The new film "The Bubble" gives the world of filmmaking a good smack in the face (perfect timing considering what happend at the Oscars this year), while making us laugh. The plot of the film involves the stars of the big budget film franchise "Cliff Beasts" which features flying dinosaurs, gathering at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to film a sixth installment of the series. The new film has the ridiculous title "Cliff Beasts 6: Battle for Everest: Memories of a Requiem", and features the return of one of the stars, Carol Cobb (Karen Gillan), who did not appear in the fifth installment as Dr. Lacey Nightingale. Her return is met with less-than-enthusiastic reactions from many of her co-stars, especially Lauren Van Chance (Leslie Mann) who immediately states Carol adondended them. One of a very few films being produced during the early days of the pandemic, the stars gather at a swanky English hotel where they must self-quarantine for two weeks before filming begins. After the two weeks have ended, Carol and the rest of the cast, Krystal Kris (Iris Apatow), a TikTok megastar recruited for the the film, Dieter Bravo (Pedro Pascal), a veteran actor appearing in the series for the first time, the aforementioned Van Chance, who is the soon-to-be divorced wife of fellow actor Dustin Mulray (David Duchovny), also on hand to reprise his role, Sean Knox (Keegan-MIchael Key), who promotes himself as a wellness guru when off camera, and Howie Frangopolous (Guz Khan), the comic relief of the film, finally are able to gather for a welcome back party. Also on hand for the party is new director Darren Eigan (Fred Armisen), who is better known for indie films. Also on site is the executive producer of the series, Gavin (Peter Serafinowicz), who is trying to run a tight ship and keep everyone in line. The cast also features Harry Trevaldwyn as Gunther, a well-meaning but hilarious COVID safety officer who constantly instructs the cast how to remain safe on and off set, and quite often steals the film. The cast also has Nick Kocher as Scott Dawson, the behind-the-scenes still photographer, constantly attempting to get the cast to cooperate with his efforts. As filming begins, all appears to be going as planned, but soon derails after one of the characters quits the film due to a panic attack, and is killed off in the film in a gruesome manner. Other problems develop with TikTok star Krystal, attacks on the script by Dustin, and an outbreak of influenza caused by a delivery girl. The delay of filming and other future happenings delight hotel owner Ronjon (Vir Das), who knows the delays will only bring more money to his hotel. As if the cast isn't feeling enough claustrophobia, tighter security measures are implemented by head of security Mr. Best (Ross Lee), who begins using drastic measures to keep the cast at the hotel. Scenes involving the cast filming the sequel are quite funny, with dippy dialogue, questionable acting, and moments of diva behaviour adding to the mayhem of the production. The studio has even placed a mole among the group to spy on the cast and to be sure they are behaving. However, the cast, led by Carol, have had enough of the chaos and demanding studio, devises a plan to escape via helicopter one of the actors believes he can fly. Despite his limited ability to only fly the helicopter up and not forward, he is aided by his fellow castmates, and they all fly off from the hotel and set. Flashforward two years and the cast is celebrating the release of the hit "Beasts of the Bubble", a behind-the-scenes documentary of the troubled set as filmed by the aforementioned Scott Dawson. Of course with the documentary being a hit, all of the cast members are thrilled with the project and the reception by the public and critics. While the film did make me laugh at the spoofing of spoiled Hollywood actors and executives, there are some cringe worthy moments, and some jokes fell flat. With all the talent on hand, I expected more, and I felt as I mentioned earlier, the actor playing the health safety officer, Harry Trevadlwyn steals the movie every time he appears on screen, and we needed more of him. Overall, "The Bubble" is an average comedy/satire needing a bit more comedy in its satire. Now playing on Netflix. (Rated R)
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