Synopsis
In the year after graduating college, Izzy struggles to navigate the seemingly incessant failures of adulthood, the reality of a substandard dating pool and a debilitating fear of top-sheets, all in between X-Files marathons. Comically unsuccessful in love over the course the year, including five half-hearted relationships with astoundingly self-centered men, Izzy resigns herself to the support of her mother and sister, who are struggling with their own relationship problems. Seeing herself in them, Izzy gradually gains the confidence to be honest and vulnerable.
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Cast
- Madelyn DeutchIzzy Klein
- Zoey DeutchSabrina Klein
- Lea ThompsonDeb Klein
- Melissa BolonaAmythyst Stone
- Avan JogiaSebastian Bennett
- Nicholas BraunCharlie Reed
- Brandon T. JacksonLogan
- Jesse BradfordAaron Ezra
- Cameron MonaghanRoss
- Zach RoerigMikey
Recommendations
- 80
Village Voice
Lea Thompson’s first film as a director — a brisk, breezy, sharp-elbowed, sexually frank, occasionally shout-y, often hilarious comedy — stars the performer’s own daughters and plays like both a raucous family party and an urgently necessary corrective. - 79
Paste Magazine
If The Year of Spectacular Men makes any kind of statement, it’s that Madelyn and Zoey ought to work together more often. Put simply, they’re amazing, lively, sharp, snarky with a side of cheer—for the time being The Year of Spectacular Men feels like their gift to us, an unexpected blend of comedic tones and a perfectly bittersweet summertime respite. - 75
Entertainment Weekly
A dizzy, fizzy comedy with occasional flashes of real wit. - 67
The Film Stage
That pace can also lead to some wonky performative moments, but everyone is earnest and charming enough to overcome brief lapses pushing for a laugh. - 60
The New York Times
It is the movie’s saving grace that its family acting troupe faces the gobbledygook with openhearted silliness and sincerity. - 60
Los Angeles Times
Thompson’s directing is serviceable, if slightly scattered and derivative, using every rom-com trope and flourish available. “The Year of Spectacular Men” feels a bit long and self-involved — and a lot like the men whom Izzy dates, it’s fun but far from spectacular. - 50
Slant Magazine
The film collapses on the crutch of hackneyed narration and constant music cues that formally undermine the ripe banter between Madelyn Deutch and her male co-stars. - 50
Variety
With the right script, this trio could make a fantastic flick. Forget these “spectacular” men. These flawed women are plenty.
