A Futile and Stupid Gesture

This comedic drama chronicles the rise and fall of National Lampoon magazine, focusing on the volatile relationship between founder Doug Kenney and his creative partner, Henry Beard. It delves into the magazine's chaotic, drug-fueled early days and its eventual descent into a corporate entity, all told through the unreliable narration of aging comedian, and Kenney's friend, P.J. O'Rourke.

A Futile and Stupid Gesture received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised its ambition in tackling the complex and often messy history of National Lampoon, and particularly Will Forte's performance as Doug Kenney, some found the film's structure and tone to be inconsistent, struggling to balance its comedic and dramatic elements.

• Praised for its ambitious portrayal of National Lampoon's legacy and Will Forte's central performance.

• Criticized for an uneven tone that struggles to balance humor with the darker aspects of the story.

• Some found the meta-narrative framing device distracting rather than insightful.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be an entertaining, albeit flawed, look at the National Lampoon era, with many appreciating the humor and the cast's efforts. However, some viewers felt the movie didn't quite capture the full impact or chaotic spirit of the magazine.

The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by John D. Donvan, which itself is based on the accounts of P.J. O'Rourke, who serves as the unreliable narrator within the film.