Kevin O’Leary

The Breadwinner (2026): An Unfunny Comedy That Really Wants You to Buy a Toyota and Watch Shark Tank

Posted on by Jack Drees

“The Breadwinner” is directed by Eric Appel (Die Hart, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) and stars Nate Bargatze (Your Friend, Nate Bargatze, Nate Bargatze: Hello World), Mandy Moore (Tangled, This Is Us), Colin Jost (Saturday Night Live, Tom & Jerry), Zach Cherry (Fallout, Severance), Martin Herlihy (Saturday Night Live, The Running Man), Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick, Eternals). and Will Forte (Scoob!, The Last Man on Earth). This film is about a dad living in the suburbs who must adapt to a stay-at-home parent lifestyle when his wife gets the opportunity of a lifetime to take her invention to the next level.

I love comedy. I think the world is a better place for having it. Sadly, comedy films are at a bit of a low point. This is not to say that they are dead, there have been wins here and there, but the comedy genre does not feel the same as it did pre-COVID. Part of this may be because a lot of mainstream comedies are finding their way onto streaming services. While some viewers may not care, it kind of turns me off, and makes me think that the people who made the movie do not have much faith in it.

So, when I found out that “The Breadwinner” was going to be a theatrical release, I was pleased. Well, sort of. Because the trailers, while not the worst I have ever seen, did not look fantastic. I cannot say I outright laughed at anything the trailers had to offer.

But you know what? Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Perhaps “The Breadwinner” listened to me every time I watch a comedy trailer, see all the funny jokes, and complain that there is nothing else that happens to be funny when the film comes out. The good news is, there are moments of the film that I did not see in the marketing that made me laugh. Kumail Nanjiani plays a supporting character and he is easily the best part. He has the funniest lines and visual gags. If there is any reason to see this movie, it is him.

Beyond that, I cannot come up with another reason to check this project out. That is unless you want to watch an hour and a half commercial that technically qualifies as cinema.

I have seen Nate Bargatze do standup both through prerecorded specials and live events. He puts on a good show. While not my favorite comedian working today, I think he has a knack for family-friendly humor. The kind that you would expect to fly on an episode of “America’s Got Talent.” Given his success with the standup scene, I was wondering if Nate Bargatze would be able to bring something fresh to the comedy film genre. While the film does feel rather on brand for Bargatze’s standup persona, I think said persona is perhaps handled better on a stage rather than a screen.

“The Breadwinner” feels like an extended episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and not a very good one. Nate Bargatze plays Nate Wilcox, the “average guy” character with a steady job. Mandy Moore plays Katie, a stay at home mom. They have three children and all live in the suburbs together. When Katie gets an opportunity to make something of herself outside the home, it throws Nate off and forces him into the stay-at-home dad role. For Nate, this goes about as well as you, and probably he, would expect. Speaking of things that did not go well, the jokes are more often misses than hits. At no point did the battleship sink. You can only have Nate Bargatze fall down so many times and expect it to be hilarious. The attempts at humor are not only unfunny, but a lot of them feel been there, done that, and in certain cases, done better.

This is a PG movie, and I did see some children at my screening. I would be curious to know how well this comedy is going to age for the younger viewers who check it out. But as a 26-year-old who has quite a few flicks under his belt, the jokes come off as too familiar and predictable for them to work.

This film sort of takes me back to when Happy Madison comedies dominated theatres. And by that I mean, the film reminded me of what I sometimes hated about those movies. This is a glorified, shameless, endless commercial.

Product placement and in-film advertising is nothing new. Also, this is a Sony movie, so this is most certainly nothing new for them. This film reminds me a lot of “The Emoji Movie,” which so incessantly flashes brands on the screen and even makes them interwoven so heavily into the plot to the point where part of the climax would not be possible if it were not for the Twitter bird mascot saving the heroes. With this being a Sony movie, of course, they decided to put in some tie-ins to their properties. There are a couple noticeable nods to “Jeopardy!” for example, that are frankly inoffensive.

But would anyone like to guess how the story moves forward when Katie decides to take her invention to the next level? She goes on “Shark Tank,” of course! Do not get me wrong. A lot of people would, realistically, kill to bring their product on that show for the chance of getting a deal. But I would be willing to bet five bucks that if this were not a Sony movie, “Shark Tank” would make no appearance in this flick whatsoever, as that is also a Sony show. Also, the scene is about as dumb as can be.

Are you seriously telling me that in regards to Katie’s invention, that Kevin O’Leary says he’s out because Nate walks onto the set while eating a donut and presenting himself as the antithesis of a fashion model? Would the real Kevin O’Leary do this? I don’t think so. Some of you might be saying, “Come on, it is a character, let him be.” Yeah, but judging by Nate Bargatze’s performance that lacks any and all transformation, I am not quite sure how much acting is really going on in this film. Not to digress, but the movie tries to present this whole gag where Nate becomes known as “the donut guy.” I understand the Internet can be odd and rude, but this has got to be one of the dumbest viral trends I have ever seen. Then again, I remember a time when portions of the Internet thought the Harlem Shake was cool, so there is that.

“Shark Tank” is not even the biggest culprit of this film’s neverending stream of commercialism. Because this movie really wants you to buy a Toyota. And frankly, it fails miserably. Not just because “The Breadwinner” is a terrible movie by itself, but also because if this were a genuine Toyota ad, I would question its messaging. My mom and I saw the film together, she liked it by the way. Upon discussing our difference in opinion, one of the first things I said to her as we left the cinema is that the film paints Toyota as an anti-family company. If anything, Toyota is the villain. Somebody give Nate Bargatze a Ford so he can go to town on a Toyota dealership!

Oh, and don’t forget to remind Nate Bargatze to take that Toyota to Walmart for some errands! And also don’t forget to tell the talent to take every other brand name cereal off the shelf to make sure everyone knows that is exactly what the family is buying! This movie cost $25 million to make, and I am sure most, if not entire the budget was paid for with this endless charade of brand bootlicking.

There is not much legitimate acting going in this movie, but based on the direction everyone is given, they fulfill the basic requirements of their roles. The women who play the Wilcox sisters, Stella Grace Fitzgerald, Birdie Borria, and Charlotte Ann Tucker, are sometimes adorable and play off the other characters well, even if some of their jokes feel like they are written for a Disney Channel original movie.

Going back to what I said about this film feeling like an extended “Everybody Loves Raymond” episode, the more I think about this film’s director’s background, I can see why. While Eric Appel has a lot of experience behind the scenes making material within the comedy genre, most of his material is TV-based. Even his more recent feature films did not get theatrically released. He directed “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” which is a Roku Original. Beyond that, some of his more recent projects include the “Die Hart” films on Prime Video, where Kevin Hart plays a version of himself. …Doesn’t he do that in every other movie he’s in too?

Plus, the writers of this film do not have much experience on the big screen either. In addition to starring in the film, Nate Bargatze also has a screenwriting credit. Upon looking at his IMDb, this is also Bargatze’s first acting credit in a feature film. The other writer, Dan Lagana, mostly has a TV background. The two also produce the film as well alongside Jeremy Latcham, a former Senior Vice President of Production and Development of Marvel Studios. So, you have all these minds coming together who for the most part, are not exactly known for feature filmmaking. I am not against these people giving filmmaking the old college try. But as for this try, it was a fail. These people got their start, but it was not the finest of beginnings. If anything, I am glad to see a studio put their money where their mouth is, which judging by this film’s content, their mouth was probably on a Toyota’s trunk fairly recently, and put a comedy in theaters. That is nice to see in this day and age. That said, this does feel like a comedy that was probably intended to go to streaming, but somehow wound up on the big screen.

In the end, “The Breadwinner” made me lose some brain cells. Nate Bargatze is a talented comedian, but I frankly think standup is where he is best. I am not sure how much of a future he is going to have as a movie star. I do not know if he is aiming to pursue more film roles, but if he does, I hope they are superior to what he has given here. The worst thing about this film is simply the fact that I did not find it funny. Yes, I emitted a chuckle here and there, and Kumail Nanjiani saves the film whenever he pops up on screen. But I was expecting more from someone who is killing it in the standup scene. Instead, “The Breadwinner” is essentially this year’s version of “Easter Sunday,” starring Jo Koy. It is a film that wastes the talent of a successful comedian, as well as my time. I am going to give “The Breadwinner” a 2/10.

“The Breadwinner” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! This Tuesday, July 14th, get ready to make it a “Blockbuster Night!” Or… Day, I do not care. Your choice. Either way, I say such a thing because the next episode of Movie Requests is going to feature Blockbuster Video owner Sandi Handing! She owns the Blockbuster Video in Bend, Oregon. That is the last one still open! I had the privilege of meeting Harding in November, when she requested I should watch a certain movie whose title will be revealed when the next episode of Movie Requests officially drops! You can catch the video on Tuesday July 14th on Flicknerd.com and YouTube! Make sure you subscribe to my channel! It may not give you superpowers, but it will make you super aware of when exactly this episode drops! And isn’t the power of knowledge the greatest thing of all?

My next review is going to be for “Disclosure Day!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Toy Story 5,” “Supergirl,” “Jackass: Best and Last,” “Obsession,” “Maddie’s Secret,” and “Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Breadwinner?” What did you think about? Or, have you seen any of Nate Bargatze’s standup material? Look, I may have been harsh on this movie. Although Bargatze is not a comedic hack. He can put on a good show. I will look forward to his next standup special or upcoming gig in the New England area, but “The Breadwinner” was not for me. Ah well, can’t win ’em all. Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Marty Supreme (2025): Josh Safdie’s Fast-Paced Flick Following a Lean, Mean Ping Pong Machine

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Marty Supreme” is directed by Josh Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time) and stars Timothée Chalamet (Wonka, A Complete Unknown), Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man, Shakespeare in Love), Odessa A’zion (Until Dawn, She Rides Shotgun), Kevin O’Leary (Shark Tank, Project Earth), Tyler, the Creator (Piece by Piece, Jackass Forever), Abel Ferrara (Body Snatchers, Fear City), and Fran Drescher (The Nanny, Hotel Transylvania). Loosely inspired by true events, the film follows Marty Mauser, a shoe salesman who aspires to be a ping pong pro and will do anything, no matter the cost, to make his dream a reality.

Courtesy of A24

The Safdie Brothers have quickly become two of the biggest names working in Hollywood today. Their work together behind the camera has brought forth some excitingly fast-paced films including “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems.” I had the pleasure of rewatching the latter earlier this year, and while it is sometimes hard to keep up with every minute, I appreciate the film’s commitment to delivering one of the most anxiety-inducing cinematic experiences of all time. It is not my favorite film of 2019, but it is certainly one of the most unique.

While the Safdie Brothers may not be working together this year as directors, it allows for both to release their own projects at different points of the year. “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie, released in October. I thought it could have been better. Fast forward a couple months later, that is when Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” hits the big screen. The two films have a couple things in common. Both star big name actors and involve sports. “The Smashing Machine” stars Dwayne Johnson and involves mixed martial arts. “Marty Supreme” on the other hand stars Timothée Chalamet and involves table tennis. These two films have some things in common.

Although one significant difference between “The Smashing Machine” and “Marty Supreme” is that the latter is a much better movie. I walked out of “Marty Supreme” feeling somewhat similar to how I walked out of “Uncut Gems” after seeing it for the first time. While it is not going to be my favorite film of the year, it will be remembered as a one of a kind adrenaline rush featuring a complicated protagonist.

Courtesy of A24 – © A24

To say Timothée Chalamet plays Marty Mauser would be a disservice because I think the more accurate thing to say is that Chalamet transforms into Marty Mauser. It is quite possible that Chalamet has given the performance of the year, and it is gratifying to end 2025 on such a high note. I had a conversation with a friend in recent weeks and we both agreed that Chalamet has undeniable range between his work in “Dune,” “Wonka,” and even more recently, “A Complete Unknown.” With each and every role he takes on, Chalamet continues to showcase an extreme sense of charisma. But if you go into “Marty Supreme” expecting Chalamet to deliver something as happy go lucky as his lead performance in “Wonka,” prepare to have those expectations subverted. Chalamet’s character is by no means a role model.

Through its marketing and execution, “Marty Supreme” sort of plays out like a classic hero’s journey. Marty wants to get out of his ordinary life as a shoe salesman and will stop at nothing to see his ping pong dreams through. He does not care who he has to push out of the way. He does not care how much money it costs to make something happen. Unlike a real hero, Marty is noticeably self-absorbed. If anything, Marty Mauser is the equivalent of Lightning McQueen from “Cars” if that movie were not filtered for a G-rating. He is a narcissistic brat who wants things to go his way. He clearly passionate about his dreams, but maybe to a sick degree.

As I watched “Marty Supreme,” I could not help but think about “All the Right Moves,” the 1983 film starring Tom Cruise as a high schooler looking for a football scholarship. I found some parallels in my experiences of watching both films. Not only are their protagonists athletic, but they are kind of bratty. That said, “Marty Supreme” manages to present a much more likable lead, at least to me. The protagonist from “All the Right Moves,” Stefen Djordjevic, comes off as a jerk on so many levels. Marty Mauser is also kind of a jerk, but there are moments that despite his selfish tendencies, he has a heart. Though even if he did not have a heart, the movie has such a wild immersion factor that enhances Marty’s journey, as well as those of the supporting characters. I felt completely invested in everything this film had to offer from start to finish.

Speaking of the supporting cast, that aspect of the movie stands out simply because there are some surprising names attached to the project like magician Penn Jillette and venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary (above), the latter of whom plays one of the most significant parts in the project. While “Marty Supreme” may not have my favorite cast of the year, I will give the film props for putting in some eccentric, but nevertheless spot on talent.

That said, while Kevin O’Leary does do an okay job in the film, if you know enough about Kevin O’Leary, chances are you are probably going to walk out of this movie thinking that he played an alternate version of himself. O’Leary’s character, Milton Rockwell, is an influential businessman.

Similarly, Gwyneth Paltrow is also in the film. She puts on a good show as Kay Stone, a retired actress. Paltrow’s role, like O’Leary’s, feels kind of derivative considering Paltrow herself took a break from acting. While O’Leary and Paltrow both play their parts well, they do not hold a candle to Chalamet as the lead, who, as I said earlier, basically transforms into Marty Mauser.

This film, from start to finish, maintains a consistent sense of atmosphere. This film is set in the 1950s, and the production design to match the time spares no expense. The movie is also shot mostly on 35mm film, giving it a somewhat dirty, but also neatly colored look. It kind of reminded me of the look of “Uncut Gems,” which again, Josh Safdie directed. Both films are even shot by the same cinematographer, Darius Khondji. I have to give credit to both of these people because they play a part in taking a sport as simple as ping pong and presenting it as if it happened to be a gladiator match. Not every shot showcases every little bit of action, but there is a breakneck pace to each of the film’s sporting events. I also have to give props, once again, to Timothée Chalamet. His talent leaps off the screen, and it should not be a surprise. Chalamet spent years training for this role by taking lessons and even replacing his living room furniture in his home with a table tennis setup.

On the surface, “Marty Supreme” seems like a sports drama about an aspiring ping pong player, and it is. But the reality is that the film is much more than that. It is about someone who thinks beyond reason. It is about someone whose aspirations are so high to the point where his behavior and actions to achieve the goals he wants to see through become unpredictable. If you want a role model protagonist, this might not be the movie for you. But if you are okay something rough and tough, “Marty Supreme” may be up your alley.

In the end, “Marty Supreme” is a fast-paced thrill of a flick featuring one of the best lead performances of the year. This may be Timothée Chalamet’s greatest demonstration of his acting chops to date, and that is saying something because his portrayal of Bob Dylan in last year’s “A Complete Unknown” is unbelievable. The film packs in a lot of threads, showcases a ton of characters, and never becomes boring throughout its two and a half hour runtime. That said, and not that this is a huge dealbreaker, I wish the movie maybe had a smidge more ping pong, but the ping pong we do get is kinetic and entertaining. That said, I will give credit to “Marty Supreme,” as far as this year’s sports movies go, this is much more of a ping pong movie than “Him” is a football movie. I am going to give “Marty Supreme” a 7/10.

“Marty Supreme” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! With my thoughts on this movie out of the way, that means my next posts are going to be for my top 10 BEST and WORST movies of 2025. I saw nearly all the movies I wanted to see this year. I still have not seen “Song Sung Blue,” “Ne Zha II,” “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” and “Blue Moon.” I only have so much time so I could not quite fit everything in. But some of the movies I did see will be acknowledged in the coming days. If you want to see posts like my upcoming countdowns and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Marty Supreme?” What did you think about it? Or, between Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” and Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” which film do you think is superior? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!