In his cinematic debut, *The Breadwinner*, comedian Nate Bargatze attempts to transition from stand-up stardom to the silver screen, but the result is a nostalgic nod that feels more like a sitcom throwback than a fresh comedy. With a reliance on outdated tropes and an unconvincing premise, this film struggles to find its footing, leaving audiences yearning for genuine laughs.
A Familiar Setup
Bargatze, known for his deadpan humour and relatable observations about family life, plays a suburban father named Nate—a character who feels all too familiar. The film appears to take inspiration from the likes of Adam Sandler’s more mediocre offerings from the late 2000s, such as *Grown Ups* and *Jack & Jill*. In *The Breadwinner*, Nate is married to Katie, portrayed by Mandy Moore, who seems far too accomplished for him. While Nate sells cars, Katie is poised to launch an innovative home-organisation product after appearing on the reality show *Shark Tank*.
This setup quickly descends into chaos when Katie leaves Nate in charge of their household and three daughters while she travels for business. What follows is a comedic exploration of the invisible labour often shouldered by mothers, but the film’s execution feels clumsy and dated, failing to deliver the sharp commentary it aspires to achieve.
A Cast of Familiar Faces
The film features several supporting roles filled by recognisable faces from *Saturday Night Live*, including Will Forte, who portrays Keegan, a hapless roofer. Forte’s performance stands out amidst the muddled narrative, providing some of the film’s rare moments of genuine humour. Colin Jost also makes an appearance as a fellow stay-at-home dad, though his role feels underdeveloped.
Despite the potential for comedic gold, the interactions often highlight Bargatze’s struggles to hold his own against more seasoned performers. Scenes featuring Forte’s improvisation reveal a disconnect, with Bargatze’s attempts at humour often falling flat. The end credits showcase outtakes that reinforce this disparity, as Forte shines while Bargatze seems unable to find his comedic rhythm.
A Missed Opportunity
While the film aims to shed light on the division of household responsibilities, it often misses the mark. The narrative does little to question the affluent lifestyle of its characters, leaving viewers feeling that the struggles presented are not particularly relatable. For instance, the film glosses over the absurdity of three children attending three separate schools, presenting a conflict that appears trivial to a wider audience grappling with real-world challenges.
Bargatze’s character grapples with the demands of parenting and household management, but his concerns often come across as exaggerated, overshadowing the legitimate issues faced by modern families. While the theme of incompetent dads is a comedy staple, the film lacks the innovative flair that made similar narratives a success in the past.
A Comedy in Need of Refinement
Director Eric Appel has experience with comedic television, yet *The Breadwinner* feels disjointed and poorly executed. Scenes lack coherence, with simple setups becoming convoluted. A sleepover scene, for example, suffers from muddled character management, detracting from the humour that could have been derived from the chaos.
The film does manage to elicit a few chuckles, particularly through a running gag about the number of towels left behind by Nate’s daughters, showcasing a relatable quirk of family life. However, these moments are few and far between, leaving the audience yearning for a stronger, more cohesive narrative.
Why it Matters
*The Breadwinner* serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by comedians transitioning to film, particularly those who rely heavily on a specific comedic style. While Nate Bargatze has a strong following in stand-up comedy, this film may not resonate with audiences seeking a fresh take on family dynamics. The film’s struggle to balance humour with relatable themes reflects a broader trend in comedy: the challenge of evolving in a genre that often leans on nostalgia. Ultimately, *The Breadwinner* highlights the importance of innovation in storytelling, especially in a landscape saturated with recycled concepts.
