I watched this movie because my dad wanted to watch it and I wanted to, too.
This film is about the creation of National Lampoon and the life of Douglas Kenny.
I have never read Lampoon. I have only ever seen Christmas Vacation.
With that being said,
The film is incredibly funny.
Both my dad and I were expecting it to be bad, unwatchable even. Mostly due to both of your “realist” (read: pessimist but nice) world view. However, this film exceeded expectations by miles!
Will Forte is the lead of this film. I’ve only seen Will in a few things, but I’ve liked him well enough, in this film however, he’s incredibly funny, empathic, and is clearly having a good time making the movie.
Domhnall Gleeson is plays Henry Beard and it took me quite sometime to recognize him. Big ups Domhnall!
The cast is rounded out by actors that I kept saying “Oh, no, this guys really funny,” or “ I know them from someplace, they’re always really good” to my dad.
This is to say stellar supporting cast!
Joel McHale plays Chevy Chase, a perfect meta textual casting choice. He nails the mannerisms and attitude. AND THEY WERE BOTH IN THAT ONE SHOW TOGETHER:
FLETCH!
How pissed was Joel when John Hamm got the Fletch reboot instead of him?
The film follows the creation of a comedy empire and if you’re in the comedic arts at all it’s bound to get you revved up and maybe even feeling bad about that pilot you haven’t finished yet.
It made me miss having consistent collaborators the way I did in my early twenties, but also I made me remember that most people in their early twenties are idiots.
As far as themes go, I think it’s an incredibly sweet film that doesn’t romanticize mental health issues, but instead suggests that one should seek help if they need it. Which is refreshing especially considering this about the guy that made Animal House.
The movie is an hour and a half, is funny, and perfect if you’re a comedy fan as well as a fan of comedy.