Ella McCay

Ella McCay is a new comedy that has a lot going for it. Strong cast, cute characters, and a lot of crazy family drama. What it suffers from is a script that is trying to do way too much while at the same time never leaving the shallow end of the pool. You can look at it as one of the best made for TV movies of the year, or a decent trip to the theater. It is all about perspective.

Synopsis: An idealistic young woman juggles her family and work life in a comedy about the people you love and how to survive them. | 1h 55m | Rated PG-13 for strong language, some sexual material and drug content

Oscar winning writer James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment, As Good as it Gets, Spanglish) has given us some bangers. It is surprising how flat this one falls as a theatrical movie. The feeling is that it wanted to be a series with mid level actors, but became a full fledged movie with top stars. But the foundation was not there to support it. This is all theory of course and my brain trying to figure out what happened.

Ella McCay (Emma Mackey) is a tenacious young woman who has had to rise above her family disfunction; specifically her adulterous father (Woody Harrelson). She takes refuge with her favorite Aunt Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) who is always full of outspoken wisdom. Ella has risen to be the youngest Lieutenant Governor ever. Things are transpiring for her to be Governor, if she can navigate a jealous husband (Jack Lowden), an introvert brother (Spike Fearn), and a dad trying to make amends.

A lot happens with all of these characters which leaves very little time for depth and caring. If the story had stayed in its lane and focused on Ella and her political rise it would have been stronger. Throwing in other character arcs that neither add to her journey or trajectory makes the plot boggy and hard to buckle down with.

Ella’s hubby is supportive but also self serving. We meet his mom – barely – who seems to be pushing him to use Ella’s success for his own good. Not sure why. There are hints and touches to the mom’s story but again nothing substantial. The same can be said for Ella’s brother. We see him at a young age, then again as an adult. We are expected to care about this one rocky relationship he has with a young woman. In fact one entire scene is wasted on them reconnecting. Which means nothing to the viewer or the story.

The acting is not surprising as we get wonderful performances from the entire cast. Curtis is wonderful in these supporting roles where she isn’t carrying the plot but there to give us dynamic, scene stealing moments. All of us had or wanted to have an aunt like Helen. Harrelson too doesn’t give us anything we haven’t seen from him before, but it is still fun to watch and helps us side with Ella.

Other recognizable faces grace the screen including Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Rebecca Hall, and Albert Brooks. Obviously a script by James L. Brooks brings everybody to the yard. I have a easier time touting this as a great at home watch when it streams in what should be a few months. If you head to the theater every week and are caught up on most other films, this might be a good date night option. The rating and run time makes it pretty safe for all adults. Do not let award season full you. This would feel the same any time of year.

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Matt Mungle

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