Kevin is back to share his thoughts on Fool’s Paradise. Our favorite wild boy is a big fan of director, writer, and star Charlie Day’s television show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Is the film a success or a bust?
For the last twenty years, Charlie Day, co-creator of the hit television show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has developed a huge following. Many have wanted to see the lovable actor venture out to film projects. He was a co-lead in both entries of Horrible Bosses franchise and the lead in 2015’s Fist Fight. Day, who wrote many of the episodes of It’s Alway Sunny and directed one the memorable “Charlie Work,” now has been given the chance to star, write, and direct his first Hollywood film. Does his comedy translate to the big screen?
The film begins in a mental facility, where a nameless man, played by Day, sits there as the doctor’s realize that they don’t the money to help him out. So, what do they do? They decide to dump him on a Hollywood street corner with nothing but the clothes on his back. Luckily, a Hollywood producer notices him on the street. On a film backlot, the prestige and idiotic actor Sir Tom Bingsley, also played by Day, won’t leave his trailer while money and time are being wasted. The mute man, who gets the name of Latte Pronto, yes, it is a pun, is then thrust onto the set, since he looks like Binglsey. Soon after, due to tragic circumstances, Bingsley dies, and now the mute Pronto is thrown into the lifestyle left by his lookalike. What transpires is a satirical look at Tinseltown.
The film’s tone is completely light and comical. While Day’s Pronto is a completely mute character, everyone else around him is verbal. Day was clearly inspired by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, since the iconic silent film stars acted and directed many of their own projects. For fans of It’s Alway Sunny, it is known that Day has always been a gifted performer. As the non-verbal Pronto, he radiates charm through his physical performance. Pronto acts as an avatar for the audience members who get to see the insanity of Hollywood and its residences. Many films have parodied Hollywood, it isn’t anything new, and Day doesn’t do anything substantial, but he does provide a film that is fun to watch. All the players from the city of dreams: the actors, directors, writers, producers, opportunistic girlfriends, and posers, all have a magnifying glass held up to them. For these roles, Day has recruited some impressive names: Ken Jeong, Kate Beckinsale, Adrien Brody, Jason Bateman, Edie Falco, and the late Ray Liotta. All of them have dialed it up to 11, giving over the top versions of their characters. Though the script is basic on presentation, these actors elevate, but most importantly, convey a feeling of joy playing these roles.
The technical aspect of the film also should be admired. It contains a clear visual style. Day’s version of Hollywood looks like a dream with vibrant imagery. Additionally, the soundtrack is a nice throwback to the silent film era. While the film is good natured, it falters when it comes to the comedy. The satirical strength of the jokes is not as impactful as they are in other films in this genre. There are jokes that you can see coming a mile away. Day is working in a different tone here, but it seems the edge is absent from this comedy. It is kind of corny.
Despite the mediocre outcome of the project, the film has the same genuine odd personality that Day has built a career on. The silent film feeling is emulated quite well, but the film surrounding it doesn’t have strong legs. For Day, it seems that he will have a career in comedy if It’s Alway Sunny does indeed ride off into the sunset. Next time, he just needs a stronger script.
I am giving Fool’s Paradise a 3 out of 5 Hairpieces!
Cinephellas 