The Breadwinner: A Dated Comedy That Misses the Mark
In the realm of comedy, it's not uncommon for stand-up comedians to venture into the world of movies. Sometimes, this transition is a triumph, while other times, it's a recipe for disaster. The Breadwinner, starring Nate Bargatze, falls into the latter category. This movie, which follows a man who must switch roles with his wife and become a stay-at-home dad, is a prime example of a comedy that fails to deliver on its premise. Personally, I think this is a shame, as the concept had the potential to be both relatable and entertaining. However, the execution falls flat, leaving viewers with little to laugh about.
One of the main issues with The Breadwinner is the lack of energy and charisma in Bargatze's performance. His monotone, everyman schtick, which might work on the stage, simply doesn't translate to the big screen. As a lead actor, he comes across as disinterested and unengaging, making it difficult for the audience to connect with his character. Mandy Moore, in the token wife role, doesn't fare much better. Their lack of chemistry and the fact that they don't seem to be in the same social circle make their relationship feel forced and unconvincing.
The comedy itself is another letdown. The jokes are juvenile and shallow, relying heavily on the premise of a man struggling to do basic tasks like laundry or taking his kids to school. While these situations can be relatable, the execution falls flat. The constant harping on the fact that 'isn't it funny that this guy can't do what his wife does so easily?' becomes tiresome and doesn't offer any genuine laughs. The side characters, though talented, fail to add much to the film, with even Will Forte's Keegan, the world's worst contractor, not being used to his full potential.
The plot also suffers from a lack of stakes. Even when Nate is doing something completely out of his comfort zone, his wife is more than accepting and goes with the flow. The only time there's drama is when it's manufactured in the most ridiculous way possible, and even then, it doesn't result in any significant consequences. It's as if the filmmakers wanted to make the most inoffensive film possible, resulting in something entirely devoid of personality.
The Breadwinner also feels like a product placement extravaganza. From Walmart to KFC, the film takes every chance it can to push out some commercial product. The most egregious element is the over-the-top coverage of Shark Tank. The entire story kicks off because of an episode of Shark Tank, and it even comes back around in the final act. It doesn't help that none of the people from that show can act and struggle with even the most basic of lines. In my opinion, this feels like a missed opportunity to create a more organic and relatable story.
In conclusion, The Breadwinner is a dated comedy that fails to deliver on its premise. While the concept had the potential to be both relatable and entertaining, the execution falls flat. The lack of energy, charisma, and genuine laughs make it a difficult watch. If you're looking for a comedy that will leave you laughing, I'd recommend passing on The Breadwinner and seeking out something with a bit more bite and originality.
