Matt Greene
Nobly, Wain is trying something new here; unfortunately it jumps awkwardly between a stylistic & dramatic punk rock film, & a traditional biopic, leaning on cliched storytelling tropes that he would normally lampoon. Even the funniest stuff is all old National Lampoon creations, not film originals. The stunt casting is fun (especially Daly's Murray), but the bad makeup & wigs, filmmaking insecurity & Forte's unnuanced lead performance just point to Wain not quite having a control over the material.
marno76
I will try to keep it short and simple.
The acting here is super good and the movie made me feel as If I were there. I think they made a good job in creating the vibe and the atmosphere of those times. It sure helps the those super strange guys are played by a great ensemble of today's finest comedian. I didn't know about Doug who clearly is the center and the most developed character but I am glad to have learned about him. This movie is a honest homage to him and his craft.
markj-02556
A Futile and Stupid Gesture is about the creation of the National Lampoon brand and its creator Doug Kenney. This film follows Doug through his extraordinary heights and lows of his life in the comedy business. This film is directed by David Wain (Role Models), Wrote by Michael Colton and John Aboud (Penguins of Madagascar). It stars Will Forte (Nebraska) as Doug Kenney, Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina) and Martin Mull (Clue) as The Narrator. Along with a great line up of stellar comedians. What I liked about this film was it's direction and in my opinion pitch perfect interpretations of famous actors and directors. I really enjoyed Joel McHale as Chevy Chase and Will Forte as Doug Kenney. Most of the jokes are funny as well especially the ones featuring famous scenes in films and how they came about. My favorite scene would have to be the ending though which for someone who didn't know the story actually had me tearing up a bit. But some of the jokes do not hit for me, along with a dive in quality in the middle of the film which makes it last forever. means that it certainly isn't comic genius.However I do like this film and think you should watch it. Its a bit rough around the edges but it means well and for fans of National Lampoon films, this fil is defiantly for you.7/10
adonis98-743-186503
In the 1970s and '80s, National Lampoon's success and influence creates a new media empire overseen in part by the brilliant and troubled Doug Kenney. Fans of National Lampoon won't be disappointed from this film but for someone who never found this movies masterpieces this movie was off and gross plus boring as hell. The main leads were retards and the comedic elements weren't even that funny, A Futile and Stupid Gesture is the perfect example of a January film i'm afraid. (0/10)
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