"Cunk on Life"

 2024 * Not Rated * 1h 11m  If you like offbeat, dry humor and enjoy people like Ricky Gervais and This Is Spinal Tap, I think this is right up your alley. Diane Morgan plays Philomena Cunk, a totally clueless, dimwit who explains in her own way, the mysteries of life. She meets with various scholars and asks them, point blank, some of the dumbest questions ever. And they keep a straight face as they try to answer her. 

This latest installment is on Netflix as was her previous outing. While I thought it was hilarious, it fell just a  tad short of her earlier work. I think it was mainly due to the nature of her quest--it was a bit more abstract than her other shows. They dealt with history instead of trying to define the nature of life and religion. So if you like this one, look for her other shows such as Cunk on Britain and Cunk on Earth. They're available to stream on YouTube. 

Note to parents: While the  movie is not rated, there is some foul language and a scene graphically explaining intercourse. 

4 out of 5 stars

"My Old Ass"

2024 * R * 1h 29m  I'll come right out and admit it, I love Aubrey Plaza and everything I've seen her in. For me it all started with her wonderful performance in Parks & Recreation and continued right up to this fine film.  She's smart, attractive, and adds a quirkiness to all her roles. 

Here she costars with the delightful and talented young actor Maisy Stella. The film opens with Elliott (Stella) and her two best pals. She's a couple weeks away from heading off to college and the three of them decide to take a trip on magic mushrooms. After ingesting them, Elliott is shocked by the appearance of her 39-year old self, played by Aubrey Plaza. The two of them have some heavy-duty conversations. To keep the the dialogue going, she gets her older version to put her number in her phone, which she IDs as "My Old Ass." 

And lo and behold, they end up continuing their communications, and she receives quite a bit of advice.  She isn't told too much about her fate, but is given some words of wisdom regarding love, life, relationships, and dealing with her family. 

Obviously this is one of those movies that could loosely fall into the category of magic realism. But ultimately I though it was a sweet, heartfelt, and well-acted film. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Prime Video.