Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- irreverent
- sardonic
- comedy movie night
- biopic marathon
What critics said
Critics found the film entertaining and energetic in recreating National Lampoon’s origins, while agreeing that its broad biographical scope leaves the story overstuffed.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Doug Kenney and Henry Beard turn the Harvard Lampoon into National Lampoon, reshaping American comedy across media.
Doug's success is increasingly consumed by insecurity, ego, and irresponsible behavior that alienate his supporters.
Modern Doug serves as the framing storyteller recounting the rise and collapse of his younger self.
The film gleefully acknowledges questionable casting while having performers capture the energy of iconic comedians in Kenney's orbit.
Films like A Futile and Stupid Gesture, and why
The People vs. Larry Flynt
Shared biographical comedy, creative ambition, countercultural humor, and self-destructive celebrity culture.
Ed Wood
Shared irreverent ensemble comedy, behind-the-scenes entertainment history, and volatile creative personalities.
Man on the Moon
Shared show-business biography, comic excess, ego, and the costs of artistic success.
Movie Details
- Director
- David Wain
- Release Date
- 2018-01-24
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (385)
Cast
- Will Forte
- Domhnall Gleeson
- Martin Mull
- Neil Casey
- Jon Daly
- Nelson Franklin
- John Gemberling
- Rick Glassman
- Seth Green
- Harry Groener
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is A Futile and Stupid Gesture about?
- A self-aware tragicomedy charts Doug Kenney’s ascent from Harvard Lampoon prankster to influential comedy mogul and the appetites that unravel him.
- What is A Futile and Stupid Gesture like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of A Futile and Stupid Gesture as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is A Futile and Stupid Gesture violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in A Futile and Stupid Gesture as mild.
- What did critics think of A Futile and Stupid Gesture?
- Critics found the film entertaining and energetic in recreating National Lampoon’s origins, while agreeing that its broad biographical scope leaves the story overstuffed.
- Which films are like A Futile and Stupid Gesture?
- Films with a similar feel include The People vs. Larry Flynt, Ed Wood, and Man on the Moon.
- How long is A Futile and Stupid Gesture?
- A Futile and Stupid Gesture runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch A Futile and Stupid Gesture?
- In United States, A Futile and Stupid Gesture streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
