Fool’s Paradise (2023)

Director: Charlie Day

Cast: Charlie Day, Ken Jeong, Kate Beckinsale

Release Date: In Theaters May 12, 2023

A Review By: Kevin Lovell

Film Rating: 8/10

Synopsis:

A satirical comedy about a down on his luck publicist, who gets his lucky break when he discovers a man recently released from a mental health facility looks just like a method actor who refuses to leave his trailer. With the help of a powerful producer, the publicist helps the man become a huge star, even marrying his beautiful leading lady. Their adventures lead them to cross paths with drunken costars, irreverent unhoused action heroes, unpredictable directors, super agent, and power-mad moguls. Fame and fortune are not all they’re cracked up to be, and the two men must fight their way back to the things that matter the most.

‘Fool’s Paradise’ accompanies a stranger who is released from a mental facility and dumped in downtown Los Angeles. Seemingly choosing to remain mute, the man is randomly picked up by a Hollywood producer who discovers him on the side of the road and realizes that he looks identical to the star of his current film who keeps causing problems. Sick of the actor’s ridiculous hang-ups, they send the mute stranger who is given the name Latte Pronto in to finish the film only for his offbeat style and unfamiliarity with the industry to result in praise for his unique performance. Quickly launching him to stardom, Latte soon finds himself pulled along into the wild world of Hollywood life where before he can blink is married, looking for new roles and guided along by a down on his luck publicist who he promptly forms a special bond with. As things continue to get out of hand and Latte remains quiet, he’ll just have to buckle up and enjoy the ride, wherever it might take him.

Written and directed by Charlie Day who does a solid job at the helm of ‘Fool’s Paradise’ guiding along the goofy and amusing ride which also marks Day’s directorial debut. Charlie Day (TV’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) also leads the cast which features no shortage of talented individuals and additionally includes Ken Jeong (TV’s The Afterparty), Kate Beckinsale (Jolt), Adrien Brody (The French Dispatch), Jason Sudeikis (TV’s Ted Lasso), Edie Falco (Avatar: The Way of Water), Jason Bateman (Air), Common (TV’s Silo), Jillian Bell (Murder Mystery 2), Dean Norris (TV’s United States of Al), Jimmi Simpson (TV’s The Man Who Fell to Earth), Ray Liotta (Cocaine Bear) and John Malkovich (Mile 22), along with more and the majority offer capable, or at least fitting performances in each of their respective roles that help to keep the over the top comedy moving along at full speed.

‘Fool’s Paradise’ is a delightfully silly, often over the top and at times truly heartwarming journey through the heart of Hollywood that serves up plenty of laugh out loud fun and ridiculousness that also has some rewarding depth at its core that embraces the vulnerability and humanity that we can sometimes miss in life when everyone is far more concerned with talking nonstop and being noticed than simply paying attention to the rest of the world and individuals around us. While not every element and gag within lands as smoothly as intended and a handful of moments are ridiculous or inane enough that they elicit eye rolls more than rich laughs, much of it can be largely forgiven thanks to how many sequences and tidbits do work and the appreciation for the physical comedy that Day delves into without any hesitation and his ability to so capably portray his moods and reactions solely from his expressions and physical responses is commendable. Perhaps one of the most surprising elements within is the heart that the film exudes at times as it progresses and showcases the relationship between Latte and his publicist (portrayed well by a high energy Ken Jeong) which results in some quite beautiful moments.

In addition to capably guiding along this satirical tale which marks his directorial debut, Charlie Day also contributes a memorable performance in the lead role and showcases his ability for physical comedy as he tears through the film’s chaotic landscape while nary speaking a word and exuding his reactions in a purely physical manner which is almost reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin at times and makes for a consistently unique and enjoyable approach to the material that finds a rewarding balance of throwbacks to the older days and a more modern style of comedy. Day’s overly physical performance regularly benefits from the comedic talent starring opposite him including a hilariously over the top performance by Adrien Brody who often steals the majority of scenes he occupies and Jason Sudeikis as a popular filmmaker who always seems to be in overdrive, along with a handful of other noteworthy stars who appear throughout and help contribute some additional fun to this amusing tale of one man’s raucous ride through the tumultuous Hollywood lifestyle.

Overall, ‘Fool’s Paradise’ is a fun, goofy, occasionally touching and frequently hilarious romp of a directorial debut from Charlie Day that allows the comedic star an opportunity to show off his talent both for physical comedy and as a first time filmmaker. Utilizing a lively mix of physical comedy that’s reminiscent of past stars like Charlie Chaplin regularly balanced with a more modern and often slightly vulgar comedic style, along with some moments sprinkled in along the way that are surprisingly heartwarming, it may not land every single joke or moment, but it keeps things consistently energetic, funny and enjoyable enough to make it a winner altogether; with a star-studded cast at its disposal that includes Ken Jeong, Kate Beckinsale Adrien Brody, Jason Sudeikis and Ray Liotta along with many more. If you’re a fan of Charlie Day and enjoy a satirical comedy with some heart and plenty of laughs, then ‘Fool’s Paradise’ should definitely be worth checking out.

Film Rating: 8/10

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‘Fool’s Paradise’ Arrives Only in Theaters On May 12, 2023 From Roadside Attractions & Lionsgate

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