Ever since 1984, when James L Brooks had a triple win at the Academy Awards, with best picture, best director, and best adapted screenplay for Terms of Endearment, he has been the one to watch. I’ve enjoyed every film he’s made since then, whether it is as a writer, director, or both. He has been nominated for the Oscars for films as excellent as 1997’s Jerry Maguire and one of my favorite movies of all time, 1998’s As Good As It Gets. Films that most moviegoers know and love.
He hasn’t directed a feature film since 2010. But has stayed busy and popular on television productions. Ever hear of a little show known as The Simpsons? Yeah, he’s stayed busy. So his return with this new film that he has written and directed, called Ella McCay, is a real treat for me. I’ll admit it, I’m a fan. I love his style of humor. The way he handles conversations between the characters. And his ability to show humor and absurdity in heartbreaking situations. All his talent and style are on display in this new film.
This movie, Ella McCay, opens with an introduction by the narrator Estelle (Julie Kavner), who is both Ella’s assistant and friend. Estelle sets the stage for Ella McCay’s story: a 34-year-old lieutenant governor of an unnamed, seemingly New England state. Everything changes for Ella when her longtime mentor, Governor Bill (Albert Brooks), suddenly accepts a cabinet position in the new Obama administration. Ella is thrust into the role of governor, making her the youngest woman ever to hold the office, and must quickly adjust to the new responsibilities and scrutiny.
As the Story Goes On, her perfect life with her high school sweetheart husband, Ryan (Jack Lowden), is not all it’s cracked up to be. She married into what she thought was a normal, typical family. She was attracted to that, having grown up in a very dysfunctional one. Her family was headed by her womanizing father, Eddie (Woody Harrelson), and her long-suffering mother, Claire (Rebecca Hall). If it hadn’t been for feisty Aunt Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), Eddie’s older sister, Ella, and her little brother, Casey (Spike Fern), they would have had no stability at all in their lives.
I don’t want to give everything away because I want people to see this film. As the story continues, Ella faces the challenges of taking over the helm of a governorship from a very popular man and the stress that puts on her marriage. Meanwhile, her father’s resurfacing in her and her brother’s lives after a 13-year absence is a perfect storm for old and new wounds alike. As the saying goes, “When it rains, it pours.” Now, it is pouring buckets around her, and Ella has to dig deep, leaning into support from her aunt and her favorite bodyguard, State Trooper Nash (Kumail Nanjiani), to make it through.
In general, Ella McKay will probably not be on anyone’s short list for awards. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t an awesome film, worthy to be sought out at the theaters this holiday season. James L. Brooks is so good at capturing family dynamics and eliciting great, quirky performances from his cast that you will walk away feeling better than when you walked in. For example, one subplot is the romance between Ella’s little brother, Casey, and Susan (Ayo Edebiri). It’s so sweet, funny, and touching at times that you wish it were a bigger part of the film. Spike Fearn does a brilliant job playing a tortured, brilliant mathematician who just wants to be loved the way he is. That is a sentiment most people can relate to.
I give Ella McCay 4 stars. It’s a funny and heartwarming take on politics, centering on a flawed but genuine human heart. Take your favorite person to a theater near you and enjoy this sweet film.
Directed by: James L. Brooks
Written by: James L. Brooks
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hr 55 min
Comedy, Drama
Release: In Theaters Dec 19th
Starring: Emma Mackey, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Jamie Lee Curtis, Spike Fearn, Jack Lowden, and Julie Kavner
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.