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Biographical comedy

A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot

A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018) movie poster

A Futile and Stupid Gesture is a 2018 biographical comedy starring Martin Mull as Modern Doug, Annette O'Toole and Harry Groener. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes and was made on a reported $30 million budget. Critics gave it 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating
6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
67%
Echo Score
72
Metascore
55
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A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 41m (101 min)
Genres
Biography , Comedy
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
Budget
$30M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is A Futile and Stupid Gesture About?

The premise of A Futile and Stupid Gesture without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

During the early 1970s, writer Doug Kenney plays a pivotal role in the creation of the satirical magazine National Lampoon. The story follows his journey as he helps build the publication, witnessing its rise to prominence and its significant influence on American humor. Kenney's comedic talent and unconventional approach contribute to the magazine's success and lasting legacy.

A Futile and Stupid Gesture Themes & Keywords

· 34 tags
  • writer
  • satirist
  • script writer
  • humorist
  • magazine
  • college humor magazine
  • humor magazine
  • publisher
  • creative partnership
  • drug abuse
  • narration from the grave
  • suicide
+22 more
  • funeral
  • movie making
  • hiatus
  • reference to national lampoon the magazine
  • female nudity
  • female rear nudity
  • female frontal nudity
  • female full frontal nudity
  • john belushi character
  • john landis character
  • dan aykroyd character
  • 1970s
  • ed sullivan character
  • gilda radner character
  • bill murray character
  • lorne michaels character
  • chevy chase character
  • anne beatts character
  • paul shaffer character
  • michael o'donoghue character
  • tom snyder character
  • based on true story
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Cast & crew

A Futile and Stupid Gesture Cast & Characters

Martin Mull leads the cast as Modern Doug, with Annette O'Toole as Stephanie Kenney and Harry Groener as Harry Kenney.

Also Starring in A Futile and Stupid Gesture

· 14 more
Ratings

A Futile and Stupid Gesture Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave A Futile and Stupid Gesture 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).

72 /100

A Futile and Stupid Gesture Echo Score Breakdown

The film presents strong performances and an inventive directorial style but is hindered by uneven narrative focus and a repetitive final act. While many reviewers praised the energetic impersonations and measured pacing, others noted that the script covers too many milestones, resulting in a distance from emotional depth. The cinematography and production design offer occasional visual flair, yet some aspects of the story feel like bullet-point recreations. Overall, the biopic’s lively moments offset its storytelling shortcomings to deliver a moderately engaging experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film balances inventive direction with moments of uninspired execution. Viewers frequently mention the measured pacing and imaginative staging in early sequences, while some critics found the direction flat in the final act. Production design and editing receive praise for cohesive period details, though handheld camera work occasionally undercuts visual cohesion. Overall, the aesthetic framework is engaging but uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film succeeds on the strength of its performances and emotional resonance. Lead and supporting actors receive consistent praise for nuanced portrayals and on-screen chemistry, with particular acclaim for impersonations that capture period personalities. However, some viewers feel the protagonist’s erratic traits create distance rather than empathy. In sum, the acting elevates the material despite occasional emotional detachment.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, the biopic offers engaging anecdotes but struggles with narrative coherence. Observers note the film’s brisk pacing and original framing of key events, yet criticism arises when the final act feels repetitive and overextended. The script’s reliance on milestone recreations sometimes undercuts character development and emotional immersion. Overall, plot momentum carries interest, though uneven structure limits sustained engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film delivers occasional visual flair and cohesive soundscapes but lacks consistent texture. Production elements such as period costumes and set design are praised for authenticity, while the soundtrack provides a fitting tonal backdrop. Critics did not commonly highlight cinematography or sound design, but users note inventive staging. Overall, the sensory palette supports the narrative without standing out as a defining strength.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    When it comes to rewatch factor, audience responses vary between appreciation for comedic highlights and fatigue from narrative repetition. Many viewers express interest in revisiting standout impersonations and witty banter, while critics caution that the final act’s familiar arc diminishes replay appeal. The film’s energetic moments hold promise for subsequent viewings, but variable emotional depth and uneven pace limit its lasting allure. Overall, rewatch value is modestly positive.

Plot

A Futile and Stupid Gesture Plot Summary

What happens in A Futile and Stupid Gesture from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film presents a vivid exploration of the pivotal years between 1964 and 1980, beginning with the celebration of Douglas Kenney (Will Forte) and Henry Beard (Domhnall Gleeson) as they rejoice in the success of their book, Bored of the Rings, alongside their fellow colleagues from the Harvard Lampoon. Upon their graduation from the prestigious university, Kenney convinces Beard to abandon his path to law school and instead embark on creating a monthly publication, National Lampoon, which rapidly becomes synonymous with irreverent comedic commentary. While Kenney emerges as the outlet’s main comedic voice, Beard’s sharp business instinct provides vital guidance as the magazine begins its ascent.

Full summary

The whole story of A Futile and Stupid Gesture, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

A Futile and Stupid Gesture Trailers & Videos

The trailer of A Futile and Stupid Gesture.

A Futile and Stupid Gesture | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know A Futile and Stupid Gesture?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What publication did Kenney and Beard launch after graduating from Harvard?

Cars

Cars in A Futile and Stupid Gesture

30 cars on screen, including the 1955 Pontiac Chieftain and the Porsche 914 Typ 47.

All 30 cars
  • 1955 Pontiac Chieftain in A Futile and Stupid Gesture 1955 Pontiac Chieftain Important role
  • Porsche 914 Typ 47 in A Futile and Stupid Gesture Porsche 914 Typ 47 Important role
  • 1980 Cadillac Funeral Coach in A Futile and Stupid Gesture 1980 Cadillac Funeral Coach Minor role
  • 1971 Checker Taxicab in A Futile and Stupid Gesture 1971 Checker Taxicab Minor role
Details

A Futile and Stupid Gesture Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “מחווה טיפשית וחסרת טעם” and “Eine nutzlose und dumme Geste”.

Also known as
  • מחווה טיפשית וחסרת טעם
  • Eine nutzlose und dumme Geste
  • Un gesto estúpido e inútil
  • Une drôle de fin
  • Глупый и бессмысленный жест
  • Μια Μάταιη και Ανόητη Χειρονομία
  • Pusty i głupi gest
  • Un gesto fútil y estúpido: La historia de Doug Kenney
  • Fútil e Inútil
  • 어느 허무명랑한 인생
  • 无用之举
  • 無用之舉

Seen A Futile and Stupid Gesture?

FAQ

A Futile and Stupid Gesture FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of A Futile and Stupid Gesture, each answered in a sentence.

How long is A Futile and Stupid Gesture?

A Futile and Stupid Gesture runs 1 hour 41 minutes (101 minutes).

When was A Futile and Stupid Gesture released?

A Futile and Stupid Gesture was released on January 26, 2018.

Who is in the cast of A Futile and Stupid Gesture?

A Futile and Stupid Gesture stars Martin Mull as Modern Doug, Annette O'Toole as Stephanie Kenney and Harry Groener as Harry Kenney, among 18 credited actors.

What was the budget of A Futile and Stupid Gesture?

A Futile and Stupid Gesture had a reported budget of $30 million.

How is A Futile and Stupid Gesture rated?

A Futile and Stupid Gesture has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 67% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Does A Futile and Stupid Gesture have a post-credit scene?

Yes. A Futile and Stupid Gesture has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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