Ella McCay (2025)

To paraphrase one of the Caped Crusader’s most articulate but menacing foes, “When is a movie not a movie?” The answer: “When it should be a TV series instead.” And that, unfortunately, is the inherent problem with this latest offering from legendary film and television writer-director-producer James L. Brooks. Set during the 2008 financial crisis, this comedy-drama tells the multifaceted story of its likable but beleaguered title character (Emma Mackey), an idealistic and enthusiastic lieutenant governor who champions causes aimed at helping everyday citizens, even if she’s somewhat long-wind…

To paraphrase one of the Caped Crusader’s most articulate but menacing foes, “When is a movie not a movie?” The answer: “When it should be a TV series instead.” And that, unfortunately, is the inherent problem with this latest offering from legendary film and television writer-director-producer James L. Brooks. Set during the 2008 financial crisis, this comedy-drama tells the multifaceted story of its likable but beleaguered title character (Emma Mackey), an idealistic and enthusiastic lieutenant governor who champions causes aimed at helping everyday citizens, even if she’s somewhat long-wind…

Back2Us Reviews

1.0

Dec 14, 2025

This film tries to make several points and misses them all. The trailer doesn't lead to the fact that it's a political comedy-drama and it disappoints on that, too. I interviewed seven individuals after the film and they all said the same thing: they were disappointed and had no idea what the film was about. My wife and I rip this film a new one on our YouTube channel: @Back2UsReviews. We were very disappointed with the film and now understand why James L. Brooks hasn't had a hit since '97. So sad that Hans Zimmer had anything to do with this turd of a film.