Written by: Kevin Berge
If I was going to get stuck in a time loop, it better not be in Palm Springs. I need endless snow not endless desert. (Image Courtesy of: hulu.com)
Quick Take: Palm Springs makes the most of its Groundhog Day-style premise, carrying its empathy on its sleeve while constantly funny throughout. The movie is better than it has any right to be in the absolute best ways.
***This review will contain spoilers for the entire story of Palm Springs. If you have not seen the show and plan to do so, do not read past this point until you have.***
I will admit that I am a sucker for a good Groundhog Day movie. When it is done well, a time loop story can do so much. I still had low expectations going into Palm Springs, and it blew them all away.
Nyles (Andy Samberg) has been stuck in a loop for what feels like forever, and he cannot escape. This time, he messes up and sends Sarah Wilder (Cristin Miloti) into the loop with him. The two struggle with their situation, their complicated relationship, and the threat of Roy (J.K. Simmons), who has grown homicidal since Nyles got him stuck as well.
This story feels truly like a spiritual success to Groundhog Day. It is not adding much in terms of twists, merely exploring how people handle the pressure of finding themselves trapped in a loop with no end.
Nyles has grown jaded, mostly exhausting his options for any kind of entertainment. He does not intentionally bring people into the loop with him, but every time they join him, it changes the dynamic in a way that at least makes things more interesting.
Sarah is the newbie, uncertain how to react, and she tries everything she can to get away. She is not sure about Nyles but ultimately warms up to him, setting a sweet romance that gets complicated as the truth of Nyles' own issues surface.
Roy is the oddball character due to his homicidal tendencies, but ultimately he becomes one of the genuine emotional cores by explaining to Nyles how his mindset has changed. His kids will never grow up, and his family will move on without him in a way forever.
I will admit that I am a sucker for a good Groundhog Day movie. When it is done well, a time loop story can do so much. I still had low expectations going into Palm Springs, and it blew them all away.
Nyles (Andy Samberg) has been stuck in a loop for what feels like forever, and he cannot escape. This time, he messes up and sends Sarah Wilder (Cristin Miloti) into the loop with him. The two struggle with their situation, their complicated relationship, and the threat of Roy (J.K. Simmons), who has grown homicidal since Nyles got him stuck as well.
This story feels truly like a spiritual success to Groundhog Day. It is not adding much in terms of twists, merely exploring how people handle the pressure of finding themselves trapped in a loop with no end.
Nyles has grown jaded, mostly exhausting his options for any kind of entertainment. He does not intentionally bring people into the loop with him, but every time they join him, it changes the dynamic in a way that at least makes things more interesting.
Sarah is the newbie, uncertain how to react, and she tries everything she can to get away. She is not sure about Nyles but ultimately warms up to him, setting a sweet romance that gets complicated as the truth of Nyles' own issues surface.
Roy is the oddball character due to his homicidal tendencies, but ultimately he becomes one of the genuine emotional cores by explaining to Nyles how his mindset has changed. His kids will never grow up, and his family will move on without him in a way forever.
I mean, come on, don't buddy up with J.K. Simmons. The man is obviously always a psychopath. (Image Courtesy of: tvinsider.com)
In every aspect, this movie is about relationship, forcing these characters to accept that while the traditional allows failure, the time loop will only bring out every failing and lie. These people need to be better for themselves, not to get out of the loop.
The ultimate answer to breaking out is great as Sarah learns quantum physics to find a way through. It feels like an ultimately honest answer that does not let anyone off the hook. They can go back to life, but they can't forget what they have gone through.
While the emotional through-line is potent, this is ultimately a comedy, and it is certainly fun. J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) is ridiculously over the top. Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) sells it all, and he has fantastic dramatic and comedic chemistry with Cristin Miloti (The Wolf of Wall Street).
Newcomer to the major movie scene, director Max Barbakow (The Duke) is not reinventing the wheel, but he brings so much to the film by showing a clear focus throughout. The story never lags, and the tone is consistent despite selling a variety of emotions.
Pine Springs is a breezy movie to watch that defines itself positively in a variety of ways. It is worth watching for any movie fan as long as you can excuse the film borrowing from a few very good movies.
In a year where new movies have been tough to find, Pine Springs is a reminder of what a good modern film can be. It adds new context to a familiar formula and is ultimately both emotional and hilarious.
The ultimate answer to breaking out is great as Sarah learns quantum physics to find a way through. It feels like an ultimately honest answer that does not let anyone off the hook. They can go back to life, but they can't forget what they have gone through.
While the emotional through-line is potent, this is ultimately a comedy, and it is certainly fun. J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) is ridiculously over the top. Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) sells it all, and he has fantastic dramatic and comedic chemistry with Cristin Miloti (The Wolf of Wall Street).
Newcomer to the major movie scene, director Max Barbakow (The Duke) is not reinventing the wheel, but he brings so much to the film by showing a clear focus throughout. The story never lags, and the tone is consistent despite selling a variety of emotions.
Pine Springs is a breezy movie to watch that defines itself positively in a variety of ways. It is worth watching for any movie fan as long as you can excuse the film borrowing from a few very good movies.
In a year where new movies have been tough to find, Pine Springs is a reminder of what a good modern film can be. It adds new context to a familiar formula and is ultimately both emotional and hilarious.
