From the depths of Netflix is a weekly series where I will generously, though often painstakingly, sit down and watch a random movie on Netflix for you. The hope is that this may help you narrow that search on those hungover Sundays because we all know “Max” can’t be trusted and for some reason Netflix thinks because you watched A Few Good Men you’d be interested in Men in Black. Yes, Netflix, that’s how suggestions work. One never ending “Wheel of Fortune” before & after.
Our week one feature is, A Good Old Fashioned Orgy. I’m sure it’s obvious why this film caught my eye, the cast. It’s stacked with funny people: Jason Sudekis, Nick Kroll, Will Forte, Tyler Labine, Rhys Coiro. And what’s an orgy without ladies? Still technically an orgy, homophobe, but this one had plenty of ladies: Leslie Bibb, Lindsay Sloane, Lake Bell, Angela Sarafyan, Michelle Borth. In short, it’s the kinda cast you wish you were friends with and that works to the films advantage.
First things first, this film isn’t gonna win any awards, but that’s why you’re here and not off picking from AFI’s top 100. Sudekis plays a 30-something year old man-boy who, along with his friends, hosts wild theme parties at his dad’s place in the Hamptons each summer. Plot twist; this summer his dad is selling the house forcing Sudekis to come up with one last party idea, an orgy. From that point on the summer is one of partying, drinking and a little romance for good measure, all the while trying to plan and convince each other to take part in the orgy.
For the most part it’s predictable, but more importantly than the plot is that it’s fun. You’ll laugh out loud and at times not at all, but in the end you’ll be wishing your group of friends were that fun. That you were able to host theme parties where people were that committed or that you could harass your friends with the same kind of playfulness they do without being punched. It has the feel that they got together one summer to make a movie because they could and watching people enjoying what they’re doing makes it in turn enjoyable for you. Plus, there are boobs.