Jerry Seinfeld brings out funny moments in 'Unfrosted,' a reminiscing comedy lacking sufficient energy and excitement.
In a kind manner, "Unfrosted" is a disjointed send-up of the 60s, centered around a fictionalized war between cereal companies. The idea that watching TV during those years and believing "Battle Creek, Michigan" to be a magical place serves as its foundation. The main plot, about a race to develop what later became the Pop-Tart, is more of an access point than a genuine recipe.
Alongside co-writing with a trio of others, Seinfeld primarily aimed to create a modern-day Marx Brothers movie full of rapid-fire gags. This includes several jokes that have aged well, like one character reading a newspaper from the early 60s and remarking, "Vietnam, that seems like a fantastic idea."
The challenge of nailing the desired tone is far more challenging than it appeared in the original creations of Groucho and company. Injecting iniquitous humour through old film references ("The Right Stuff" and "The Godfather") or cracking jokes about JFK being a ladies' man might spark a laugh or two among Seinfeld's audience, but the hectically paced, free-associating style descends into becoming too much simultaneously.
"Unfrosted" centers on Seinfeld's Bob Cabana, a Kellogg's executive appalled to find that their rival Post may be on the verge of marketing a breakfast pastry that could disrupt the industry. To counteract this, Bob recruits a former colleague (Melissa McCarthy) to assist in preventing Post's success as they venture on a pop-culture journey of the 60s.
Some of these detours are creative, though most feel random and quirky, frequently veering off course to incorporate punchlines about space exploration and fitness guru Jack LaLanne. The most striking casting coup stands out among the rest, but that moment accentuates what "Unfrosted" could've been if it had maintained that level of humour throughout.
Although it's possible to evoke the nostalgic atmosphere, the question Seinfeld neglects to address is "Why?", or at least the reasoning behind producing this film now. Perhaps Seinfeld's fascination with directing outweighed his other considerations, but it's a self-indulgent venture implying that Netflix would have said yes to anything he proposed. (Seinfeld does include one adorable detail, naming a character "Rick Ludwin" after the late NBC executive who commissioned "Seinfeld.")
In the film's promotional efforts, Seinfeld expressed his discontent with contemporary TV comedy. It's unsurprising that he would turn to the past given the current state of affairs. However, "Unfrosted" is more than anything, a completely dispensable film that isn't particularly amusing (if it's even funny to begin with).
Premiering on Netflix May 3rd.
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Despite the film's focus on a humorous race to develop the Pop-Tart, the overall energy and excitement in "Unfrosted" could benefit from more entertainment value. Jerry Seinfeld's aim to create a modern-day Marx Brothers movie with rapid-fire gags is evident, and some jokes have stood the test of time.
Source: edition.cnn.com
