Confess, Fletch (2022, Greg Mottola)—4/5. In what unfortunately feels like a rarity, this is a new non-kiddy comedy that provides several legit laugh-out-loud moments. Jon Hamm completely rules in the sneaky idiot/savant role.
Sullivan’s Travels (1941, Preston Sturges)—2/5. I seem to be immune to this one’s modest, AFI-approved (LOL) charms. The slapstick is tired and the social commentary is overwrought. A dialogue-free (go figure) montage livens up the middle section. #NYTimes1000
Modern Romance (1981, Albert Brooks)—4/5. Goes all in on the appeal of watching Brooks zip around town, talking to himself. And it turns out that’s a pretty safe bet! The humor is still so fresh—it feels like a satire of/reaction to romantic comedies that didn’t yet exist.