Parent Movie Review
by Donna Gustafson
Have you ever attended a big wedding and felt like the ceremonious event with its tedious toasts would go on forever? Well for Nyles (Andy Samberg), boyfriend to the stepsister of the bride (Meredith Hagner), the dread that this-is-never-going-to-be-over is not just a feeling, it is a reality. Somehow, the party-boy has been caught in a time loop and keeps reliving the marriage day of Tala and Abe (Camila Mendes and Tyler Hoechlin) at a Palm Springs resort.
But the monotony and frustration of his unique situation improves when another person gets stuck with him in the mysterious merry-go-round. Although Sarah (Cristin Milioti) reacts differently to their shared predicament, at least the she can remember what happens during the repeated day from one sleep to the next. And that allows their relationship to progress even though nothing permanently changes with Nyles and Sarah’s circ*mstances.
If you too are having a deja vu experience, it is because this screenplay is very similar to the movie Groundhog Day. (One of the noticeable distinctions between the two is that Bill Murray’s character in the 1993 classic has to endure the repeat cycle alone.) Both films focus on the individual choices and personal development that happens when someone lives in a world with no future or lasting consequences. What choices do they make? Do they lose their will to go on? Do they find a moral compass?
It is exploring the answers to such questions that makes Palm Springs more than the usual romantic comedy. It is just too bad the script didn’t concentrate more on those themes. Instead the writer (Andy Siara) decided to embellish the story by heaping it full of family-unfriendly content.
Both of the main characters frequently drink and sleep around. Drug use is depicted. Sexual portrayals run the gambit: heterosexual, hom*osexual, oral, masturbation and infidelity. Strong sexual expletives (some in a sexual context) and scatological slang are used so excessively you could shovel them. And a character named Roy (J.K. Simmons) piles on a revenge plot full of violent interactions that include weapon use and bloody injuries.
In my time as a movie critic I have run into a couple of films like this one. They offer some positive insights yet have so much negative content to wade through that they can’t be recommended. (For example, Click and Shallow Hal). Worse still, the industry feels like these important topics have been covered, so they move on and don’t come back to them for a long time. And that is a shame. I really wish this title could get another chance to share its message – just like Nyles and Sarah get the opportunity to redo their day – because without all its baggage Palm Springs might have been a worthwhile watch.
Directed by Max Barbakow.Starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J.K. Simmons.Running time: 90 minutes.Theatrical release July 10, 2020.Updated October 27, 2020
About author
Donna Gustafson
Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since thebeginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also createspreview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.
Palm Springs
Rating & Content Info
Why is Palm Springs rated R? Palm Springs is rated R by the MPAA for sexual content, language throughout, drug use and some violence.
Violence: A mild earthquake is depicted. Characters encounter lava. Characters discuss suicide and the desire to die. Characters do things that will kill them, like stand in front of a truck and drive into the path of a moving vehicle. A character is hunted by a character and shot with arrows: some blood is shown. A charter kills and tortures another in various ways. An angry woman throws cans of beer at a man. A character falls and breaks her teeth (blood shown). Guns are shot in target practice. A character falls off a car and another is purposely run into: blood, injury and pain are shown. Men wrestle: one is choked, the other stabled with a fork. A man receives a bloody nose, scrapes and bruise when he is thrown out of a bar. An animal is blown up in an experiment (not shown). Characters strap explosives to themselves and detonate them.
Sexual Content: Sexual conversations and inuendo are frequent. Female characters act in provocative ways and wear revealing clothing. Sexual activities depicted include kissing, embracing, undressing, laying on top of one another, thrusting, a man and woman copulating, a male character masturbating alone and later with the help of a partner, a couple having oral sex (the man’s face is in her lap and she is making sexual noises), male characters leaning in for a kiss, and two men engaging in anal sex. (Because of the repetitive nature of the script, some of these activities are seen more than once.) Characters cheat on one another. A character is heard urinating and later seen doing up his pants. A woman vomits. Characters give each other tattoos (one depicts a penis). The loss of virginity and an accidental pregnancy due to the misuse of a condom are mentioned.
Profanity: A strong sexual expletive is used about 60 times, sometimes in sexual contexts. A sexual figure gesture is also seen in two scenes. A scatological term is used about 30 times. A few mild and moderate profanities are also heard along with terms of deity and sexual slangs. A man claims he is an anti-Christ and professes that there is no god.
Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink alcohol throughout the movie, many to excess. Characters talk about taking drugs and other mind-altering substances, are seen using them and are depicted under the influence of them. Characters drink beer while driving.
Page last updated October 27, 2020
Palm Springs Parents' Guide
If you were trapped in a world where the same events unfolded day after day, what would you do? Would life lose its meaning? How would you find purpose?
If your world reset every morning, what would you learn from your experiences? How does facing consequences influence a person’s decision making? What might happen to your sense of right and wrong?
What are the differences between Nyles and Sarah’s response to their unusual circ*mstances? Why do you think they have such different perspectives about the same situation? How is that true of people in real life?
Sarah says, “If you ignore the past, you are destined to repeat it.” Do you agree? Why do you think she feels it is important to see a person’s “whole package” (past and present) if you are trying to build a relationship?
Why does Nyles feel the past is irrelevant? What things might he be trying to avoid? Do you think he would behave differently in a world where tomorrow did come?
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Palm Springs movie is July 10, 2020. Here are some details…
Related home video titles:
Groundhog Daypresents a similar premise without as many content concerns. Strange situation change the perspective of characters in in Freaky Friday and 13 Going on 30.
Allow me to introduce myself as a seasoned film enthusiast with an extensive background in analyzing and critiquing movies. Over the years, I've delved deep into the intricacies of various genres, from classic cinema to contemporary releases. My passion for cinema is not just a casual interest; it's a profound understanding cultivated through years of dedicated exploration.
Now, let's dissect the article by Donna Gustafson on the movie "Palm Springs." The piece provides a comprehensive review of the film, touching on various aspects such as plot, character development, and thematic elements. The author, Donna Gustafson, offers insights based on her experience as a movie critic, presenting a nuanced perspective that goes beyond surface-level observations.
The central theme of "Palm Springs" revolves around a time loop, a concept not unfamiliar to cinema enthusiasts. The article draws parallels with the classic film "Groundhog Day," highlighting both the similarities and distinctions between the two. The exploration of individual choices, personal development, and the impact of living in a world with no lasting consequences are identified as key focal points.
Gustafson goes on to critique the screenplay, expressing a desire for a more concentrated focus on the profound themes the movie introduces. The review suggests that the film falls short by incorporating excessive family-unfriendly content, including depictions of drinking, drug use, and various forms of sexual content. The author criticizes the decision to prioritize these elements over the potential depth of the underlying themes.
The characters, Nyles and Sarah, are discussed in terms of their reactions to the shared predicament of the time loop. The article notes their differing perspectives and how their relationship progresses despite the stagnant nature of their circ*mstances. This analysis adds a layer of complexity to the review, emphasizing character dynamics as a crucial element in the film.
Gustafson's review extends beyond mere criticism by placing "Palm Springs" within a broader context of films with positive insights but overshadowed by excessive negative content. Examples like "Click" and "Shallow Hal" are cited to illustrate this pattern in the film industry. The reviewer expresses a wish for the film to be given another chance to convey its message without the baggage of explicit content.
In conclusion, Donna Gustafson's review of "Palm Springs" reflects a seasoned understanding of film critique, weaving together analysis, comparison with other films, and a broader industry perspective. The depth of knowledge demonstrated in the review lends credibility to the assessment of the movie's strengths and weaknesses, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from the film.
