by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What is the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July this year? We have been through so much that we should really do something special. Appreciating what we have is important to get us through tough times. Should you spend time with your loved ones? How about going to the beach and soaking in the rays? Or heading to the pool if the trip is not advantageous? Is eating burgers and hotdogs a great option as well? No… this year must be different. This year, you will watch the most “bro” version of American history coming your way on Netflix. Get ready! America: The Motion Picture is HERE.
Last warning… is your body ready for this complete lunacy?
I do not think it is. But let us prepare you for this insanity that you will endure by checking out Netflix’s latest original film. From the creative juices that brought us Archer, Into the Spider-verse, The Expendables,and Magic Mike, America has never been portrayed in such an unabashedly turned up kind of way. Take all the most important figures in American history and mythology and put them in one story trying to take down the greatest evil to grace our nation… the British. We cannot let a grudge go, can we? In a world where George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are best buds, Benedict Arnold is a murderous werewolf traitor, and America unites under the beautiful riffs of “Free Bird,” audiences will be treated to a tale so crazy and raunchy that they will never know what hit them.
Who created such lunacy?
I am not surprised that Matt Thompson, one of the creative forces behind Archer and Sealab 2021 is behind such a film. Then throw in the screenwriter of The Expendables, Dave Callaham, and you have yourself a crazy time. But is it also a quality time? That is a bit hit-or-miss. The story starts off so clunky that it is hard to get yourself wrapped around what is going on. You feel more or less dropped right into the action without any explanation. You better be ready to just accept whatever comes your way. After an explosive intro, the rest of the film is stacked with action. When the action dies down though, things get a bit boring and uninteresting. Do we really expect deep character moments in such a film? The tone is also unexpected. I thought this would be like Archeror The Ventures Bros, but it turned out to be full blown frat guy chic. That disappointed me because many of the jokes felt lowbrow and unfunny. But don’t get me wrong, we do get some fun jokes that have some intelligence behind them.
Who could possibly bring all these big characters (historical figures) to life?
Who can possibly fill the shoes of George Washington? Channing Tatum… lol. Tatum is perfect for the frat guy vibe of the film and so is Jason Mantzoukas as Samuel Adams. They both are just using their own voices, but they work for what the film needs. Will Forte brings the charm as Honest Abe for his briefer than expected appearance. Andy Samberg is the most dynamic performance as Benedict Arnold, which is an absolute blast. Throw in Simon Pegg, Olivia Munn, and Bobby Moynihan and you have a crazy fun cast to enjoy.
That ending though. What the hell happens during this finale?
Take every pop culture reference you can think of (this side of Ready Player One) and so many significant figures in history, plop them in on giant battle and see what happens. I don’t even want to spoil any of it but I will leave you with two words… “Free Bird.” But while we are on the subject… violence and gore. There is so much blood and guts in this movie! Think brutal werewolf attacks and imagine just how much blood can possibly shoot out of the human body. So many characters die extremely brutal and bloody deaths that it will certainly turn off many in the audience.
But when it is all said and done… do we have fun?
I had… enough. America: The Motion Picture is not a great film. It is probably not a good film. It is fine. But I laughed. I laughed quite a few times. I had fun with the cast and their true commitment to this crazy tale. Was there more promise than deliverables here? Yes. But for a film you can just hop into on Netflix without too much trouble, you just might have a good enough time too.
Grade: C+