Cast
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John Cena
as Jake “Soup” Carson
Keegan-Michael Key
as Mark
John Leguizamo
as Rodrigo
Tyler Mane
as Axe
Brianna Hildebrand
as Brynn
Christian Convery
as Will
Finley Rose Slater
as Zoey
Judy Greer
as Dr. Amy Hicks
Dennis Haysbert
as Commander Richards
Daniel Cudmore
as Burly Smoke Jumper #1
Tommy Europe
as Burly Smoke Jumper #2
Chris Webb
as Burly Smoke Jumper #3
Brad Kelly
as Burly Smoke Jumper #4
Lynda Boyd
as Patty
Jessica Garcie
as Scared Mom
Crew
Director
- Andy Fickman
Producer
- Todd Garner
- Sean Robins
Reviews
SWITCH.
Paramount has proved themselves with ‘Instant Family’ and this year's ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’, showing they can really work some magic and create really funny, wholesome, heartwarming live action family films, and ‘Playing with Fire’ could have been in that bunch if it wasn’t so cheap and derivative. While Cena charms, the rest of the film isn’t that hot.
- Chris dos Santos
Read Chris' full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-playing-with-fire-put-out-this-flaming-mess
Nov 26, 2019
JPV852
Perfectly harmless movie squarely aimed at kids, but I did manage to chuckle a few times even with the overacting. Also helps that I do genuinely like the cast, John Cena and Keegan-Michael Key. Nothing I'd be keen on watching again, but still was an okay time-waster. **2.75/5**
Feb 2, 2020
Kamurai
Decent watch, probably won't watch again, and can only recommend for younger audiences.
Nickelodeon has done some weird things, and putting together this cast is one of them. It's a great cast, but it's not really what I could consider a kid's movie cast.
I don't think any kids would know Dennis Haysbert or Judy Greer, and I kind of hope they wouldn't know John Leguizamo, Keegan-Michael Key, or Brianna Hildebrand, but they might know John Cena if they know wrestling.
There is a lot of things that happen in this movie with very little happening at the same time. It's actually a sweet (if ridiculous) concept, but for most of the movie there is very little weight to it other than laughing at the misfortune of these good civil servants.
A lot of the jokes are too "grown up" without being good, or too "kiddy" for me to enjoy. I'm not saying it isn't funny for bubbles to fill a room, but context still helps (see "Just My Luck"), and using that as an example, there is actually a good sequence of misfortune right before the bubble scene that sets it up so I know they know how to do it, but they chose to do it another way.
For what should have been really good just came out decent.
Oct 23, 2020
Thematic Analysis
Playing with Fire represents a fascinating example of Family/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Andy Fickman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Playing with Fire took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $29.9 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 187 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Playing with Fire shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Firehouse Christmas, which focuses more on action than character development, Playing with Fire subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry and 119 explore similar territory, Playing with Fire stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 8, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Budget: $29,900,000
- Revenue: $69,412,425
Where to Watch
