This Box-Office Flop Is the Greatest Comedy of the 21st Century

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These days, it’s quite uncommon to see comedies released in theaters. The upcoming film “The Naked Gun” in 2025 is trying to bring back straightforward comedy, indicating a possible comeback. However, comedy films often struggle at the box office, even when they’re excellent like “No Hard Feelings” and “Bottoms“. These days, people mostly visit theaters for big action movies or family-friendly films. This makes it tougher for comedies to secure a theatrical release. For example, the 2016 film “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” suffered a box office failure, earning only $9 million worldwide on a budget of $20 million.

It’s quite unfair that Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping has performed so well at the box office, considering it is not only one of the best films of 2016 but also the greatest comedy of the 21st century. Its side-splitting tunes and insightful portrayal of modern fame make it a timeless classic.

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Gets Parody Right

Movies such as “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” along with “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” have excelled in the art of musical satire. Notably, the creators behind the Lonely Island band have surpassed others in this genre recently by producing outlandish yet irresistibly catchy tunes. Songs like “Equal Rights” and “I’m So Humble,” which tackle themes such as toxic masculinity and egoism respectively, add depth to the film, making it more than just another music mockumentary.

Despite Connor4Real being a portrayal that closely resembles Andy Samberg’s real-life persona, he shines brilliantly in this role. While his character might come off as awkward and self-centered, Samberg’s inherent charm makes him far more endearing to the audience. He masterfully satirizes the world of celebrity, creating a blend of humor and discomfort as it mirrors the problematic actions of the privileged few. Although his singing abilities might not be exceptional, his appeal makes Connor4Real one of the most unforgettable characters in recent times.

A notable aspect of the movie “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” is its abundance of celebrity appearances. These cameos can sometimes feel like an easy trick to attract viewers, but in this film they are utilized brilliantly. Be it musicians extolling Connor’s work as the pinnacle of media, or comedians delivering eccentric performances for a single scene, the movie employs famous faces in a way that propels the storyline with side-splitting and fulfilling humor – a rare feat in comedy films.

Satire Is a Hard Genre to Sell

In recent times, many satirical works have sparked intense debates. Movies such as “Don’t Look Up” and “Jojo Rabbit,” though they received Oscar nods, have faced significant criticism from various audiences. Among these, “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” stands out as one of the more successful satires due to its unapologetic lack of seriousness. Even the dramatic moments, like the Style Boyz’s split and reunion, are played for laughs. This consistent comedic approach makes for a well-balanced viewing experience in the comedy genre.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve got to say, even though it was made on a whopping $20-million budget, this movie really delivers when it comes to its top-notch technical aspects. Instead of using a green screen for concert scenes, they were filmed at actual venues, which adds an authenticity that’s hard to beat. Occasionally, visual effects like showing Connor drumming as a baby are thrown in, but not to create realism – it’s more about adding some humor to the mix. And let me tell you, given the budget they were working with, the filmmakers truly outdid themselves with the talent they managed to bring on board for this fantastic production.

The movie’s approach towards celebrity culture may lack complexity, but it certainly doesn’t shy away from mocking the antics of wealthy individuals, resulting in numerous humorous situations. For instance, the scene featuring wolves at a wedding proposal and the response to album sales are among the funniest moments in the film. The movie is less concerned with exploring the mental impact of wealth and fame on an individual; rather, it focuses on delivering an enjoyable viewing experience for its audience. In fact, this lack of seriousness actually enhances the film’s overall appeal.

While it might not have been the blockbuster hit it truly should have been, “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” is a must-watch in the realm of comedy and is poised to endure as the finest comedic work of the 21st century. Few comedies manage to reach such heights of excellence, given that satire is a formidable genre to conquer. However, this movie manages to excel in every aspect. The influence this film will have on future productions is significant, as it embodies the pinnacle of comedy.

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is available to stream on Netflix and Peacock.

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2025-07-06 19:10