Netflix really were straight out of the gate with their 2018 Originals. I hope it’s further evidence of them being enticing for risky, different projects and that we’re not just going to get a deluge of mediocrity. National Lampoon biopic A FUTILE AND STUPID GESTURE gets the Lampoon tone just right, flitting between rowdy hijinks, pretty sharp and unforgiving satire (“the Kids need something to read while getting tear-gassed!”) and the more out-there postmodern stuff, like an alternative, modern Doug Kenney (Martin Mull) talking to camera, mocking the storytelling and the story mocking him right back. It’s a great-looking, MAN ON THE MOON-esque alt-biopic and the cast, particularly Will Forte’s whirlwind Kenney (“You really think Will Forte’s 27?”) and Domhnall Gleeson as the brains and clear head behind National Lampoon Henry Beard (“The oldest man to ever be a teenager”) really make their mark. One for fans and non-fans of ANIMAL HOUSE alike. But mostly, it’s for the fans. SSP