Key Takeaways
- Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins reacted to the "Digger" teaser and reviewed two new releases.
- Bradley Cooper's "Is This Thing On?" was deemed a baffling misstep, questioned for its motivation.
- James L. Brooks' "Ella McCay" received strong criticism for its confusing plot and execution.
- The hosts highlighted ten underseen and overlooked films of the year across various genres.
Deep Dive
- Hosts reacted to the teaser trailer for Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s "Digger," starring Tom Cruise.
- The film’s tagline, "a comedy of catastrophic proportions," and its Saul Bass-inspired poster were discussed.
- One host noted Cruise’s departure from franchise films; speculation arose about potential festival premieres.
- Bradley Cooper’s "Is This Thing On?" was described as baffling, with a narrative shift after an hour focused on Will Arnett’s character.
- Comedic performances and the film’s depiction of stand-up comedy were questioned, noting a lack of audience engagement.
- The ease of Arnett's character appearing at the notable Comedy Cellar and excessive focus on his physique were critiqued.
- Discussion shifted to James L. Brooks' new film "Ella McCay," detailing its cast and logline about a young woman becoming governor.
- Both hosts expressed disappointment, calling the film a "disaster" despite initial hopes for a strong, female-centered story.
- The film’s specific yet unfocused narrative and Emma Mackey’s performance were criticized.
- The execution of "Ella McCay" was critiqued for its bizarre and misshapen tone, joke writing, and editing, likened to a sitcom.
- Earnest performances clashed with "silly, gimmicky" elements, such as the 'tooth tutors' subplot, creating a confusing experience.
- The film attempts to address political idealism versus bureaucratic reality, contrasting with Brooks' previous works like "Terms of Endearment."
- Further criticism was leveled at "Ella McCay" for its portrayal of Kumail Nanjiani’s character concerned with overtime budgets.
- The film’s literal and "dumb" depiction of trauma, including Julie Kavner’s narration, was highlighted.
- Jack Louden’s performance as the husband and a plot point where he writes a check to a reporter undermined the film's credibility.
- The film's resolution, where Ella resigns as governor after three days to pass a child health bill, was deemed problematic.
- The film’s odd tone and ending were contrasted with the emotional depth of "Broadcast News."
- A theory suggests "Ella McCay" was made to secure another "Simpsons" movie from James L. Brooks, scheduled for 2027.
- "The Plague," an upsetting body horror movie about a water polo camp, is set for Christmas release, featuring Everett Blunk and Joel Edgerton.
- "Eternity," a high-concept romantic comedy similar to "Defending Your Life," stars Elizabeth Olsen choosing between two husbands in the afterlife.
- Hosts highlighted "The Plague"'s remarkable sound design and "Eternity"'s strong setup, despite mixed feelings on overall execution.
- "Urchin," the directorial debut of actor Harris Dickinson, available on VOD, follows Mike's journey to overcome substance abuse in London.
- "Ohio," directed by Sophie Brooks and starring Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, explores a young couple's self-discovery on a getaway.
- "Unbecoming a Guinea Fowl," a 2024 festival film by Zambian filmmaker Rangano Nyoni, distributed by A24, follows perplexing familial interactions.
- "Megadoc," by Mike Figgis, provides extensive access to Francis Ford Coppola during the making of "Megalopolis."
- "Influencers," a sequel by Curtis David Harder, explores online culture, social media, and digital spycraft with an AI component.
- "The Wedding Banquet," a remake directed by Andrew Ann, features Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Kelly Marie Tran in a fake marriage plot.