Review: "On the Rocks" Finds the Humor Amid a Midlife Crisis

Scene from On the Rocks (2020) 

One of the hardest things to be in life is cool. It's something that we all thrive to be, though the older we get, the further out of touch we're likely to be. The esteem to resonate in ways that you did as a teenager, following trends, and having all the energy in the world slowly starts to fade, and there's some sadness in this revelation. Like DEVO in 1981, director Sofia Coppola is through being cool. She doesn't have it in her anymore. With her latest personal exercise (her most vulnerable since Somewhere), she finds ways to explore that transition period when the world begins to feel more jaded, unable to connect in these significant ways. What it lacks in immediacy it more than makes up for in terms of fun comic chemistry between Bill Murray and Rashida Jones. Everything may meander, but it all builds to self-acceptance that we all face as we continue through time, finding ways to accept whatever lies beyond being cool. It may not be trendy, but it's inevitable.

Bill Murray Reminisces in Perplexing First Trailer for "On the Rocks"

Scene from On the Rocks (2020)

It was only a year ago that things were looking much different for AppleTV+. Many saw it as a third-tier streaming service, unable to compete with the big boys like Netflix and Amazon Prime. While they don't have much of a reputation yet, there is some silver lining that has cropped up during the pandemic. Starting with their Tom Hanks war movie Greyhound, they have been creating a more prestigious aura about them, including a recent word of mouth success in the documentary Boys State that may be one of the best titles of the year.

With On the Rocks, they are continuing to expand their appeal with a film from the Oscar-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola, teaming up with Bill Murray for their first movie since Lost in Translation. In a year where streaming services are standing to dominate the Oscar fields, it's interesting to see this film as another potential upset, presenting yet another reason why this could be an unorthodox year. If nothing else, this looks to be the most upbeat and warm Coppola movie in years, shining through a trailer that promises to deliver a good time for all involved. 

A24 A-to-Z: #9. "Obvious Child" (2014)

Scene from Obvious Child

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.