or knows some secret that the rest of us don’t.  Of course we all know that time travel hasn’t been invented, so what kind of person would place such an ad? 
This film explores that question to comedic effect.  A local magazine writer and his two interns decide to do research on the man who placed the ad, just to have an interesting story to write about.  Aubrey Plaza plays Darius, the intern who decides to respond to it and report what happens.  At first, the man (Mark Duplass) who placed the ad does appear to be a bit eccentric and possibly out of his mind.  Yet, he’s very grounded and serious about what he believes.  So much so that it causes Darius to wonder if he’s really crazy after all or maybe just has information that the rest of us don’t.
While the bulk of the movie is filled with humorous scenes showing the two of them training for their important mission and taking on important tasks to acquire the proper materials, it also shows how they become close with one another and form a strong bond together.  It’s a nice balance of silliness mixed with heart.  Aubrey Plaza (best known from the TV show Parks and Recreation) is the type of girl who’s so smug and sarcastic most of the time that on the rare occasion she smiles it truly lights up a room.  She’s someone that if you were able to bring a genuine display of happiness out of her it would feel like a great accomplishment.  And that’s what makes her perfect for the role.  We follow her as she goes from her initial skepticism to eventually enjoying her time with this man and becoming more and more intrigued by his unique qualities.  I recommend this movie for anyone who wants a nice escape from the typical film fare that we’re often served.  Independent films can often be counted on for that.  Safety Not Guaranteed is currently playing at the Ritz Five theatre in the Old City section of Philadelphia.

http://www.examiner.com/movie-in-philadelphia/danny-porcaro