A very light film about a woman who suddenly finds herself as the governor of her state, Ella McKay is sweet, but never hits a memorable mark.
With long days and a stressful world, we all look for escapism. Whether it’s reading a book, binging your favorite television show, or throwing on a mindless film, these things are needed. Our mental health depends on it. So this is one to add to your repertoire if you’re only half paying attention.
Ella McKay is about Ella, a married young woman who has dreams of making the world a better place and currently works as lieutenant governor of her state. She has a younger brother that she loves dearly, has an estranged father who routinely cheated on their mother, is close with her aunt Helen, and mourned the death of her mother years ago. When the current governor of the state takes a job in the government cabinet, Ella suddenly becomes governor.
Hands down, the best thing about this movie is that it is narrated by Julie Kavner, who plays a small role in the film – and is also the voice of Marge Simpson. The second you hear her voice, the movie grabs you. You want to know more, and it’s a hugely endearing touch because she is such a beloved voice. And with the film being directed by James L. Brooks, co-creator of The Simpsons, there’s no wild guess as to how this casting came about. I’m just glad that it did.
But from there, Ella McKay doesn’t really… do anything. There is so much potential to this film, it just never fully gets off the ground.
Ella is a go-getter with big ideas and knows how to handle both her position and the spotlight, but recoils into a little puppy when her husband comes around. For some reason (which is never totally explained, but may have a connection to her galivanting father), she may believe that she can’t find another man. I wish we knew.
Her brother, Casey, a semi-agoraphobic 20 year old (played by a wonderful Spike Fearn. I look forward to seeing more of him) is an excellent anchor for Ella – and by far the most interesting character in the film – but we never get to see the depths of him. I would love a spin-off of Casey.
The cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, Albert Brooks, Woody Harrelson, Rebecca Hall, and Kumail Nanjiani, all of whom play supporting characters, but even with them, you don’t feel all that much about the relationships or connections. Emma Mackey does a good job as Ella and carries her intricacies well, but the script doesn’t allow for what I imagine could have been even more.
Ella McKay is a mild comedy with a few highlights and a Disney-fied script that will leave you feeling airy after it’s over. Much of it is cute, it’s just a bummer that there were so many missed opportunities. This could have been something to remember.
Runtime: 115 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Eh, only if you need something very light
With long days and a stressful world, we all look for escapism. Whether it’s reading a book, binging your favorite television show, or throwing on a mindless film, these things are needed. Our mental health depends on it. So this is one to add to your repertoire if you’re only half paying attention.
