The Summer Movie Awards | The Watch

Comedy Challenges

Comedy films are facing significant challenges in today's entertainment landscape. Sean Fennessey highlights the decline in comedy's market share, noting that this summer might be the first in 25 years without a comedy hitting the $100 million mark 1. Chris Ryan adds that the genre's fragmentation is evident in the varied reception of Netflix specials and the lack of standout films like "There's Something About Mary" or "The Hangover."

Comedy's in a weird spot where no one can kind of agree on what they want.

--- Sean Fennessey

The duo discusses how modern comedies often lack the structured screenplays of past hits, relying instead on improvisation, which sometimes falls flat 1.

   

Dramatic Transformations

Dramatic transformations in film are celebrated for their depth and impact. Sean Fennessey praises the performances in "Tully," particularly highlighting the lack of vanity in the roles and the chemistry with Cody's dialogue 2. Chris Ryan notes the overlooked brilliance of Mackenzie Davis's performance, suggesting it might have gained more attention with a different release timing.

It's a real transformation, and it's an interesting first step in a big year for Jonah Hill.

--- Sean Fennessey

Jonah Hill's role in "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot" is another example, showcasing his evolution into a more nuanced actor, setting the stage for his upcoming projects 2.