The calm Midwestern couples who hold the “Jerry & Marge Go Large” in place are hearty, energetic and rarely over 50s. But you wouldn’t know that from their dialogue, which seems to be intended to establish Jerry (Bryan Cranston) and Marge (Annette Bening) as geriatrics. “Too old,” “golden year,” and “missed opportunity” are some of the key terms that surround them.
This framing of the main character is essential for “Jerry & Marge”. Dopy comedy uses the totally unbelievable thing about that scenario as a selling point. Elderly Simpton pulls off cash bets? Don’t be ridiculous! The audience may be eye-opening, but director David Frankel plays Hook. Another sneaker shot of daddy’s sneakers or mom’s jeans, and a particular sequence can double as an ad for Wal-Mart clothing.
Roughly based on real news items, the story begins with a recently retired Jerry discovering an arithmetic flaw behind a lottery game. Taking advantage of the loophole, he begins to win big and ropes even his fellow townspeople as his shareholders. Neighbors pool their profits, hoping to reinstall the local jazz festival until a group of Harvard student students emerge as mysteriously greedy enemies.
In tone and semiotics, “Jerry & Marge” is reminiscent of traditional sitcoms. Approximate scores emphasize moments of humor and emotion, and each perception, story turn, or lesson learned is repeated aloud in concrete words. The movie remains valid, but its lack of delicacy, and lack of stakes except for sweepstakes, makes it a completely bland jackpot.
Jerry and Marge get bigger
It is rated PG-13 in Windfall and Plattfall. 1 hour 36 minutes. See Paramount +.
