Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Hey everyone! Grab your coffee (or your "mom juice"—no judgment here) because we need to talk about the movie everyone’s buzzing about in the group chats: Ella McCay. It just hit Digital this week, and since it’s directed by James L. Brooks, you know, the legend behind Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News, I knew I had to give it a watch as we were getting clobbered by snow this past weekend and were stuck inside. Here’s the real-talk review for my fellow "juggling-it-all" specialists. The film stars Emma Mackey as Ella, a 34-year-old who is basically the overachiever we all wanted to be until we realized how tired it makes you. She’s the Lieutenant Governor who suddenly gets bumped up to Governor, all while trying to manage a family that defines the word "dysfunctional."
Jamie Lee Curtis plays Aunt Helen, and honestly, she is the MVP. She’s the rock, the voice of reason, and she and Ella have a "screaming session" that I think should be legally required for every mother in America. It’s a reminder that we all need that one person who just gets the chaos.
While the movie is technically a political comedy, the "politics" are really just a backdrop for the universal struggle of trying to be a "Good Girl," a "Good Boss," and a "Good Family Member" all at once. There’s a scene involving an unintentional marijuana-laced cookie that is both hilarious and a total cautionary tale for anyone with a "hidden" stash of snacks.
Critics have been a bit split on this one (some call it a "clunky mess"), but as a mom, I actually appreciated the messiness. Life isn't a tight 90-minute script with a perfect resolution. Sometimes you lose the job, the husband is a dud, and you end up finding your power in a way you didn't expect.
The Verdict: Rent or Skip? Rent it! It’s PG-13 (some language and that "accidental high" scene), so it’s definitely a "wait until the kids are in bed" movie. It’s not a perfect film, but Emma Mackey is magnetic, and the supporting cast is pure gold. It’s the perfect companion for a glass of wine and a face mask when you need to feel seen for five minutes.
**Mom-to-Mom Tip: If you have a Hulu subscription, you might want to hold off just a few more days—it’s slated to start streaming there on February 5th!**
- “You Win, We Lose”
- “Forget About The Union Rep”
- “I Love Girl”
- “No More Interruptions”
- “Make Your Family Whole”
- “A Small Concussion”
- “Hazel Bottomless”
- “You Got Him Out”
- “Nice Family”
- A James L. Brooks Film: Go behind the scenes as the film’s star-studded cast and crew share their joy of working with acclaimed writer-director James L. Brooks. Experience Brooks’ singular gift for creating beloved, memorable movie moments — and what it’s like to hear him laugh.
- In Good Company: The Cast Of Ella McCay: Sit down with James L. Brooks as he talks about his extraordinary cast and as the actors share their respect and appreciation for Brooks — and each other. Hear about the casting process that created heartfelt chemistry both on set and onscreen."
Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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