David Wain & Ken Marino Deliver "Gail Daughtry": A Genuinely Absurd Comedy Treat

In an era where cinematic comedy often leans into meme culture or brief, sarcastic asides within larger blockbusters, the release of a film solely dedicated to generating unadulterated laughter feels like a rare commodity. This sentiment, expressed by The Hollywood Reporter, underscores the refreshing arrival of David Wain and Ken Marino's latest collaboration, 'Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass.' The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, is lauded as a "proudly stupid" and "scattershot, oddball comedy" that prioritizes simple amusement above all else.

Reviving the Spirit of Unabashed Laughter

David Wain and Ken Marino, celebrated for their partnership in crafting wonderfully absurd comedy since the 1990s, have once again joined forces to deliver a film that harks back to a simpler time of comedic cinema. Described as "good stupid fun," 'Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass' is recognized as a distinctive creation by Wain, albeit not reaching the "masterpiece" status of 'Wet Hot American Summer.' Nevertheless, its blend of goofy and edgy humor provides a visceral and pleasurable experience that more "sophisticated" comedies often miss. The film’s 1-hour and 33-minute runtime is packed with the kind of humor that aims squarely for gut reactions, offering a welcome antidote to the self-consciously clever humor prevalent today.

A Modern Oz Homage with a Provocative Twist

The narrative of 'Gail Daughtry' cleverly incorporates an homage to 'The Wizard of Oz,' though without resorting to "wheezy Wicked jokes." Zoey Deutch stars as the titular Gail Daughtry, a "bright and chipper" high-school cheerleader turned hairdresser from Kansas. Her seemingly idyllic life with her newly engaged football captain boyfriend is upended when he exercises his "celebrity sex pass"—an unconventional agreement many couples supposedly share, allowing each party one consensual encounter with a famous crush without repercussion. This pivotal event propels Gail into a "tailspin," leading her to Los Angeles with her best friend, Otto (Miles Gutierrez-Riley), with a clear mission: to balance the scales by bedding her own celebrity crush, the "nice Midwestern boy" Jon Hamm.

An Ensemble Cast on a Wacky Yellow Brick Road

As Gail and Otto embark on their "wacky yellow brick road adventure" through Los Angeles, they accumulate a diverse and engaging group of companions. The ensemble cast includes a "scarecrow-ish CAA assistant" played by Ben Wang, a "not-so-heartless paparazzo" portrayed by Ken Marino, and a "cowardly John Slattery." This talented cast, which also features Jon Hamm himself and John Slattery, is noted for "grooving on the peculiar and erratic rhythms" of Wain and Marino's unique comedic sensibility, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film is packed with jokes, ranging from "short bursts of profanity and non sequitur" to more elaborate, though not overly intellectual, humor. Even if some punchlines don't land, the sheer volume and speed at which gags are delivered ensure a consistently entertaining viewing experience, making it stand out among other comedies seen at Sundance.

Signature Wain-Marino Humor: Fast, Furious, and Flawed

The comedic stylings in 'Gail Daughtry' are unmistakably those of Wain and Marino. The Hollywood Reporter highlights some standout comic moments, including a memorable hotel concierge bit, a "riotously repetitive sequence of simple slapstick," and a "fugue of clever wordplay about the Wright Brothers." The film also features "cartoonish violence," "over-the-top sex," and a touch of "inside-baseball Hollywood stuff" that remains broadly accessible. While acknowledging that the film "sags in places" where the timing or joke density could have been improved, the overall effect is praised for rekindling the "happily zonked university afternoons" associated with Wain's earlier works, like 'Wet Hot American Summer.' This marks the first film of its kind from Wain in over a decade, making its return particularly significant for fans.

Commercial Prospects and the Call for "Dumb" Comedy

Despite being "clearly made on the cheap" and having humor that isn't "the most broadly accessible," the reviewer from The Hollywood Reporter expresses hope that 'Gail Daughtry' will find its niche audience. There's a strong desire for viewers to "clamor for more such movies," ones that dare to simply aim for laughter without feeling the need to project an "hip, irony-vetted intelligence." The article concludes with a powerful call for a return to "good old-fashioned comedies that aim for the gut while, yes, lightly tickle the mind." In essence, 'Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass' is presented as a compelling argument for the joy of getting "dumb again" at the movies, offering a truly fun and unpretentious experience.