The Bubble Movie Review
Nathan Swank
April 27th, 2022
Being “in a bubble” has taken on a new meaning since the presence of COVID-19. In the beginning, my bubble was only my wife and kids. We eventually extended that to grandparents and perhaps a few others before finally getting vaccinated and opening our world back up. Writer and director Judd Apatow wisely jumps on this very relatable situation and turns it into a comedic satire through the self-absorbed lens of Hollywood in THE BUBBLE.
Believing that films are in fact a necessity during a pandemic, producers and filmmakers set out to make a movie. The actors are quarantined together under strict rules and guidelines in a secluded hotel where they will also be filming. The small hotel staff and nurses present are tasked with the ultra-difficult job of coddling the spoiled and clueless actors, while maintaining their compliance to the rules.
Apatow has put together a strong comedic team for THE BUBBLE, including utilizing his very talented wife and daughter. The cast playing the self-absorbed cast includes Karen Gillan, Pedro Pascal, Keegan-Michael Key, David Duchovny, Leslie Mann, Guz Khan, and Iris Apatow as a TikTok star. The quirky new director of the movie within the movie is Fred Armisen. Rounding out the supporting staff is Maria Bakalova, Peter Serafinowicz, Harry Trevaaldwyn, Samson Kayo, Danielle Vitalis, and Kate McKinnon as the demanding lead producer, occasionally video conferencing while on vacation.
THE BUBBLE has the right idea and mostly contains the makings of a very funny movie. But something never fully comes together. Drawn out montages of predictable jokes are a bit too heavy-handed. The best parts are when the actors are over-acting on the green screen with obscure special effects. Or a near death drug-overdose of one of the actors as they are all dealing with their own lonely “trauma” in their own way. But Apatow doesn’t play to this strength often enough. In fact, at over two hours long, THE BUBBLE is much too lengthy for a silly comedy. I appreciate Apatow’s eye for recognizing the humor in this entire situation and, along with the actors, is willing to make fun of themselves and their industry. While THE BUBBLE is able to deliver some laughs, I can’t help but feel as though it would be better suited in the hands of Christopher Guest and his brilliant improvisational company. But then again, that might be said for just about any comedy.
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