Time-Traveling Comedy "My Old Ass" Charms Despite Flaws
A new Canadian film explores the concept of advising one's younger self through time travel. Despite its superficiality, the movie offers charm and humor, though it underutilizes some cast members.
In the realm of cinematic thought experiments, "My Old Ass" presents a lighthearted take on the age-old question: What advice would you give your younger self? This Canadian comedy, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, offers a whimsical exploration of this concept, albeit with mixed results.
The film's premise revolves around Elliott, an 18-year-old portrayed by Maisy Stella, who encounters her 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza) during a mushroom-induced hallucination. This fantastical meeting sets the stage for a series of life-altering decisions, primarily centered around avoiding a mysterious figure named Chad.
While the concept of time travel remains firmly in the realm of science fiction, "My Old Ass" uses it as a vehicle to explore themes of youth, decision-making, and personal growth. The film's setting in central Ontario, known for its cranberry farms, provides a uniquely Canadian backdrop to the story.
Director Megan Park's script cleverly navigates the implausibilities of its premise, focusing instead on the comedic interactions between the two versions of Elliott. The chemistry between Stella and Plaza, both known for their impeccable comic timing, shines through despite Plaza's limited screen time.
The introduction of Chad, played skillfully by Percy Hynes White, adds an intriguing layer to the plot. As a summer worker on Elliott's family farm, he becomes the focal point of older Elliott's warnings, creating tension and romantic interest.
One of the film's strengths lies in its exploration of family dynamics and the appreciation of home. As young Elliott prepares to leave for college, the movie subtly emphasizes the importance of cherishing familial relationships and hometown connections.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The portrayal of Elliott's sexuality, initially presented as a committed lesbian who then questions her orientation upon meeting Chad, feels underdeveloped and potentially problematic. This aspect of the story raises questions about the fluidity of sexual orientation without fully addressing the complexities of the topic.
"Perhaps the worst thing that can be said is the movie represents a criminal underuse of Aubrey Plaza."
Despite these shortcomings, "My Old Ass" manages to entertain with its blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The film's runtime of 88 minutes keeps the pace brisk, aligning with the average feature film length of 90-120 minutes.
As the story unfolds, viewers are left to ponder the consequences of altering one's past and the value of embracing life's uncertainties. While the film may not delve deeply into the philosophical implications of time travel, it offers a charming, if somewhat superficial, exploration of personal growth and self-reflection.
In conclusion, "My Old Ass" presents an enjoyable, albeit flawed, addition to the time-travel comedy genre. While it may not fully capitalize on its potential, particularly in its use of Aubrey Plaza, the film provides enough charm and humor to engage audiences. As the credits roll, viewers might find themselves contemplating what advice they would give their younger selves, even if it's as simple as avoiding someone named Chad.
