REVIEW: “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” (2026)

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Sam Rockwell, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his playful energy, stars in Gore Verbinski’s new and delightfully quirky film, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die.” It’s Verbinski’s first movie since the 2016 psychological thriller “A Cure for Wellness,” but this one is a very different experience. From the very beginning, it’s clear that everyone involved had a lot of fun making it.

The film fits into many genres – science fiction, comedy, action, and horror all apply. However, at its heart, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” is a sharp and critical commentary on today’s obsession with social media and selfies. Our society’s constant connection to the digital world provides director Verbinski and writer Matthew Robinson with plenty of material for their satire.

The story opens on a bustling night at Norm’s diner, just outside Los Angeles. At precisely 10:10 PM, a man in strange clothes bursts in, claiming to be a time traveler. Though we never learn his name, the actor Rockwell portrays him with a sarcastic edge and a clear sense of desperation. He tells the shocked customers that he’s come back in time to warn them about a coming disaster – and to stop it from happening.

The stranger then described how society collapsed as people became consumed by the online world. Throughout his story, Verbinski and Robinson subtly critique our current culture, which is increasingly influenced by screens rather than genuine human connection. The diners, like many of us, largely dismiss his warnings, and understandably so, as his tale becomes increasingly unbelievable.

There’s this guy who keeps showing up at the diner, and he says it’s the 118th time he’s given this exact same speech to all of us regulars. He believes he needs to find a specific group of people in this diner to help save the world. The weird thing is, he says there are 47 of us here, and he hasn’t figured out the right combination yet. Apparently, if he doesn’t get the perfect team, his mission will fail. It’s pretty strange, but I find myself hoping he finds who he’s looking for.

This installment features Mark and Janet, two teachers haunted by a disturbing experience at their school. We also meet Susan, who is acting strangely after a personal loss, and Ingrid, a troubled party entertainer who has an unusual allergy to technology. Each character gets their own flashback, revealing a bizarre and captivating story about their past.

The less you know about where this movie goes, the better. Just be prepared for a wild ride! Rockwell is fantastic, providing a charming and quirky center to all the chaos. Richardson is equally impressive, playing a funny and layered character who could easily carry her own film. Add in a world-ending AI, masked villains, and a skyscraper-sized mythical creature – it’s a movie unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Despite all the humor and craziness, there’s a worthwhile message hidden within the film. The director exaggerates things for effect, but the movie offers a lot of insightful commentary. While the plot isn’t always easy to follow, it’s incredibly fun and genuinely funny, with clever writing and nods to classic horror films like “Night of the Living Dead” and “The Terminator.” What’s most impressive is how the director constantly surprises you with bold choices – not all of them work, but when they do, it’s fantastic. “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” arrives in theaters on February 13th.

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2026-01-28 21:58