A Futile and Stupid Gesture
Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): January 26, 2018 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
55
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews
Positive:
6
Mixed:
8
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
82
TheWrapTodd GilchristJan 25, 2018
Even if the casting choices in portraying some of iconic talents in Kenney’s orbit are occasionally questionable — a detail the film gleefully acknowledges — there’s something delightful about watching actors known for comedy now try to capture the sound or energy of the performers who inspired them. Read full review
75
ConsequenceMichael RoffmanJan 24, 2018
Although the film lacks his absurdism, there’s a musicality to Wain’s direction that’s addicting, and the emotional punch in the final five minutes proves there’s a future for the filmmaker that goes way beyond the yucks. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperJan 24, 2018
This is quite possibly the most self-referential, inside-jokey, look-at-how-clever-we-are, off-the-charts Meta Movie I’ve ever seen. Sometimes that’s pretty great. At other times, it detracts from the core story at hand. Read full review
70
IGNAlex WelchJan 26, 2018
Even though the use of one particular plot device ends up feeling unnecessary and Will Forte can often appear miscast in the lead role, A Futile and Stupid Gesture still conjures up enough real emotions and inventive moments to feel like a worthwhile addition to Hollywood’s often tired biopic subgenre. Read full review
70
New York Magazine (Vulture)David EdelsteinJan 25, 2018
It’s not particularly illuminating, but it’s far from futile. Read full review
63
Movie NationRoger MooreJan 30, 2018
Of all the impersonations, Thomas Lennon‘s spot-on send up of the balding, sunglassed cynic Donaghue is the one that dazzles. Matching Belushi’s fearless lunacy or Chevy Chase’s studied pratfalls is trickier on even a “generous” Netflix budget. Read full review
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