James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Sharon Stone, Melanie Griffith, Judd Apatow and Bryan Cranston
James Franco directs and stars in this uproarious ode to Tommy Wiseau, director of 2003’s The Room. Famously considered one of the worst films ever, The Room has nevertheless become a cult favourite since its release, adored by repeat-viewing fans for its terrible acting and nonsensical plot, and Franco charts the tortured story behind the scenes in this often hysterically funny comedy.
While wannabe actor Greg (Dave Franco) struggles to get into Hollywood, he bonds with his boisterous classmate Tommy (James Franco). Moving to LA together, they plot individual routes into the industry, but their careers fail to take off. After yet another rejection, they decide to cut out the middle man and make their own movie. But as the cameras start to roll, Greg discovers that, tragicomically, he has vastly underestimated Tommy’s quirks and overestimated his talents.
What could simply be a cruel send-up isn’t – Franco gives a superb performance as Wiseau that utilises all the director’s strange tics but is also highly sensitive; whilst more broadly and affectionately exploring the notion that films widely defined as ‘bad’ may yet have something unique and ‘good’ to offer. A starry supporting ensemble including Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Sharon Stone, Melanie Griffith, Judd Apatow and Bryan Cranston amongst many others – rounds out a dazzling comedy that, with awards buzz already building, may see Hollywood outsider Wiseau travelling to the Oscars after all.
