Verdict
Summary
While undeniably silly at times, Unfrosted is clever enough to let you overlook its flaws.
Plot: Kellog’s executive Bob Cabana (Jerry Seinfeld) spins a yarn about how the Pop-Tart came to be invented.
Review: In the irreverent world of stand-up comedy, Jerry Seinfeld is a comedian who stands at or near the top of the class. One of the genius minds behind the legendary Seinfeld sitcom, he has sporadically appeared in movies and television since. With Unfrosted, he returns with a bang, starring in and directing the farce. While it doesn’t work all the time, Unfrosted is a clever satire that uses the world of cereal to make his usual comedic commentary on all things in life and comment on the world of today.
Featuring an all-star cast, the strongest quality that the movie has going for it is the amount of talent you’ll see on screen. Every character seems to be from a stand-up comedian, television personality, or movie star that you’ll recognize. Amy Schumer, Melissa McCarthy, Peter Dinklage, Christian Slater, and Hugh Grant are a few of the names you’ll see, and if you’re a big stand-up comedian fan, I’m sure you’ll be in for a treat. I thought McCarthy was in the movie a bit too much, and Schumer wasn’t in the film enough, but that may be just me. What is undeniable is this is a very talented, hilarious cast.
The script is usually funny, as well. There’s a funeral at one point that has to be seen to believed and made me crack up at the sheer lunacy of the idea behind it. That’s just a taste of what you’re in for, though, as the world of cereals is a zany backdrop for what is essentially a ridiculous examination of corporate America and the looney tunes who drive it. You could put any industry in it’s place and the message would be the same, but there’s just something extra funny about hiring a super-team of food personalities to help out your company, including Steve Schwinn (who has nothing to do with food) and Chef Boyardee.
Where the movie doesn’t work is when it deviates from its messaging to just be silly. There’s a recurring joke about how they accidentally created a bizarre living ravioli while trying to figure out how to combat Post Cereals’ new breakfast pastry that they keep going to. Initially, the idea drew out a chuckle, but as they explored the idea more and more, the silliness dragged me out of the story. It’s a shame because they had some great stuff, including a struggling Shakespearean actor playing Tony the Tiger and two wise dumpster-diving children providing sage advice throughout the movie.
At just under 100 minutes, the film moves well, but again, because of its lack of focus, the flow sometimes feels choppy. The movie takes place in 1963, so the styles, the cars, and the personalities alive during that time are all in the story and are represented well. I especially enjoyed Bill Burr’s turn as John F. Kennedy as he fit the part well and seemed to embody both the man and the legends around him and his dalliances.
Do I recommend Unfrosted? Sure. I don’t think it’s necessarily a great film, but it has enough going on to keep you entertained, and if you’re willing to accept it when it gets too silly, you’ll have a lot of fun. This will especially appeal to those who enjoy satire and those willing to embrace the social commentary cocooned around a ridiculous story that includes sea monkeys, silly putty and a smoking dog statue. If you’re game, you’ll have a hell of a good time.