Category: Comedy

“Scrambled”

7.7

An eggcelent film.

Reminiscent of “The Pod Generation” from last year, this one delves into the complicated, beautiful, messy dynamics of reproductive health in modern society. Leah McKendrick absolutely kills it here. Her performance, especially a tender moment in the third act alongside Vee Kumari had me on the edge of my seat and bought in from the first frame. Never have I ever expected myself to actually laugh out loud during a scene set in a miscarriage support group, but here we are… only to mere minutes later be inspired and a little misty eyed by the ensuing speech. Movie didn’t play it safe, and I appreciated that. The exploration of this territory with the necessary nuance and levity to counter the natural weight has been a renaissance of sorts.

“American Fiction”

8.6

“At least he’d be rejecting the real me.” – This line, in the context of the scene it comes from, was a gut punch for the ages.

Eccentric, esoteric, and in the end, exceptional.

I’ve been intrigued as hell about this one since I first came across the trailer. Jeffrey Wright, Sterling Brown, and Issa Rae never miss, however, this takes things to a whole other level of cerebral subtext. I’m happy to report that not only does it give “South Park” a run for its money in holding a mirror up to the occasional absurdity of our human culture, but it’s also a fabulously crafted family drama under the hood. I didn’t expect the deep emotional impact of that plot to really round out and ground a wild main plot as it did. From the first to the very last frame, I can honestly say I was in disbelief. Absolutely brilliant!

“Self Reliance”

7.8

Anna Kendrick was in it, so you know I had to watch it.

Once I dove in, I was pleasantly surprised by this one! A mix of “Squid Game,” romantic comedy, “It Follows,” and the “Purge” series… in a blender of head-scratchers. The sweet moments and genuine chemistry between Jake Johnson and pretty much every member of the cast caught me off-guard, and really added to the movie itself. Hulu’s known for sleeper hits, and this is no exception! Definitely not your typical action or romance movie, but a fun hour and a half ride!

“Detroiters”

8.5

This one walked so that “I Think You Should Leave” could run… Such a perfect balance of Michigander inside jokes and beautiful Detroit scenery alongside Tim Robinson’s insanity. Sam Richardson was such a perfect pairing, along with pretty much every member of the supporting cast. I have no idea how I missed this one for so long, and now feel sad that it only lasted two seasons. Wonderfully weird lightning in a bottle.

“Slap Shot”

6.9

The hockey version of “Major League”… about a decade before “Major League.” A lot less polished, but just as much ridiculousness, charm, and laughs. I had forgotten just how off the rails this movie gets, but for those who love the game of hockey there’s an undeniable charm about it… in between cringe moments that remind you that the movie was made almost 50 years ago.

A fun classic film night at the theater with this one!