Useless Humans

Useless Humans is a 2020 sci-fi comedy film starring Josh Zuckerman, Rushi Kota, and Davida Williams, all of whom bring energetic performances to an altogether unpredictable tale. This lighthearted romp through the sci-fi genre is both engaging and hilarious, with an underlying degree of poignant societal commentary.

The movie centers around the character Brian Skaggs, portrayed by Josh Zuckerman, a 30-year-old slacker who is considered to be an overall failure by his family and friends. Brian's character is complex: he lives comfortably within the realm of his underachievements, often seen shirking responsibilities and avoiding adult commitments. He still adheres to the fantasies of his teenage years, reminiscent of the very reason he's living the unimpressive life he leads.

However, on the evening of his 30th birthday, his world is shaken up like a soda can set to burst. His childhood friends—Alex (Davida Williams), a convincing and ambitious woman with a knack for leading in crisis situations, and Louis (Rushi Kota), a lighthearted character with some unexpected skills—arrive to celebrate, and they're not alone. An unexpected visitor from another galaxy also decides to drop in.

The movie Useless Humans effectively transforms Brian's low-key birthday into a frenzied struggle for survival against an other-worldly threat. The party setting soon becomes sci-fi’s most favorite trope: an enclosed space where humans have to confront an alien menace. Armed with nothing but their resourcefulness, the friends must now fight the extraterrestrial being to save earth. The main characters now have to put their lackluster lives on hold and seek within themselves the strength they need to avert a catastrophic outcome.

A fascinating character introduced to ignite more comedy into the plot is Zuckerman's character's quirky friend Zach, played by Luke Youngblood, who runs an unusual business of selling exotic animals. Zach's eccentric personality injects whimsical humor and lifts the overall pace of the film.

One of the film's charms is its ability to balance tension with humor. While the threat the characters face is deadly, the inconsistent bunch’s efforts to battle it are often hilariously incompetent. As the plot unfolds, it’s filled with laughter, shivering anticipation, and ultimately, an unforgettable adventure as our heroes grapple with the task handed to them against all odds.

The title ‘Useless Humans’ boldly remarks on the underachieving, everyday, content in mediocrity humans, especially in their depth of incompetence. Each of the main characters is, in some way, negligible in the face of their lives before the alien invasion. The film constructs around them a narrative that pushes them to step up and redefine their significance, becoming the unlikely saviors of the world.

Useless Humans is unique in its dedication to botched heroics, clumsy teamwork, and how it celebrates underdogs rising to an overwhelming challenge. Despite the film's focus on comedy, director Stephen Ohl doesn't forget the heart of the story—honing in on the friendships between the humans and their evolution throughout the journey. While the absurdity is amped up at every opportunity, the emotional arcs come across as genuinely human and relatable.

What adds to the effectiveness of Useless Humans is its stellar cast. Zuckerman, best known for roles in 90210 and Austin & Ally, shines in his portrayal of Brian. They each manage to deliver eccentric characters that balance both the humorous and tense moments that are scattered all throughout the film.

All in all, the movie presents a comedic representation of a scary sci-fi scenario wrapped up in a heartwarming tale of friendship and personal development. It's a funky and delightful spin on the battle of humans against unforeseen forces, with an underlying commentary for our lives. Useless Humans presents an engaging storyline alongside fun, eccentric characters—a blend that ensures the viewers a joyride from start to end.