Rage Against the Hollywood Machine: A Review
In the Apple comedy series “The Studio,” Seth Rogen takes on the role of film-loving studio exec Matt Remick, who faces an immediate existential crisis in his new position at Continental Studios. While Matt wants to champion auteur-driven works of art, the studio is more interested in finding its next billion-dollar intellectual property, even if it means making a film about the Kool-Aid Man.
Each episode of “The Studio” presents a new crisis for Matt to navigate, from missing film reels to upcoming CinemaCon presentations. The show often takes a meta approach, with episodes set on the noir film set turning into hardboiled mysteries or revolving around capturing an elaborate “oner” shot.
Throughout the series, the camera follows Matt in long tracking shots accompanied by skittering jazz drums, capturing the chaos of behind-the-scenes Hollywood. While this style is familiar, it suits the show’s bite-sized storylines and light-hearted tone, making “The Studio” an effortlessly binge-able series.
Several famous actors and directors make appearances in each episode, poking fun at themselves in various roles. The show’s humor shines brightest when it dips into darker and more pointed territory, such as Matt facing off with cancer doctors or struggling with casting decisions and issues of representation within the industry.
While “The Studio” excels in its satirical take on Hollywood’s inner workings, there are moments where it could push its edgier elements further. The conflicts surrounding big-picture conundrums are more engaging than those focusing on Matt’s personal struggles, but the ensemble cast of characters, including Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Kathryn Hahn, adds layers of fun and depth to the show.
By the end of the season, “The Studio” evolves into a typical Seth Rogen hangout comedy, featuring a group of endearing and eccentric characters navigating absurd situations together. While it may not be highbrow art, the series embodies the type of entertaining content that streaming platforms excel in producing.
Cast: Seth Rogen, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn, Catherine O’Hara, Bryan Cranston
Network: Apple TV+
