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Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

Films that depend on the interlocking of different story lines are always treading on dangerous terrains. I can only think of a few films that manage to thrive through such a formula. Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia" and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "Amores Perros" manages to take disparate plots and various characters and unite them in a manner that does not make it seem like a gimmick. Perhaps one can cite Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" as a successful employment of this type of narrative, although; his is more closely attributed to serial pulp novels. But these are the few exceptions for often than not, they are disasters waiting to happen. The seminal film that proves this is Paul Haggis's highly overrated film "Crash," where various story lines and characters intersect each other in the heart of Los Angeles, by way of chance and coincidence, makes the film a shallow and misinformed reading of racism. By attempting to encompass everything and everyone in Los Angeles, it ultimately has nothing to say about its themes and subjects. Similarly, "Answers to Nothing" falls victim to such a narrative ploy, While I give the film credit for not wholly attempting to shamelessly delve into racial politics, but like "Crash," it fails to say much about anything. Although the various narrative threads are united by the case of a missing girl, they do not necessarily coalesce narratively or thematically. The film's protagonist Ryan, played by Dane Cook, is caught in the terrain of uncertainty through his infidelity. His girlfriend Kate is direction-less and preoccupied with having a child. Drew is a woman who has been sober for six months. She takes care of her handicapped brother. We later find out they got in a car accident after she had too much to drink. Carter is an elementary school teacher who is the moral compass of the film, even though he spends most of his free time playing MMO games. Allegra, a beautiful African- American woman, sees a therapist because she hates "black people." There are more characters and story lines than I can count, all somehow insignificantly connected to the other. Yet, they all don't coalesce into a coherent narrative. While it is better than "Crash," in that it doesn't rely on the idea of coincidence and chance to propel the story and affect the characters, it is still direction-less and hollow. The characters try hard in becoming empathetic but the story offers little to relate. The only meaningful character in the film, which so happens to be tied to the missing girl, is Carter. There seems to be a purpose and profundity in his character. It is a shame that there are not more characters as well constructed as him. I commend the film for attempting this type of narrative. Like "Crash," it is set in Los Angeles. However, unlike that film, it doesn't become a caricature of an entire city. "Answers to Nothing" is not a total disaster but it is further proof that this type of narrative is difficult to accomplish successfully.

An interesting character study set in Los Angeles. Its hard to get past the idea of Dane Cook as a psychoanalyst/psychologist and leading man. However, props to him for going outside of his comfort zone and trying to tackle his role as Ryan. Definitely worth a look to see his attempt at this serious role. The most moving story and interactions in this film involved Drew (Miranda Bailey), Erik (Vincent Ventresca), and Kate (Elizabeth Mitchell). The whole marathon scene was amazing! Maybe a little bit expected for the critically jaded movie audiences, but a moving portrayal of struggle and victory none-the-less. An undeniable triumph. Barbra Hershey fans will enjoy her appearance as she plays a small role as Ryan's (Dane Cook) mom. This film has its moments of entertainment but also lives up to its title. A nihilistic drama that tries to deliver a happy ending; a conflicted movie. Its an existential kidnapping mystery movie with careless affairs thrown in for good measure, and an odd mix of self-loathing that will surprise you.

I was blown away at how raw and honest this film was. It dealt with real, difficult issues that most, if not all people can relate to. There are affairs, disabilities, prejudice, and a kidnapping. Each main character is likable yet broken, and each are changed by how their lives intertwine. Each actor does a fantastic job, with the exception of Dane Cook, who I think had a calculated somewhat forced performance. Overall, this film is touching and convicting. It challenges the audience to look at their own lives and to take action where it is needed to end injustice. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you feel like your life is stagnant and needs some motivation.

Answers to Nothing is a complicated tapestry of seemingly disparate threads that ultimately come together in moving and honest ways. All of the actors do a tremendous job bringing authenticity and conviction to their roles, especially Dane Cook and Mark Kelly. The music is beautiful and provides a colorful backdrop to the unfolding narratives. There are so many emotional states present in this film - many of which are constantly shifting and evolving - and the result is a truthful meditation on the hard work it takes to live with honesty and commitment. I highly recommend this film - since it has aspects of many different genres and has so many unique characters, there's something in it for everyone.