By Chris Sawin
| Published 24 seconds ago

David Wain film and television projects are an acquired taste. Wain gained recognition as part of the sketch comedy group The State. The State cast members included the likes of Michael Ian Black, Kerri Kenney, Thomas Lennon, Joe Lo Truglio, Michael Showalter, and Ken Marino. Wain would go on to develop the comedy TV series Stella with Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter, which is arguably his best work. He’s also been a film director for the past 25 years, with his work including Wet Hot American Summer, Role Models, Wanderlust, and A Futile and Stupid Gesture.  

Wain has utilized cast members from The State and recurring cast from his film projects into everything he has done, and Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass continues that tradition. Wain’s new film follows Gail Daughtry (Zoey Deutch) as she’s engaged to be married to Tom (Michael Cassidy). Gail is a hair stylist that works with her best friend Otto (Miles Gutierrez-Riley) at a hair salon.  

After Otto introduces the concept of people having a pass to have sex with their celebrity crush, Gail discusses it with Tom as they are going to a Jennifer Aniston cookbook signing where Gail catches Tom having sex with Aniston. Now Gail tags along with Otto to Los Angeles as he attends a hair convention where she intends to have sex with Jon Hamm to save her marriage.  

David Wain Dialed Down

With a David Wain comedy, you’re expecting stupidity, excessive profanity, and moments of downright raunch. But Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass isn’t enough of anything to be worthwhile or memorable outside of a cameo fest, no character development whatsoever, and an ending that is hopelessly predictable and overwhelmingly dull.  

According to IMDb, Wain and Marino (who co-wrote Gail Daughtry together) came to the mutual conclusion that the celebrity sex pass premise was a “really stupid idea” that “doesn’t make sense and has no point.” That is what they based the film around; the initial sense of stupidity and pointlessness. It’s no surprise the film is as lackluster as it is.  

Outside of appearances or full-on supporting character roles for The State alumni Joe Lo Truglio, Ken Marino, Thomas Lennon, Kerri Kenney, and Michael Ian Black, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass also has cameos from Jennifer Aniston, Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Henry Winkler, Richard Kind, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Elizabeth Banks, and Elizabeth Perkins. Penn Jillette and Paul Rudd also appear but have no lines whatsoever.  

A Setup You’ve Seen Before

The film recycles the storyline of Dumb and Dumber right down to Gail having her briefcase mixed up with the mob/a criminal syndicate (it’s never clarified) while traveling to a different state to pursue her crush/sexual desire. It’s funny that Gail Daughtry is reminiscent of Dumb and Dumber since the film is also a lot like Hall Pass, another Farrelly Brothers’ film. 

There are a few gags and lines of dialogue that are slightly humorous. Ken Marino’s speech about having to sell his hair for wigs and eventually turning around to sell his wigs for hair is stupidly amusing. Gail tipping $0.79 on a credit card in California is wild behavior, and John Slattery getting kicked in the balls and farting uncontrollably was unexpected. Somebody almost drowns in minestrone soup while exploring Los Angeles for the first time apparently includes shopping for gum at 7-Eleven and getting fellatio by the dumpster behind Foot Locker.  

The story never evolves past “get to Los Angeles and try to bang Jon Hamm.” Arriving in California means that celebrities can pop in for no rhyme or reason and then disappear just as quickly before moving on to the next cameo. Gail Daughtry tries to introduce a secondary storyline with government espionage, but it’s dropped for idiotic behavior such as John Slattery having his foot slammed in a door for 45 seconds straight.  

It’s not that Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is formulaic, it’s a film that is downright absent minded. It’s friends showing up and creating brain damage passing as so-called entertainment. This is like the cinematic equivalent of mixing ammonia and bleach and pouring it into your eyes and ears for an hour and a half. You feel dumber after watching it like it’s valuable points of your IQ you’ll never be able to recover.

GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS REVIEW SCORE

Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is ruining movie theaters across America as we speak.

Millennial Disney Channel fans are in for a Cheeetahlicious treat, as the network recently announced the fourth installment in “The Cheetah Girls” franchise. According to several new reports and Raven-Symoné herself, the upcoming film, dubbed “Next Gen,” has been greenlit at Disney and will air on the network and Disney+ in the coming months. And while the news that a beloved classic will be adding another film to the archives almost 20 years after the last movie stirred excitement among some, others have voiced their disapproval about the project, pointing out that the new wave of Cheetah Girls differs vastly from the original lineup.

The party’s just begun, because according to Deadline, Symoné and Adrienne Bailon are headed back to the small screen to star in the next “Cheetah Girls” movie. Their bandmate, Sabrina Bryan, will make a special appearance in the film, while Lynn Whitfield and Lori Alter will reprise their roles as Symoné and Bailon’s fictional mothers.

“The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen” is executive produced by Symoné and Debra Martin Chase and will feature a younger cast of talented performers, including Leah Sava Jeffries, Carmen Sanchez, Kaileen Chang, Sophie Lennon, and Kamogelo Ramashala.

What’s The Next ‘Cheetah Girls’ Film Even About?

Per the press release, the next “Cheetah Girls” flick will follow Symoné and Bailon’s characters, Galleria and Chanel, as they travel to Africa to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. While there, Symoné’s daughter, Jeffries, and Bailon’s sister, Sanchez, along with their friends, “find their voice and discover the true Cheetah spirit as they save the preserve and ultimately take the stage as the new Cheetah Girls.”

“The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen” follows the first three films, “The Cheetah Girls,” “The Cheetah Girls 2,” and “The Cheetah Girls: One World,” and is originally based on the book series by Deborah Gregory.

“The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music, and empowering young people to use their voice,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family. “That spirit connected deeply with a generation of fans, and it still resonates today. Bringing this dynamic new group of young stars to the franchise allows us to continue that legacy for a new era of kids and families.”

Symoné Teases The Upcoming Film With A Special Post On Instagram

Symoné teased the fourth installment with an Instagram post, writing, “It’s happening, and it’s CHEETAHLICIOUS!” Over top of the clip, Symoné added the text, “POV: strutting to the set of ‘The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen.’”

In the social post, Symoné is seen walking around different parts of Africa with a big smile on her face. Others appeared to show the 40-year-old on the movie’s set, and one in particular showed the “That’s So Raven” alum posing with a cheetah.

Her clip has secured nearly 200,000 likes and a handful of comments, with one saying, “OMG, we all knew, but now it’s official. So happy… Wishing all the 4 OGs to return, but I’m OK with only Raven and Adrienne, though.”

Advertisement

Some Fans Are Having A Negative Reaction To The New ‘Cheetah Girls’

Some other users, however, aren’t as excited as the one above, as many rushed to different platforms, claiming that the network was attempting to “whitewash” the group, which originally featured three Black women and one white woman.

“If you read the books, them girls [are] BLACK. Don’t p-ss me off,” someone wrote on Instagram. “Nope. Keep black things blackly black,” another posted.

“It’s a book about black girls by a black author,” a third wrote. “It really is that deep.” A fourth chimed in with, “Unpopular Opinion: We don’t need the iconic things from previous generations to be remade for the current generation. They don’t even value it the same (no fault of their own).”

Bailon Previously Told The Blast She’d Be Up For Another Film

In September 2025, Bailon spoke with The Blast about possibly returning for a fourth film and said she was more than open to the idea.

“I would never say never,” she said. “I’m a never-say-never kind of girl.” However, for her to return, it had to be perfect.

“Definitely not saying no, but it would just have to be done right. I think that, and I am the kind of girl [who has] franchises that I’m a huge fan of, and I would hate for them to ruin it,” she added.

Advertisement

The nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced on July 8, with HBO Max’s “The Pitt” receiving 25 nominations, the most of any other show. Now, following the news, star, writer, and executive producer of the ratings juggernaut, Noah Wyle, is reacting, saying he’s humbled by the honor. This comes as season three of the popular series is in production.

5

Among the 25 nominations for “The Pitt” were two for Wyle. He received a nod for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, his second in the category, and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, for his work on the episode titled “12:00 p.m.” He’s been nominated for 10 Emmys over the course of his decades-long career.

Wyle spoke to Deadline on July 8 after “The Pitt” came out on top in terms of nominations. He said, “This just feels very much like a gift that keeps on giving. I feel very humbled by this and validated many times over. Today, I feel extremely gratified that the nominations were spread so far and wide across our casting.”

From there, he called “The Pitt” being recognized “a testament to the collective achievement and contribution that everybody makes.”

The “ER” alum added, “It is such a collective effort that it’s really hard to parse it out into individual contributions.” Still, Wyle wishes more of the people who contributed to the hit show had been nominated, including its Director of Photography, Jojo Coelho.

Noah Wyle Discusses Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch’s Journey In ‘The Pitt’ Season 3

5

Wyle’s “The Pitt” character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, experienced quite the emotional journey in the show’s first two seasons. However, in his Deadline interview, the actor says season three will feature the character healing from some of his past trauma.

Regarding season three, he said, “Well, I don’t want to say too much about Season 3, but I think we’re climbing out of the pit slowly but surely. I think Robbie and anybody who can identify with him will watch his journey and feel that we’re now finally in the kind of ascension. We’re moving up and out of where we’ve been.”

After that, Wyle gave a season-by-season summary, saying, “Season 1 was about the doctor being the patient; Season 2 is about doctors not being very good patients; Season 3 is about doctors benefiting from being patients.”

He then stated that Robinavitch has “begun the therapeutic road” before saying, “it’s had a positive effect. It’s fragile, and it’s not without risk and vulnerability, but it’s at least there’s forward progress.”

Many Of The Principal Cast Received Nominations

5

Among the 25 nominations for “The Pitt” at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were several for its principal and supporting cast in addition to Wyle’s two nods. First, Katherine Lanasa received a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, as did Sepideh Moafi and Taylor Dearden.

Additionally, Gerran Howell was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Shawn Hatosy is also nominated in the category, as is Patrick Ball. “The Pitt” also received noms for several guest actors as well as Outstanding Drama Series.

‘The Pitt’ Remained Popular In Season 2

5

Many hit shows, especially in the era of streaming, can’t repeat the success they garnered in their inaugural seasons. However, “The Pitt” is one of the exceptions, with the finale for its second season becoming the most-watched episode in the show’s history.

According to Variety, the series drew 9.7 million viewers over its first weekend. Additionally, as of April 20, the show was averaging 15.4 million viewers across all episodes on HBO Max. This represents a 50% improvement over the show’s first season.

There Will Be Cast Changes In Season 3

5

Variety reported in April 2026 that one of the supporting cast members from “The Pitt,” Supriya Ganesh, would not be returning for season three after appearing in the first two installments. Wyle spoke about the change and others the show has faced in comments to the outlet.

He said, “It’s an inevitability that’s going to happen every season with this show because, as writers, we’re hard-pressed to figure out what a lapse of time we can have and keep most of the ensemble together realistically.”

Regarding when season three of “The Pitt” will air, fans can expect it to arrive on HBO Max in January 2027.

Olivia Rodrigo isn’t letting outrage have the final word. After discovering that one of her biggest songs had been used in a Department of Homeland Security social media post promoting ICE deportations, the Grammy winner transformed her frustration into a broader campaign encouraging civic participation. 

Instead of allowing the controversy to dominate the narrative, Rodrigo is urging fans to get informed ahead of the 2026 midterm elections through a new initiative tied to her upcoming Daisy Chain Fields music festival.

Olivia Rodrigo recently recalled stumbling across the controversial Homeland Security video while scrolling through her phone, admitting the discovery left her shocked.

Speaking to Dazed Magazine in June ahead of the release of her third studio album, the singer said seeing “All-American B-tch” used alongside immigration enforcement footage made the situation even more upsetting.

“It was so deeply disturbing to see that propaganda, and the fact it was my song in there made me feel even more enraged,” Rodrigo said. “What they’re doing is so awful and barbaric and cruel. I am really sad to be in a country that thinks that’s okay.”

Advertisement

The November 4, 2025 video featured footage of ICE agents detaining people of color while Rodrigo’s 2023 track played in the background. 

Alongside the images, the Department of Homeland Security wrote, “LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app. If you don’t, you will face the consequences,” while lyrics from the song, “All the time, I’m grateful all the time, I’m sexy and I’m kind, I’m pretty when I cry,” appeared throughout the clip.

Rodrigo didn’t stay silent as she responded directly beneath the post, writing, “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.”

Following her comment, the audio was removed from the video, and fans praised her in the comments for speaking out.

Advertisement

Rodrigo Launches Midterm Initiative Through Festival Giveaway

4

Rather than limiting her response to social media, Olivia Rodrigo has tied her latest campaign to the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

The 23-year-old is partnering with nonprofit organization HeadCount to encourage fans to prepare for Election Day by checking their voter registration status, registering to vote, or accessing election information through the organization’s website.

As an incentive, participants can enter a sweepstakes for VIP tickets to Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival, with the grand prize also including hotel accommodations and travel expenses.

HeadCount emphasized that civic participation is entirely optional for anyone entering the giveaway.

“You may enter the sweepstakes by clicking any button above without taking a civic action,” the organization stated per The News Republic, adding, “Voting, registering to vote, or being a registered voter is not required.”

Advertisement

Olivia Rodrigo’s Festival Will Blend Music And Advocacy

4

Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is also being designed with activism at its core.

In addition to performances from artists including Chappell Roan, Doechii, Santigold, Sarah McLachlan, Mitski, and The Breeders, the event will feature organizations focused on issues ranging from reproductive rights and maternal health to economic empowerment, domestic violence prevention, and gender equity.

Among the participating organizations are the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health.

Rodrigo Speaks Out Against Los Angeles ICE Raids

4

Slamming the Department of Homeland Security wasn’t the first time Olivia Rodrigo spoke against Trump’s administration. 

In 2025, she joined the growing chorus of public figures condemning the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across Los Angeles, saying the operations left her “deeply upset.” 

In a statement shared on her Instagram Stories, the singer wrote, “I’ve lived in LA my whole life and I’m deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbors under the current administration.” 

Advertisement

Rodrigo went on to praise the city’s immigrant communities, adding, “LA simply wouldn’t exist without immigrants. Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful.” 

She also voiced support for those protesting the raids, saying, “I stand with the beautiful, diverse community of Los Angeles and with immigrants all across America. I stand for our right to freedom of speech and freedom to protest.” 

Rodrigo concluded by urging fans to support local immigrant organizations and remain engaged during a period of heightened immigration enforcement.  

Rodrigo Explains Why She Refuses To Stay Silent On Politics

4

Olivia Rodrigo’s outspoken response came as little surprise, as she had previously opened up about why she chooses to use her platform to address political issues.

Last month, she revealed that speaking out on political issues has never been about winning everyone’s approval. 

Advertisement

In an interview with the BBC, the Grammy winner reflected on why she continued to publicly address topics ranging from reproductive rights and Gaza to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite knowing it could alienate some fans. 

“I definitely try to be careful with my words,” Rodrigo said, adding, “But simultaneously, the women I looked up to when I was young were really outspoken, and that was one of the reasons I adored them.” 

The “High School Musical” actress added that she no longer felt pressure to appeal to everyone, explaining, “I don’t think my goal is to be liked by all. And when you de-centre that as the primary motivation, I think everything becomes a lot more joyful.”

Advertisement

Cool girl Olivia Wilde doesn’t dress in ‘bum’ attire, but her latest look proves that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for fashion. Her loose-fitting trousers style is incredibly luxe and polished, and we found a version that secretly feels like sweats.

Spotted in New York City, Wilde wore a simple tee, canvas tote and loafers — and elevated the entire look with billowy, ultra wide-leg trousers. Her pants turned a basic T-shirt into something genuinely classy, and these flowy wonders do the same. Nearly 15,000 shoppers sing their praises!

These Tronjori Wide-Leg Trousers look identical to Wilde’s, featuring a high waist, sharp front pleats and a fluid drape that swings when you walk. The architectural shape reads expensive from across the street, making even a $10 tee look like it came from a Tribeca boutique.

Related: 17 Boutique-Style White Dresses That Make the Easiest Summer Uniform

Little black dresses have their place, but let’s be real — it’s summertime, and that means wearing chic white dresses. Whether you’re running errands, brunching with the girls or vacationing in Europe, these 17 staple stunners have you covered. With loose, billowy fits, unique details and the occasional embroidered accents, these boutique-like numbers look much […]

Advertisement

We don’t know what Wilde’s felt like, but these white pants might be even comfier, thanks to the hidden elasticized waistband. One Amazon shopper wrote, “These are like breezy sweatpants for work! They are effortless and chic and elevate any look. The waistband is stretchy and they are certified sitting pants that won’t suffocate your stomach.”

Another happy fan shared, “I got an office job this year and realized I had no professional pants to wear. I’m a sweatpants person through and through. These are lightweight and comfortable, just like sweatpants!”

Add comfy loafers, your favorite bag and sunglasses, and you’ve got a uniform that carries you from in-office days to dinner reservations without a change of clothes.

As a bonus, these trendy trousers come in dozens of colors and short, regular and tall lengths. We’re partial to Wilde’s white style, but like many other reviewers, we’re also tempted to grab a few. At just $38, these chic pants are the easiest way to make any outfit appear expensive.

Get the Tronjori Wide-Leg Trousers for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more comfy pants here, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

Advertisement

Related: Jennifer Lawrence‘s Comfy Yet Elevated Pants Put Loungewear to Shame

Jennifer Lawrence is the queen of elevated loungewear, and this time, she’s outdone herself. Lawrence’s billowy black pants make her entire outfit appear expensive, and we found the comfy-chic look for only $20 on Amazon. Spotted pedaling through New York City, Lawrence wore a loose button-up shirt, slide sandals and flowy lounge pants. Unlike stiff […]

By Charlene Badasie
| Published 32 seconds ago

The mystery drama The OA is streaming on Netflix. Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, the series consists of two seasons, each with eight episodes. Season 1 begins with a young woman named Prairie Johnson (Brit Marling) returning to her hometown after being missing for seven years. Despite having been blind before her disappearance, she reappears with her sight restored.

Follows The Original Angel

Prairie, who now calls herself The OA (Original Angel), refuses to share details of her missing years with her adoptive parents or the authorities. Instead, she recruits five local folks to whom she reveals her story. She describes her near-death experiences and visions, which she believes led her to other dimensions.

She was held captive by a scientist named Dr. Hap (Jason Isaacs), along with others who had near-death experiences. As the story of The OA on Netflix progresses, Prairie and her group decide to rescue those who are still being held captive by Dr. Hap’s experiments. The second season takes the story to a new dimension, where Prairie lives as wealthy Russian heiress Nina Azarova (Zoey Todorovsky).

As Nina continues her search for the other captives and seeks to uncover the truth behind her multiple realities. Season 2 also introduces detective Karim Washington (Kingsley Ben-Adir), who is investigating the disappearance of a young woman connected to a strange house with supernatural properties.

Breaks Down The Nature Of Reality

The OA weaves together Prairie’s journey and Karim’s investigation, leading to a climactic revelation about the nature of reality and the multiverse. Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij spent two years developing the series before Netflix picked it up. The show’s production involved extensive world-building and a commitment to maintaining its mysterious and philosophical tone.

The series received mostly positive reviews from critics following its Netflix debut. The OA, in its entirety, currently holds an 84 percent critic and audience score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. However, the series did have some detractors who found the blend of sci-fi and supernatural elements overly ambiguous and slow-paced.

Uses Every Available Cent Of Its Production Budget

The OA showcases low-budget Netflix sci-fi at its best, using everyday suburban settings like Costco and Olive Garden to tell a compelling story. Minimal CGI is used, except for a few key scenes. Instead, the immersive experience is achieved through Brit Marling’s soothing narration, Ryan Heffington’s choreography, and Rostam Batmanglij’s enchanting theme song.

At its core, The OA on Netflix highlights the importance of second chances and acceptance. The OA’s group comprises several flawed individuals from all walks of life whose imperfections make them special yet vulnerable. Prairie connects with them not because they are perfect but because of their potential to grow as a collective.

Despite its critical acclaim, The OA was canceled by Netflix after two seasons, leaving the show with a cliffhanger ending. Fans later launched a campaign to save it, including a physical performance in front of Netflix headquarters and a GoFundMe campaign for a Times Square billboard. Although a movie to provide closure was considered, the idea was ultimately scrapped by Netflix.

By Jeffrey Rapaport
| Published 1 hour ago

Okja was and remains a unique, memorable Netflix original, and that is saying something, considering that other titles on the platform include Squid Game and Stranger Things. The movie masterfully blends sci-adventure goodness with biting, surprisingly engaging satire. But that’s what one expects from the beloved director Bong Joon-ho, whose film, despite its family-friendly aesthetic, deftly navigates the admittedly complex world of corporate greed, animal rights, and the food industry. 

The ultimate narrative is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking; think Pixar meets Parasite. 

Genetically Modified Super-Pig

The film relates the tale of young Mija, played by Ahn Seo-hyun, an adolescent launched on a daring mission to rescue her best friend, a genetically modified super-pig, Okja. Said super-hog is in the dastardly clutches of the all-powerful Mirando Corporation, a shadowy, massively influential entity headed by an eccentric (to put it mildly), morally ambiguous CEO, Lucy Mirando, portrayed by Tilda Swinton. 

Unsurprisingly, Mirando harbors sinister plans for the poor pig, considering the animal little more than a prospective piggy bank. 

Not A Feel-Good Flick

Before you file this movie under the category of feel-good flick ideal for kids, consider that it’s endowed with an uncommonly sharp satirical edge. As much as in the rest of his filmography, Bong Joon-ho utilized Okja as a vehicle to seamlessly blend genres. 

Comedy, sci-fi, drama, and even bits of horror fuse masterfully, eventuating a merciless critique of the heartless modern food industry alongside the difficult ethical dilemmas it poses. For example, the movie does not pull punches when it comes to portraying the Mirando Corporation as a kind of larger-than-life, slightly surreal Monsanto (obviously, the film’s name references this real-life corporate agro-business behemoth). 

The scathing commentary, detailing unflinchingly the distance companies go to reap profit, regardless of ethics or humanity, strikes a nerve. Through the endlessly talented Swinton, Lucy Mirando embodies this theme wonderfully: she’s Okja’s superb, loathsome, fascinating villain, a latter day Cruella de Vil. 

And the movie’s satire does not halt there, but includes the world of activism in its sights. Indeed, the Animal Liberation Front endures as much satire as the corporate world; led by the earnest yet flawed Jay, played by Paul Dano, the group employs misguided and extreme measures, reflecting this much disapproved tendency of activist groups. 

The Animal Liberation Front Called Into Question

In all fairness, while Joon-ho doesn’t shy away from giving ALF their due, the filmmaker also documents their noble intentions, layered atop their questionable tactics. Genuine complexity results, which enriches the film overall. 

Perhaps most memorably, the movie is more than mere critique; it is a deeply emotional saga of friendship and loyalty. The incredibly resonant bond between Mija and Okja is the beating heart of the film, one that strikingly elicits much feels.

Stream Okja On Netflix Today

Acting as a sharp contrast to the cold, calculated Mirando Corp, the relationship conveys genuine innocence and purity–however surrounded by widespread corruption and exploitation. 

Visually, too, the film delivers, particularly when it comes to the CGI used to engender the super-pig. While CGI can sometimes flop, it excels here, eventuating a believable and endearing creature. Particularly, the film’s cinematography—especially the scene’s location in the lush highlands of South Korea or the teeming NYC streets—supplies welcome visual appeal.

For a winsome, emotionally gripping, and impressively smart satire, stream Okja on Netflix today.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 14 seconds ago

The late 90s and early aughts were rife with raunchy comedies, some of which fared better than others. 1998’s There’s Something About Mary was an instant classic that cleaned house at the box office, and 2005’s The 40-Year-Old Virgin marked a return to form for the genre. Those years in between, however, produced some rough entries that are all but forgotten today because they placed too much emphasis on tasteless gags over meaningful storytelling. 2001’s Tomcats is one such film, and it’s honestly a rough watch, but not for the reasons you’d think.

The film’s overall setup, conflict, and story beats are all solid, believe it or not, but they’re simply used as a springboard for as many raunchy gags as humanly possible. If you’re into that kind of thing, you’ll probably have a good time with Tomcats, but I have no qualms saying its 13 percent critical score on Rotten Tomatoes comes from the fact that most of these gags don’t add anything to the movie. Instead, they pad the runtime with cheap laughs rather than character development.

A Great Wager And Setup

Tomcats starts at a wedding, where a group of bachelors make a wager. They all throw money into a high-yield account, and the last single man standing gets to claim the pot. As time passes and interest accrues, we’re left with two bachelors, Michael Delaney (Jerry O’Connell) and Kyle Brenner (Jake Busey), and roughly $500,000 up for grabs.

After a falling out with his girlfriend, Shelby (Julia Schultz), Michael racks up a substantial gambling debt with a casino pit boss named Carlos (Bill Maher), who says in no uncertain terms that if the money isn’t paid back within 30 days, he’ll be killed. Knowing the only way he can make good on what he owes, Michael hatches a plan to trick Kyle into getting married.

Michael learns there’s only one woman Kyle would ever consider settling down with: Natalie (Shannon Elizabeth), a woman he had a one-night stand with at a wedding years earlier, ditched on the side of the road with a roll of quarters, and thinks of as the one that got away. As it turns out, Natalie works as an undercover officer, knows how to profile people, and agrees to sabotage Kyle’s bachelor lifestyle in exchange for half the winnings. At this point, we only vaguely know about Natalie’s history with Kyle, and the fun comes from wondering whether she’s simply in it for the money or if that’s just an added bonus to a revenge plot she has against him.

From this point forward, it’s basically a sizzle reel of sex gags, gamer words, and even an entire sequence involving a lost testicle at the hospital that adds about 10 minutes but no substance to the story. It will, however, probably make you want to throw up in your mouth. You’ll know it when you see it.

Too Much Funny Equals Not Funny

Odds are, if you’re firing up Tomcats, it’s because you’re looking for some offensive humor to gawk at, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The problem is that movies like this focus more on the gags than the storytelling, which is a shame. This is exactly the kind of humor I’m tuning in for, but it needs to be anchored in somewhat believable scenarios and carried by people who are at least a little likable.

That’s why There’s Something About Mary and Knocked Up work while this film fails to stick the landing. Michael isn’t necessarily an unlikable protagonist, but he doesn’t have much of a personality either. He’s just a conduit for jokes. Kyle, who’s supposed to be his foil, is the most reprehensible womanizer to ever grace the silver screen, and his exploits are fun to watch, especially when they backfire. But again, he’s just another conduit for jokes that could just as easily be swapped with any other male character in the movie.

It’s almost as if every guy in this movie is based on the same archetype. One’s a little smarter, one’s a little more sensitive, and so on. They’re all variations of the same guy, so whenever a joke needs to be jammed into a scene, anybody can reliably deliver it. As much as this sounds like a good idea, it doesn’t work in a comedy where you’re dealing with some pretty awful people from start to finish.

The romance between Michael and Natalie develops into a satisfying arc, but by the time we get there, it’s one lost testicle, Jake Busey in a thong, and a grandma dominatrix scene too late. There’s simply too much schtick without ever giving you room to breathe.

Is Tomcats a misunderstood classic? Far from it. Is it 13 percent bad? I’m inclined to say no, but I wouldn’t put it above 30 percent either. It’s one of those films that relies on you trusting your own taste and whether you enjoy the talent involved. There are some clever one-liners and sight gags worth checking out, but the whole is far less than the sum of its parts.

As of this writing, Tomcats is streaming free on Tubi.