Don't Look Up

The worst thing is that in a world where populists rule politically, where even infotainment is no longer enough for the media but pure entertainment, where much of the real power is held by unaccountable tech giants headed by eccentric megalomaniac billionaires, where social media trends set the agenda, where likable bullshit carries more weight than fact-based opinion, a doom-comet could very well end up exactly like this. Scary, true, and funny at the same time. (2021-12-25)

I might be a heretic for it, but I will not join the large fan club of this film. I have, let's say, a reserved relationship towards Adam McKay's work, we don't understand each other, and Don't Look Up is unfortunately no exception. In my eyes, satire should be smart and sophisticated above all. However, this film is kneaded from the same material that it wants to make fun of. It is a pop culture comedy for viewers who are satisfied with little effort in character development, who want to have things served nicely, and, above all, who want to reinforce their view of the world. The film has such a strong cast that I was almost certain I would give it at least three stars, but in the last third, it really annoyed me. If there are comments comparing Don't Look Up to Wag the Dog, with the claim that Don't Look Up is superior, I see it the other way around. Wag the Dog defeats McKay's film not by one or two horse lengths, but at least by a whole stadium. Overall impression: 45%. (2022-10-04)

Don't Look Up is a mirror reflecting the consumerism that surrounds us all today — original, unique, and likely to be a telling piece of commentary for years to come. It's also a classic Oscar contender, packed with a star-studded cast all vying for at least a nomination. Leo is probably the most tolerable, while the rest of the cast comes off as grating — except for Jonah Hill, who seems to effortlessly embody his role’s arrogance. I appreciate the clever concept and sharp, though not always funny, satire. The ending is arguably the funniest part, and if anyone deserves an award, it’s Mark Rylance. (2021-12-31)

Don’t Look Up is a substantially better Hollywood comedy about the end of the world than This is the End :-). It is not only smartly written, but also cleverly cast. For example, the use of Ariana Grande and her song is outstanding. I found the live broadcast scenes the most satirically on point. Another interesting role for Mark Rylance. Though not revelatory, DiCaprio’s last line is apt and right in line with my beliefs. And this is the Cate Blanchett that I would want for a lover. (2022-03-06)

I've been thinking for the past two years that making a satire must be pretty hard when reality keeps overtaking it. But Don't Look Up manages very tastefully to poke fun at our times, no matter what we apply it to on the list of what's happening now. It's probably obvious to anyone who's read the cast that the acting is going to be okay at the very least. I downright needed DiCaprio's "dry" role, and I even liked all the women around him a bit more than usual. For me, it's one of those movies that downright makes you feel better and you're happy to give something five stars after a string of fours because finally there's no BUT. (2022-03-21)