In life, it’s often the small moments that bring us joy; take, for instance, the genuine delight that Matthew McConaughey expressed while watching the trailer for the film Tiptoes for the very first time.
McConaughey’s illustrious career took a pivotal turn in 2011 with his role in Killer Joe, positioning him as a multi-dimensional actor known for both his charisma and intensity. This newfound acclaim paved the way for remarkable performances in films such as Magic Mike and The Wolf of Wall Street, along with leading roles in Mud, Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen.
Prior to 2010, however, McConaughey was primarily recognized as a romantic comedy icon, starring in hit films like Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Failure to Launch, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. His filmography also includes some unexpected titles that might have slipped your mind, such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, Reign of Fire, and Tropic Thunder.
How to Watch Tiptoes
If you’re curious about experiencing Tiptoes, it’s easily accessible on platforms like The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Freevee. For those who prefer an ad-free experience, the film is available for purchase or rental on digital platforms such as Amazon.
What Exactly is Tiptoes?
The brainchild of director Matthew Bright, Tiptoes emerged from his imagination at the tender age of 18, conceived as a “raucous comedy about little people.” The narrative centers on Steven (played by McConaughey), who finds love with Carol (Kate Beckinsale). Their romance takes an unexpected turn when they discover that Steven’s family is predominantly composed of dwarfs, raising questions about their future child’s genetic inheritance.
In the film, McConaughey’s twin brother is portrayed by Gary Oldman, while Peter Dinklage plays Rolfe’s friend, Maurice, and Patricia Arquette stars as Maurice’s girlfriend, Lucy.
During an episode of the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, McConaughey shared his reaction upon viewing the film’s trailer for the first time. His laughter was infectious as he marveled at the film’s unique concept, stating, “It doesn’t look real, but damn, that’s a good trailer. That goes for it.”
Despite its wild premise, McConaughey emphasized the film’s balance of humor and heartfelt moments: “It was anarchic; it still had some heart to it… this is bringing together two worlds: high comedy, but if we straight-face this, it could be really funny and also make you drop a tear.”
Critics, unfortunately, did not share the same enthusiasm. Tiptoes faced intense backlash upon release, with some labeling it one of the worst films in cinematic history. However, it’s important to note that the available 90-minute cut is not the original. The director’s cut premiered at the Butt-Numb-a-Thon festival in 2003 and ran for 150 minutes, a version that Dinklage later described as “gorgeous.”
After the festival, Bright was removed from the project, leading to a re-edit that resulted in the shorter version, which the filmmaker has publicly disowned. Presently, this version holds a mere 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Nonetheless, fans remain hopeful that the original cut may eventually see the light of day.
While you’re exploring the world of cinema, don’t forget to check out other new movies premiering this month and our curated list of the best films of 2024 so far.
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