Palm Springs (2020)

After days of either mediocre or heavy films, I decided to give Lonely Island's latest film, Palm Springs, a chance because what a better way to improve the day than with a light and short comedy starring one of my celebrity crushes, Andy Samberg? Well, despite expecting it to be good — because I loved Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping — I still can't believe what a funny, charming and delightful twist on the time-loop genre it turned out to be.

Dragged to a destination wedding by his bridesmaid girlfriend (Meredith Hagner), carefree Nyles (Andy Samberg) delivers a beautiful speech at the reception which makes quite an impression on Sarah (Christin Milioti), the bride's big sister as well as the family's black sheep. The two hit it off and are about to hook up when a mysterious man (J.K. Simmons) comes out of nowhere and, sporting a bow and arrow, chases Nyles to a nearby cave in the desert. Despite Nyles telling her to not follow him, Sarah walks into the cave.

She wakes up in her bed the next morning only it's not tomorrow but it's still today, her sister's wedding day, and after confronting Nyles, she learns that she's stuck in a time-loop with him. After some failed attempt to escape this new reality, they have to decide whether they want to stay together and live the same day over and over, or try to find a way to get out of the time-loop.

While the premise makes it sound like just another time-loop film, Palm Springs is a very refreshing addition as it doesn't repeat the same day with the same events and characters over and over; instead, it used new, quirky side characters that make the story so much more engaging and fun to watch, and there isn't a single moment that is either boring or repetitive. Yes, it has a predictable romantic comedy ending, but you will be rewarded with an engaging and layered story in the process.

Another aspect that truly stands out about Palm Springs is the characters. Unlike Bill Murray's grumpy and unlikeable Phill in Groundhog Day, Samberg's Nyles is a very likeable guy, one you cannot help but love — I could be a little biased here though. Furthermore, the character is well-written and developed, just as Sarah's, which makes them both feel real and their relationship genuine. Of course, it also helps that Samberg and Milioti have fantastic chemistry and that they both deliver great performances, especially Samberg — he plays the same aloof character he always plays with his usual charisma but the performance is so nuanced this time around. Also worthy of a mention is J.K. Simmons who, despite the small screen time, doesn't miss the chance to shine and deliver yet another remarkable performance.

Palm Springs delivers plenty of comedy too as it's frequently hilarious with jokes and gags that are never over-the-top, and are evenly spread out throughout. The cinematography, although nothing spectacular, is quite beautiful, and the 80s themed soundtrack is very nice and catchy.

Ultimately, Palm Springs is a delightful film, one that kept me engaged and put a smile on my face from start to finish.

8 comments :

  1. I liked it, it didn't make me laugh but it surprised me how well shot and scored this was, it definitely had a great atmosphere

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    1. It was a surprise for me too. I wasn't expected such a well-made film.

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  2. I'm glad we both liked this as much as we did! I haven't seen Groundhog Day ( i know i know), but I think that worked to my advantage! Great review!!

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    1. How have you not seen that movie yet?! It's like THE time-loop film. Palm Springs is better though.

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  3. Awesome review! I just saw this movie and I loved it! It was such a bizarre yet fun little movie!

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  4. Great review! I liked this one too, and I agree, sometimes it's nice to put the heavy stuff aside for 90 minutes and watch a Lonely Island flick.

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    1. Exactly! Especially when it's 2020 and the world's gone mad.

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