'Popstar' Review: A Classic Mockumentary In Waiting | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'Popstar' Review: A Classic Mockumentary In Waiting

The Lonely Island's mockumentary provides laughs and more than a few jaw dropping moments.

10
'Popstar' Review:  A Classic Mockumentary In Waiting
Trailer List

More than 30 years after the reign of hair bands, metal heads and the hallowed rock-band mockumentary Spinal Tap, the music industry is still as ridiculous as its always been.

Keen to the eternal issues of stage productions, lyrical shortcomings, groupies and egomaniacs, the Berkeley born comedy trio, The Lonely Island, takes on the music industry’s absurdities and deliver a hysterical spoof of just about every facet of today’s pop world, without treading on their modern day mockumentary’s predecessor.

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping follows the adventures, or more appropriately, misadventures, of Conner4Real, played by Andy Samberg, an egotistical dimwit who broke out of his hit-trio to pursue a solo career. Having outgrown The Style Boyz, the Beastie Boys-like ensemble that brought Conner his fame, Conner4Real splits the band after a long deserved dispute. Conner employs Owen, Jorma Taccone, to be his DJ and leaves the mildly problematic Lawrence, Akiva Schaffer, to assume a new life as a farmer. As the film begins, just about every major name in hip hop and popular music, from A$AP Rocky to Ringo Starr to Carrie Underwood to Usher, gush in interview-style about Conner4Real. There is no shortage of humor as they describe his inescapable talent and success, as well as his upcoming nationwide tour and second album.

In the style so aptly mastered by The Lonely Island in their Saturday Night Live days, the movie is propelled by faux musical numbers so gloriously satirical that audiences can not help but laugh. At other times though, there is no response more appropriate than a jaw suspended in disbelief as the raunchy absurdities, blatantly inspired by the likes of Justin Bieber and Macklemore, take place on the screen. Within just a few minutes it is clear that the goofy Conner4Real, who boasts of Bieber like tattoos and a lead single that champions for equal rights, while not missing an opportunity to assert that he himself is “not gay!”, is no longer the media darling that he used to be (cue reoccurring segment of the Will Arnett led CMZ, a TMZ parody so accurate its painful). Conner’s album is failing to sell, his tour is left with empty seats night after night, and the public is calling his decision to insert his songs into mystery speakers in their appliances a breach of privacy. But, of course, Conner only makes matters worse by partaking in a series of doomed media enticers and further distancing the loyal Owen, who was prohibited from contributing his hit-making beats to Conner’s second album, by placing a Daft Punk-inspired robotic head on him and reducing his responsibilities to pressing play on an iPod for Conner’s live performances.

In an effort to save the dying tour, Conner’s publicist and manager, played by Sarah Silverman and Tim Meadows respectively, bring on an opening act, Hunter the Hungry, played by the hilarious breakout star Chris Redd. As can be guessed, things only proceed to go wrong for Conner4Real, who’s narcissism has left him in the background of his own tour and with a single friend…who happens to be a turtle. In the short time left in the 86-minute flick, Conner continues his journey, but this time on a different trajectory as he seeks redemption and true friendship, with the final few lines of the film being undoubtedly cheesy, but heart warming.

Samberg, Taccone and Schaffer, in the follow up to their debut full length feature, Hot Rod, supersede all expectations and present a side-splitting comedy, which true to their Lonely Island form, is often tasteless, vulgar, and senseless. With a sense of humor that is seemingly universal, jokes that are comical solely because of the sheer number of times they are repeated, one liners that a child could have written, and many more that are nowhere near suitable for young ears, The Lonely Island’s Popstar is an acutely aware film that leaves few in the music business unscathed, and manages to deliver a sincere message while capitalizing on every comedic strength the trio has.

Akin to Spinal Tap, there is no doubt that this uproarious comedy will find itself amongst the greatest mockumentaries, and act as a cognizant limelight for the outlandish music world of today.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
6 Signs You Are An English Major

There are various stereotypes about college students, most of which revolve around the concept of your major. Unfortunately, we often let stereotypes precede our own judgments, and we take what information is immediately available to us rather than forming our own opinions after considerable reflection. If I got a dollar for every time my friends have made a joke about my major I could pay my tuition. One stereotype on campus is the sensitive, overly critical and rigid English major. Here are six telltale signs you are one of them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

27 Things 'The Office' Has Taught Us

"The Office" is a mockumentary based on everyday office life featuring love triangles, silly pranks and everything in between. It can get pretty crazy for just an average day at the office.

2268
the office
http://www.ssninsider.com/

When you were little, your parents probably told you television makes your brain rot so you wouldn't watch it for twelve straight hours. However, I feel we can learn some pretty valuable stuff from television shows. "The Office," while a comedy, has some pretty teachable moments thrown in there. You may not know how to react in a situation where a co-worker does something crazy (like put your office supplies in jello) but thanks to "The Office," now you'll have an idea how to behave ifsomething like that should happen.

Here are just a few of the things that religious Office watchers can expect to learn.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Signs You’re A Pre-Med Student

Ah, pre-med: home of the dead at heart.

1423
Grey's Anatomy
TV Guide

Being pre-med is quite a journey. It’s not easy juggling school work, extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research, and MCAT prep all at the same time. Ever heard of “pain is temporary, but GPA is forever?” Pre-meds don’t just embody that motto; we live and breathe it. Here are 10 symptoms you’re down with the pre-med student syndrome.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

Books were always about understanding for me, about learning the way someone else sees, about connection.

1051
High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

I keep making this joke whenever the idea of books is brought up: "God, I wish I knew how to read." It runs parallel to another stupid phrase, as I watch my friends struggle through their calculus classes late at night in our floor lounge: "I hope this is the year that I learn to count." They're both truly idiotic expressions, but, when I consider the former, I sometimes wonder if there's some truth to it.

Keep Reading...Show less
One Book Made Me Question Existence In Its Entirety
Photo by Rey Seven on Unsplash

"The Stranger" by Albert Campus touches upon many heavy elements... but not in the way you expect. Although it touches upon the aspects of death and love, it also deals with a hidden philosophy similar to that of nihilism.

The story follows the short life events of Meursault, a Frenchman whose carelessness for his actions eventually ends him in jail and dependent on a jury of people to judge the ethicality of his decision and the punishment that he deserves. He eventually gets the death penalty and all throughout he is nonchalant and almost apathetic towards his situation. He finally snaps when the prison sends a priest to him to absolve him of his sins and to cajole him in confessing to the lord.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments