Director George Gallo and co-writer Josh Posner’s remake of The Comeback Trail breathes new life into a tired 1982 comedy, crafting an uproarious film that, despite its delayed release, is a sheer joy for audiences with a taste for broad humor. After languishing in distribution limbo for over five years, the film—featuring Oscar-winning stars Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, and Morgan Freeman—finally saw a limited theatrical release and is now available on digital platforms.
Having first screened the film in 2020, confidently say that The Comeback Trail lives up to its potential, even if its zany humor is not for everyone. Some viewers may find the performances overly exaggerated, with characters as bold and theatrical as the sets of Yellowstone. However, for those who appreciate the absurd, the film offers countless laughs.
The original 1982 version, directed by Harry Hurwitz, featured Buster Crabbe as a washed-up Western star, hired by unscrupulous producers with the sinister plan of staging his death for an insurance payout. While that version is a must-watch for fans of cult cinema, it’s ultimately a misfire, bolstered by a cast of cameos that fail to add any real comic value.
In contrast, the 2020 remake reimagines the story in 1974 Hollywood, with De Niro playing Max Barber, a desperate low-budget film producer who is perpetually behind on his payments and out of touch with reality. His latest flop, Killer Nuns, earns him a scathing review, much to the amusement of his nephew and business partner, Walter (Zach Braff). However, Max’s problems escalate when mobster Reggie Fontaine (Freeman), who has been funding his projects, demands repayment. With a quick wit and a deep love for films, Fontaine threatens Max with dire consequences, peppering his threats with references to classics like Psycho, offering the film its first dose of dark humor.
Faced with mounting debts, Max attempts to sell his script for Paradise, a passion project he believes will finally give him the legitimacy he craves. But Max refuses to part with the script when rival producer James Moore (Emile Hirsch) wants to cast Frank Pierce (Patrick Muldoon), an actor Max loathes. When Pierce dies in a stunt gone wrong, Max sees an opportunity. Inspired by the insurance payout, he decides to orchestrate a similar “accident” for one of his own actors.
Enter Duke Montana (Jones), a faded cowboy star reduced to doing used-car commercials. Living in an actor’s retirement home, Duke is a man who seems ready to die but has been kept alive by sheer luck. Max proposes casting him in The Oldest Gun in the West, with the intention of making the actor’s demise part of the film’s script. However, Duke’s unexpected resilience to all of Max’s sabotage attempts creates a hilarious series of events as the washed-up actor rediscovers his passion for filmmaking.
De Niro, Freeman, and Jones all give gleefully over-the-top performances that raise the stakes and ensure the comedy is unrelenting. De Niro, in particular, delivers one of his most manic roles as Max, embodying a producer who is equal parts delusional and charming. Braff’s more grounded portrayal of Walter, in contrast, heightens the absurdity of the situation, making the film’s comedic moments even more rewarding.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition, especially Kate Katzman as Megan Albert, the ambitious director hired for The Oldest Gun in the West. Katzman’s portrayal provides an interesting counterpoint to the more outlandish performances, balancing the comedy with moments of genuine sincerity. Additionally, Matthew Lee Christmas earns a special mention for his stunt work, standing in for Tommy Lee Jones with comedic timing and flair.
While The Comeback Trail is a movie filled with larger-than-life performances and absurd scenarios, it’s a fun, if chaotic, romp that will resonate with fans of outlandish comedies. Whether or not viewers will find its humor to their taste remains to be seen, but for those who enjoy a good laugh at the expense of Hollywood’s glitz and glam, this film hits the mark.
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