Nate Bargatze's big-screen debut in 'The Breadwinner' is a case study in the dangers of over-reliance on relatability. While Bargatze's clean, family-friendly humor has undoubtedly contributed to his success as a comedian, it seems to have left little room for creativity and innovation in his feature film debut. The result is a movie that, while inoffensive, is painfully bland and fails to capture the essence of true humor.
The premise of 'The Breadwinner' is simple: Nate, a car salesman, is left to care for his three young daughters while his wife travels to South Korea. This setup, while relatable, is not a new concept. The film fails to add any fresh perspective or unique twist to this familiar situation. Instead, it relies on lazy humor and uninspired writing, making it feel like a rehash of every family sitcom ever created.
One of the biggest disappointments of 'The Breadwinner' is the underutilization of its talented cast. Kumail Nanjiani, Colin Jost, Will Forte, and Kate Berlant are all given one-note, one-joke roles that do not showcase their full potential. This is particularly frustrating given the diverse range of talents that these actors bring to the table. The film's attempt to incorporate cameos from 'Shark Tank' hosts, including Kevin O'Leary and Lori Greiner, only serves to highlight the lack of originality in the script.
The film's comedy set piece, involving a horse rampaging through a house, is a prime example of the lazy humor that permeates 'The Breadwinner'. It is unfunny and feels like a cheap attempt to generate laughter. The recurring gag of Nate blowing an air horn to get people's attention is also a low-hanging fruit that fails to land any punchlines.
In my opinion, the problem with 'The Breadwinner' is that it fails to strike a balance between relatability and creativity. While it may appeal to a broad audience, it lacks the edge and originality that make true humor memorable. Bargatze's deadpan persona, while effective on stage, seems to have been stretched too thin on screen. The film's attempt to capture the essence of John Hughes family-style humor falls flat, as it lacks the genuine hilarity that Hughes was known for.
The bottom line is that 'The Breadwinner' is a case study in the dangers of over-reliance on relatability. While it may be inoffensive, it is painfully bland and fails to capture the essence of true humor. Personally, I think that Bargatze's future projects should focus on pushing the boundaries of his comedic style and exploring new, innovative ways to engage audiences. Only then can he truly establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy.
