Palm Springs the movie
Palm Springs is a 2020 American science fiction romantic comedy film directed by Max Barbakow with a screenplay by Andy Siara from a story by Siara and Barbakow.[1] It stars Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, Peter Gallagher, and J. K. Simmons, and follows two strangers who meet at a Palm Springs wedding only to get stuck in a time loop.
The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2020, and was released in select theaters by Neon and digitally on Hulu on July 10, 2020. The film received positive reviews, with praise for the performances and use of the concept. The film received two nominations at the 78th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Samberg.
“Palm Springs,” directed by Max Barbakow (his feature film debut), is a very interesting and thought-provoking experience. It often made me laugh out loud. The cast—Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons, Peter Gallagher, Meredith Hagner—is so talented, so in the zone with the material that they crackle with unexpected character development, absurdity, flaws, humor. With all the humor, though, the film strikes an unexpectedly tender almost bittersweet chord, the humor shadowed by sorrow, loneliness, helplessness. “Palm Springs” works by stealth; it doesn’t announce its tone in broad strokes. There’s sleight of hand: judging from the opening sequence, when a bunch of people gather in Palm Springs for a wedding, you think this might be your run-of-the-mill party-out-of-town kooky-family-ensemble film. But “Palm Springs” is full of surprises.
The lead actor of “Groundhog Day” eventually captures the lead actress’ heart by using his newfound knowledge to help others. In “Click,” the main character fast-forwards through unpleasant parts of his life by clicking a magic remote control.
Unlike “Click,” the two main characters of “Palm Springs” are not a couple at first; after Nyles and Sarah get to know each other, they gradually fall in love without realizing it. The loop does not repeat a particular day before the film ends like in “Groundhog Day.”
Fortunately, Academy Award-winningactor J.K. Simmons saves the acting in the movie. His character, Roy, contributes to most of the funny moments in “Palm Springs.” For his fans, watching Simmons play a humorous role is surprising.
Clearly, Samberg is a talented actor, and “Palm Springs” proves he tries hard to captivatethe audience. Samberg, however, needs a better screenplay for his next performance. This film is suitable for killing time, but it does not leave the audience laughing out loud.