Being small is a big deal.

Hosting parties every day, relaxing at home instead of working, and living the rich life of one’s dreams are all part of reality in Leisureland.

In a land where big problems disappear and there’s no stress, it’s easy to forget one is five inches tall, until they see a vodka bottle on its side with a faucet at a party.

Despite the lack of a strong political message, science fiction comedy-drama “Downsizing” is a worthwhile film that features funny, mesmerizing scenes and a charming storyline.

In theaters since Dec. 22,  the film stars Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau, Kristen Wiig and Rolf Lassgård.

“Downsizing,” a procedure that shrinks people to a height of five inches, is a solution for lack of resources caused by overpopulation.

Although it is part of the plotline, global climate and issues are not primary focuses. Characters and their development throughout the movie is a bigger, important aspect.

Damon and Wiig play Paul and Audrey Safranek, a couple from Omaha who decide to downsize to improve their lives. Downsizing, in addition to helping

the planet, is also a stress reliever and a chance to start over. Money is worth more, and resources are cheaper.

Convinced by the benefits, Paul and Audrey move to the Leisureland community, a so-called “paradise,” for those who downsized. Audrey’s sudden withdrawal from shrinking right before the process leaves Paul on his own to start over in Leisureland.

A question constantly tested is how far Paul is willing to go to become rich and help the environment.

The film has important, benevolent, complex and compelling characters such as Ngoc Lan Tran, played by Chau, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Ngoc Lan speaks with a strong Vietnamese accent and is a dissident who also had her leg amputated.

Living in the most impoverished parts of the downsized community, she is an activist and able to care for herself and is eager to help everyone and anyone, despite having a disability.

Ngoc Lan has a sense of purpose in life, is determined and not afraid to convey her thoughts — a character most movies do not include or highlight.

Paul’s character falls a little bit short of expectations, though.

He seems adamant about his decisions but lacks his own point of view, instead following others.

Nonetheless, how he loves to help others is admirable, and he is funny. It’s interesting to see what decisions he makes next.

Downsizing also provides an appropriate and amazing opportunity to film from unique angles.

The cinematography is enthralling and captivates audiences with its special effects.

The details enhance the difference between life-size and downsized objects and it’s amusing to see that difference, such as seeing dandelions towering over people and Dave Johnson, Paul’s high school friend, sitting on a snack box in the kitchen while talking about the benefits of downsizing.

“Downsizing” is a worthy movie to sit in with parents and eat with popcorn that will guarantee laughs. It is rated R for language, drug use and nudity.