Remember When Movies Were Good?

Ah, the nostalgia! You know that feeling when you hear someone lamenting that they don’t make movies like they used to? It’s a chant echoed by critics, award show voters, and even those debate-happy Letterboxd users. The vibe takes us back to the golden days of Hollywood, where charming middlebrow dramas ruled the cinematic landscape—think the ’80s, ’90s, and even into the mid-2000s. But now? Well, it seems the tentpole blockbusters have pushed those feel-good flicks to the sidelines.

James L. Brooks Returns

For those who grew up watching these flicks, it’s a warm blanket of memories—unless you were making them, like the legendary James L. Brooks, who has some shiny Oscars thanks to classics like Broadcast News and As Good as It Gets. But let’s not ignore how he was also there to witness the downfall of the dramedy with duds like Spanglish and How Do You Know, which wiltingly faded into obscurity.

The Ella McCay Experience

Fast forward to Brooks’ latest venture at the age of 85: Ella McCay. Unfortunately, this film feels more like a sad echo of his former glories rather than a triumphant comeback. With a title reminiscent of old-school character-driven dramas like Erin Brockovich or Jerry Maguire, it’s designed to reflect a time when viewers were more eager to engage with these narrative gems. Emma Mackey leads the charge in Ella McCay, and boy, does she have what it takes to shine! She brings to life the struggles of an all-American gal trying to navigate the murky waters of a world that feels as condescending as it did back in the day. There’s a sprinkle of Mary Tyler Moore in her performance, mixing charm with a dash of sass.

Auntie to the Rescue!

One of the film’s brighter spots is the lively ensemble cast, especially Jamie Lee Curtis as Ella’s Aunt Helen. Her character tumbles through a delightful blend of no-nonsense grit and sunshine, aptly guiding Ella through the chaos. But hold your applause! When Ella steps out of Aunt Helen’s cozy abode, things get a bit wobbly. The film loses steam, frequently veering off into irrelevant subplots and supporting characters that even Brooks’ script can’t infuse with humor.

Political Shenanigans and Family Drama

We meet Ella as a lieutenant governor—what a title! In 2009, no less, a time when folks supposedly still liked one another. Her rise to power is riddled with potholes, mainly because the men in her life are making it all feel like a circus. Her husband Ryan, played by Jack Lowden, is just a bit clueless about how nepotism works, but hey, he’s good at long lunches. And as big news looms about the governor snagging a position in the Obama cabinet, Ella is drowning in no shortage of personal drama. Now, if juggling the challenges of her political life wasn’t enough, there’s the fun little flashback where we meet her not-so-stellar dad, played by Woody Harrelson. Add a whimsical twist with her little brother Casey—a guy so into sports betting he hasn’t left the house in ages—and you’ve got a recipe for… well, confusion more than comedy.

What Went Wrong?

As Ella McCay tries to untangle itself, it awkwardly decides to pause for laughter that just doesn’t hit the mark. Each attempt at humor feels like it belongs in a different universe—perhaps one where sitcoms from the ‘90s roamed free. The film aims for screwball energy, but all we get is an odd blend of misplaced attempts at witticism.

Is This a Shine or a Shrug?

So here we are, stuck between a blast from the past and a fumbling present. The film pays homage to the underdogs trying to make a mark, yet it feels like it was stitched together during a power outage. While some performances stand tall—looking at you, Curtis and Brooks—the rest struggle under the weight of endless clichés.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes it’s a bummer that they don’t make flicks like they used to. But, on the flip side, maybe it’s a relief. After all, who wants to sit through another half-baked homage to yesteryear with a questionable punchline? Ella McCay is zooming into theaters on December 12th, so if you’re itching for nostalgia, you might just want to think twice before climbing on board this train!