Reviews

The chemistry between the leads is what propels this series. They're both hilarious people, and the series really leans into that. The pacing is slow, but I appreciated how it segues into the main conflict in the later episodes. Amazing cameos from Sarah Paulson, Parker Posey, John Turturro, and more.

I think what lacks is the coherence of the plot in the first half of the series. It almost feels like a deadly Broad City, two inept people stumbling around and messing up as much as possible. Glover has a flirty nature that works, and it's some of his best dramatic work I've seen. It's Maya Erskine that shines though. She's hilarious, deadpan when needed, and she has vulnerability that makes the series as a whole unique for a spy thriller.

In tone, it's more romantic dramedy than anything. It has obvious nods to the Pitt-Jolie film (the fight between John and Jane in the finale was amazing!), but it has its own unique plane. The therapy episode is well written and Sarah Paulson is a highlight. I would love to see a second season.

Awkwafina and Sandra Oh are both in top comedic form in a surprisingly sweet and funny film. It's breezy, it's a bit basic in plot and structure, but that's not a bad thing, and it's well done. The two lead actress' chemistry is easily the best part. These are two capable women adding believability to characters that could come off as stereotypes.

Awkwafina is against type as the straitlaced Anne, and brings a surprising amount of depth to what could otherwise be a very boring role. If anyone has any doubts about her dramatic chops (first go watch The Farewell), her monologue about an unfortunate incident in Burbank makes what could be a desperate reach for laughs into an oddly poignant moment for the film, and she sells it very well.

Sandra Oh had always had comedic prowess, since her small but scene stealing role in Princess Diaries and her hilarious turn in Sideways. Her character Jenny is the wild child big sister who paved her own path from the get go, and provides many of the film's funniest moments. I've always been a fan of Oh, and I'm so glad to see how sharp she is with better material then Grey's Anatomy.

The supporting cast is mostly great, especially Sarah Paulson's biggest fan Holland Taylor as Anne's grumpy neighbor, though the role did seem a bit pointless. Jason Schwartzman has always played pompous very well, and he's in top form here. Will Ferrell was doing Diet Buddy the Elf, and you can take that however you want to. He's like fries from Wendy's, fine. I was more thrilled with cameos from Tony Hale, Maria Bamford, and the late Paul Reubens.

I was impressed with the amount of heart the script is able to balance between the sentimental moments and the humor. Except for one very specific nightmare trip sequence: the film doesn't go too far into the ridiculous (although it did remind me of Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, not a bad thing).

All in all, maybe not the most creative or groundbreaking film I've ever seen, but I don't always need that. It was short, sweet, and the perfect high watch on a weeknight, and I think that's a proper mood to be in for a film like this. I have a feeling I'll be watching it again within the next two weeks.