Ella McCay
⭐️ ⭐️ ½ (out of 5)
James L. Brooks has had an impact on the entertainment industry through award-winning films such as Terms of Endearment and As Good As It Gets. Yet, his influence doesn't stop there as he has been instrumental in producing iconic television shows that include The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Simpsons. A career that has made him a legend in the business, but the octogenarian continues to create more, and his latest film is the political comedy, Ella McCay.
Set in the heartland of the United States, Ella (Emma Mackey) has lived a challenging life that includes extreme family drama, limited romantic interludes and a lovingly supportive, but meddlesome aunt named Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis). Throughout her lifetime, the young woman manages to get involved in state politics and works her way up to lieutenant governor at 34. Until Governor Bill (Albert Brooks) is appointed to the President's cabinet, and Ella is thrust into the role of leading the state government. A stressful time that is exacerbated by Ryan (Jack Lowden), her demanding husband; Casey (Spike Fearn), an agoraphobic brother; and her estranged father, Eddie McCay (Woody Harrelson), who suddenly wants to be in her life. Her first few days in office prove to be a struggle for her and all who come into her relational orbit.
From Broadcast News to Spanglish, this famed filmmaker’s projects have been driven by well-written, deliciously flawed characters thrown into the madness of the real world. His signature style has led to some of the most celebrated roles in cinematic history. To open, the fabulous Julie Kavner (Voice of Marge Simpson) narrates, and Ella's seasoned secretary opens the door to what to expect from this political misadventure. Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson provide the depth to the cast while Mackay, Lowden, and Kumail Nanjiani take the baton for the next generation. Emma Mackay proves she can carry a film and hold her own with film royalty, but the script lets her down at times.
The attention to detail of each of these individuals provides the heart and drama of a typical James L. Brooks film. Yet what this movie lacks is connective tissue to give the story enough believability and appeal to make anyone care about Ella and her entourage. There are laughs and tearful moments as the flashpoints occur within key runs of dialogue. Still, the steps between these magical elements cause the whole story arc to stumble. To think that the process of promotion within the state government was a mere quippy moment of advice before a press conference, and there wouldn't be a proper vetting system, causes too many barriers for this story to be taken seriously.
Ella McCay offers James L. Brooks fans a film that has all of the markers they have come to love from the filmmaker over the years. Still, cleverly written dialogue cannot mask the messiness of this political tale, which falls over on itself too many times for audiences to stomach the moral lesson of the concluding epilogue. Not one of this award-winning director's best films, but what do you do when you can't have Jack Nicholson for every project?
Reel Dialogue and Third Space have entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage with the Bible in a fresh and exciting way.
Reel Dialogue: How do you deal with life when it seems that nothing is going right?
Films like this one may make you wonder how people go on when a multitude of struggles come their way. Ella McCay thinks that ignoring issues, intellectual prowess, and hard work are the primary answers to overcoming struggles. Yet, most of us know that hard work and grit do not always provide the solutions we need in life. Which leads us back to the original question: where can people find hope during difficult times?
'Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.' - An excerpt from a letter from the Apostle Peter
To avoid being trite, a good place to turn is to the God of the Bible. The instructional side of Peter's words is to understand that you need help, to trust that God can help you at all times, and to know that, because he cares for you, you can give all your concerns and difficulties to him. During difficult times, this is a place of hope and help.
Reading more from Peter's letter
