So, what’s the deal withUnfrosted?Try to imagine the question being asked in the voice ofJerry Seinfeldwith that unmistakable inflection of his. The comedian responsible for one of the most successful television shows ever made wears a number of different hats for the new Netflix film, which also marks Seinfeld’s feature film directorial debut. Unfortunately, the critics aren’t warming to Kellogg’s or the rise of the Pop-Tarts. At the time of this writing,Unfrostedonly registers 41% on the Tomatometer against 61 reviews posted viaRotten Tomatoes.MovieWeb’s ownGreg Archerdid find some points to address positively while giving the flick a “good” score (3 out of 5). Archer writes:
“WhatUnfrostedlacks in depth,it more than makes up for in outrageous subplots,one-off jokes, quirky encounters between characters, and references about the era, advertising and branding, andthe kind of people Americans were before things became far too divided.”
Richard Roeperof the Chicago Sun-Times roastsUnfrosted:
If there was a thing called the IMDB Witness Protection Program whereby you could get your name taken off the credits of a particular project, this would be that project.
Tim Robeyof the Daily Telegraph (UK) adds:
Seinfeld’s affable mugging is no compensation for putting us through a glorified pitch session anyone sane would have nipped in the bud.
Unlike those nine memorable seasons ofSeinfeld,which to this day boasts 89% on the Tomatometer,Unfrostedis barely keeping its head above milk — envision a cereal bowl rather than a body of water — at 41%. And the news isn’t any better where the fans are concerned. Currently,Unfrostedonly holds a 51% audience score against 50+ ratings.David Fearof Rolling Stone says:
It’s impossible to assemble this much comedic talent and not get a bullseye occasionally, yet the hit-to-miss ratio favors the latter way too much.
Is Unfrosted Unwatchable? Critics Weigh In
Jerry Seinfeld’s press tour promotingUnfrostedhas arguably been more entertaining than his new Netflix film. Seinfeld continues making jokes aboutfacing “Pop-Tart charges” in a court of law,because he never asked permission from Kellogg’s to make the movie. That’s scoring well in the press, but many critics just aren’t impressed byUnfrosted, even with a cast that includes Hugh Grant, Jim Gaffigan, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer and so many more well-known and talented actors.Brian Lowryof CNN writes:
Far from a passion project, this Netflix film distinctly feels like a punchline in search of a movie, built on a soggy parade of sugary cameos that doesn’t provide much snap, crackle and pop.
Ben Travisof Empire magazine adds:
If Pop-Tarts are barely a breakfast, Unfrosted is barely a movie — but it’s sprinkled with solid gags, stuffed with super-silly guest appearances, and lovingly glazed in sweet ’60s trappings.
Writer/Producer Spike Feresten Says Unfrosted is Like a ‘Bigger, Longer Seinfeld Episode’
Jerry Seinfeld’s longtime collaborator opens up about the new breakfast-war comedy, why Kellogg’s and Post initially knew nothing about it, and more.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news for Jerry Seinfeld and hisUnfrostedfilm.Owen Gleibermanof Variety says:
Unfrosted, in its way, is a quintessential comedian’s movie. It thumbs its nose at everything without necessarily believing in anything. Yet it has an agreeable crunch.
AndSheri Lindenof The Hollywood Reporter writes:
For those willing to put aside reality for 90 minutes, as Unfrosted does with gusto, the Netflix movie whips up a frothy sendup of storytelling tropes and clichés.
And be sure to check outMovieWeb’s fullUnfrostedreview,by the aforementioned author, Greg Archer, declaring that Jerry Seinfeld’s feature film directorial debut is “tasty but full of empty calories.”
