Amidst the weighty themes dominating this year's Sundance Film Festival, from sexual assault to climate change, a wave of unapologetic silliness has emerged as a refreshing counterpoint. David Wain's latest offering, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, stands out as a prime example, delivering a disposable yet often uproarious Hollywood comedy that prioritises laughter above all else.
A Light-Hearted Escape in a Serious Festival Line-Up
While the festival has showcased its share of earnest dramas, it has also embraced absurdity with films like a cartoonish dom-sub romance and a killer Barney horror. However, Wain's film takes frivolity to another level, boasting not a single serious moment. This scattershot comedy follows Gail, played by Zoey Deutch, a small-town woman whose life takes a wild turn when her fiancé sleeps with Jennifer Aniston. Determined for revenge, Gail heads to Hollywood with her friend Otto, embarking on a quest to have sex with her celebrity crush, Jon Hamm.
Hit-and-Miss Humour in a Fast-Paced Adventure
The film's humour is wildly inconsistent, succeeding in fits and starts. While it elicits more laughs than many recent comedies, too many jokes fall flat or feel underdeveloped. Wain, known for spoofs like Wet Hot American Summer, targets Hollywood action comedies here, but without a clear satirical aim, the parody feels somewhat aimless. The plot, inspired by The Wizard of Oz, involves espionage, fame, and marriage, yet it often feels cobbled together, like a last-minute lark among friends.
Despite its flaws, the film's frantic pace and committed cast make it hard to resist. Zoey Deutch shines as the determined Gail, supported by Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Otto, Ben Wang as an incompetent agent, and Ken Marino as a has-been paparazzi. John Slattery adds to the fun as an out-of-work version of himself. Standout moments include Tobie Windham's performance as Hamm's assistant, with bizarre backstories and repeated door-slamming gags that land well.
Production Shortcomings and Infectious Fun
The film's rushed feel is evident in its low-budget aesthetic, reminiscent of a mid-awards show sketch. Many lines and extended sequences seem a few drafts away from being funnier, with lazy or under-developed choices. Yet, the cast's infectious enthusiasm sweeps viewers along, making the experience enjoyable despite its shortcomings. In a Sundance season filled with sex comedies, from Olivia Wilde's hilarious The Invite to Iliza Schlesinger's generic Chasing Summer, Gail Daughtry proudly claims the title of silliest.
Ultimately, this is a film that offers low-level fun but lacks lasting impact. It's worth tagging along for the ride, but you might forget the journey soon after. Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is currently screening at the Sundance Film Festival and seeking distribution, serving as a light-hearted diversion in a festival often dominated by heavier fare.
