A FUTILE AND STUPID GESTURE (2018)

Directed By: David Wain 
Written By: John Abound & Michael Colton 
Based On The Book By: Josh Karp 
Cinematography By: David Atkinson 
Editor: David Egan, Jamie Gross & Robert Nassau

Cast: Martin Mull, Will Forte, Joel McHale, Camille Guaty, Domnhall Gleeson, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Lennon, Mark Metcalfe, Emmy Rossum, Max Greenfield, Annette O’Toole, Harry Groener, Carla Gallo, Rick Overton, David Krumholtz, Mitch Hurwitz, Matt lucas, Lonny Ross, Joe Lo Truglio, Finn Wittrock, Rich Sommer 

An old version of humorist Douglas Kenney tells the story of how he and Henry Beard parleyed their success in their campus magazine, Harvard Lampoon, into the commercial magazine, National Lampoon. Drawing upon their checkered lives and an aggressively puckish sense of humor, the pair created a publication that would redefine American comedy with outrageous drollery that grabbed the zeitgeist of the decade that expanded across various media. Unfortunately, for all his success, Doug Kenney with his overhanging insecurities, ego and irresponsible appetites began to consume him until he alienates everyone who ever cared and supported him even as they imitated him. In the end, this iconoclastic funnyman would come to a tragedy that comes when your comedy doesn't have enough distance.



The film for all of it’s respect and worship for the subject comes in a little to on the nose. One is happy it was made and obviously done as a labor of love. Though feels kind of centered and small. Even as you will love the cast.

For comedy fans it is like a re-enactment that doesn’t add anything it some break the fourth wall jokes and amusing anecdotes by recognizable comedic actors and for those not informed it comes across as an information filled comedy that unfortunately plays like a low budget R rated production of a biography that looks more suited for a cable channel and not one of the major ones.

The film seems to think it’s smarter than it actually is especially in the third act revelation. I believe the direction is ok but as it plays too close to being a fan it also sometimes lacks nuance. As it seems more directed at Gags and anecdotes. So that when the drama comes in it feels misdirected. Though that might be a choice as it seems in their lives there was so much comedy when reality and drama comes in it throws everyone off.

While it is a joy to see Martin Mull thought he seems more there as a device then a necessity. Even if acknowledging it. Instill at times feels like a trick though one that is needed.

In fact that is the problem with the movie it tries too hard at times to capture the joking spirit of it’s Subjects with subversion. Intentionally hiring actors who look nothing like their famous counterparts. So it seems More like dress up half the time. Though Joel McHale as Chevy Chase seems to get more screen time and is ironic as he co-starred with chase for many seasons on the show COMMUNITY. Which is just one of many inside jokes the film seems to have.

Domnhall Gleeson gives the best performance not necessarily the best material as he is virtually unrecognizable in his role as Henry street the straight man and more responsible out of the dynamic duo.

Thomas Lennon is memorable as Michael O’donoghue but he was such a memorable and iconic character.

Will Forte is always likeable on screen and can enjoy seeing him play the leading role. Making Doug Kenny more charismatic and feels more loved in and alive.

It brings together cast memeber who have been part of Sketch comedy and improv comedy groups such as UPRIGHT CITIZEN'S BRIGADE, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE and THE STATE.

Being a fan watching the documentary on the subject and reading the book about Doug Kenney and even Michael O’Donoghue feel a little too close or knowledgeable about the subject to be an objective viewer. As a bunch of the characters are comedic legends I look up to and always find fascinating.

This film is a valentine to it’s subject and it shows. So you can’t exactly hate it for trying and wearing it’s emotions on it’s sleeve. While it might be revelatory it seems more based on reenactments and offers behind the scenes reveals of movies and moments in comedy you remember or are a fan of and while the film offers some comedic moments of it’s own. Nothing comes off as that memorable.

I believe the film will be informative and fun for those who wouldn’t necessarily read the books or watch the documentary. There just seems to be a bigger movie in here somewhere, especially with so many subjects and history to cover.


Grade: C+