Film Review – Ella McCay

A once mighty filmmaker, James L. Brooks hit hard times 15 years ago, overseeing the mangled execution of 2010’s “How Do You Know,” which became the worst movie of his career. It was a mess and a chore to sit through, threatening the wonders of a career that previously produced classics like “Terms of Endearment” and “Broadcast News.” Brooks returns with “Ella McCay,” which appears to be his commentary on the divided state of the nation, returning to the relatively peaceful time of 2008 for a study of a Lt. Governor thrust into many impossible situations with a variety of people she’s trying to manage, losing the battle with her anxiety. “Ella McCay” isn’t as rough as “How Do You Know,” but it’s close, as Brooks, once again, doesn’t seem to have any control over his own feature, allowing it to wander around with supporting characters and speed through multiple tones. Brooks isn’t the helmer he once was, and watching this picture stumble is more depressing than infuriating. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com