Charli XCX helps ‘SNL’ go brat, pulling double duty as host and performer
As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for pop culture and a soft spot for the eccentric, I must say that this week’s Saturday Night Live was a veritable smorgasbord of humor, impressions, and musical prowess. The standout sketch for me was undoubtedly the ‘What if Bernie Sanders and Adele starred in “Wicked?”’ It was a delightful concoction of hilarious celebrity impressions, particularly Chloe Fineman’s multi-role performance, and Charli’s spot-on Adele and Troye Sivan.
Following an unusual, dim twist from the previous week, during which Bill Burr took charge of the “Saturday Night Live” episode following the presidential election, the show regained momentum by showcasing its prowess in popular culture.
Instead of delving into politics through the Trump-Biden cold open and a sketch about podcasters becoming cabinet and ambassador members, “SNL” opted for a more mischievous approach. The live segments featured witty commentary on fashion, such as the It Girl Thanksgiving special hosted by Marc Jacobs (played by Bowen Yang) and Julia Fox (portrayed by Chloe Fineman). Additionally, there was a “Wicked” audition reel showcasing impressive Charli and Troye Sivan impressions. Lastly, an ongoing joke involved people ending up with green paint on their bodies after kissing the lead actor from “Shrek the Musical.
The program brought back revamped renditions of past skits, such as a follow-up to the Ariana Grande episode’s bridesmaids song, where the expectant mother bride-to-be is now accompanied by her friends reminiscing about her baby moon adventure. Another recurring bit was a baking competition that showcased a grubby turkey cake and one with an opening resembling an orifice, spewing stuffing. This week, Marcello Hernández featured in numerous skits, portraying an intense acting coach opposite his star pupil Alyssa (Charli), during a workshop for commercial auditions.
In the meantime, Charli XCX played “360” (introduced by Julia Fox) and “Sympathy is a Knife” (introduced by Yang). Unfortunately, a “Please Don’t Destroy” video that was teased in the opening credits had to be omitted due to time constraints. However, it can be found online where Charli joins the PDD crew in a playful and adorable interaction.
× In the ongoing 50th season of “SNL,” Dana Carvey once again assumes the role of President Biden, following a brief stint as Elon Musk the previous week. Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, meets with Biden in the Oval Office, much like their real-life encounter this past week. Even Trump seems taken aback by his own amicable demeanor, stating, “Check this out, I’m being nice instead of my usual rude and wild self. And let me tell you, that’s a whole lot scarier.” Trump expresses his dislike for the White House (“The carpets are just awful – they stink and stick at the same time.”) and Elon Musk (“totally cringeworthy”). During the show, Trump’s Attorney General nominee, Representative Matt Gaetz (played by Sarah Sherman), makes an appearance. “Look who we’ve got here,” Trump says, “Elon and Matt Gaetz – that’s an extraterrestrial versus predator.” Alec Baldwin also reappears to portray Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services nominee and former presidential candidate, who vows to safeguard “a woman’s right to give her child polio.” Trump inquires about Biden’s next move, to which he replies, “I’ll do what every tired old man does – I’m going to take on Jake Paul.
× In her speech, Charli referenced the beginning of her rave career at 15, when she deceitfully told her parents she had late-night swim practice, instead attending a warehouse party full of members from the LGBTQ+ community. She humorously thanked autotune for its role in supporting her throughout her career. Later, she invited Kyle Mooney, a former “SNL” cast member whose upcoming movie “Y2K” is due out next month, to clarify what’s considered brat-like behavior. Interestingly, when Mooney mentioned Claritin as his favorite drug, it didn’t qualify as bratty. Charli ended her speech expressing her surprise at being out so early on a Saturday night!
Best sketch of the night: What if Bernie Sanders and Adele starred in ‘Wicked?’
× Audition reel sketches are really just an excuse to let the cast trot out their best celebrity impressions, particularly Chloe Fineman, who figures heavily into this one for the movie adaptation of “Wicked.” She plays JoJo Siwa, Sydney Sweeney, Martha Stweart and Leslie Mann. Devon Walker portrays NFL star Shannon Sharpe and Carvey returns to play Al Pacino. Hernández, as Bad Bunny, refuses to do an English version of his audition and Sherman does a surprisingly good Bernie Sanders, complaining that the munchkins are living paycheck to paycheck. But it’s Charli who surprises with a spot-on Adele and Troye Sivan, who’s standing next to the “SNL” version of Charli, played by Yang.
Also good: Calling the cops on white people, Girl Scouts and even small dogs
× As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve been enjoying the Lonely Island’s latest “SNL Digital Short,” titled “Sushi Glory Hole.” Just a month later, they’re back with another musical number (perhaps an album on the horizon?). This time, it’s about a fellow who derives satisfaction from reporting minor violations to the authorities. The tune, aptly named and catchy, finds Andy Samberg calling out folks for putting trash in his recycling bin or encroaching upon his property. Interestingly, he seems to target white individuals, including Colin Jost. His wife (Charli) is equally watchful, and by the video’s end, a small bulldog has been cuffed and a Girl Scout has found herself behind bars. While it may not be as surprising or hard-hitting as “Sushi,” it still showcases their exceptional performance and cinematography skills. And let me assure you, it’s definitely not an Allstate commercial!
‘Weekend Update’ winner: This squirrel widow is absolutely nuts
× In a lively portrayal, Yang took on the role of Joe Exotic from “Tiger King,” who is hoping for a pardon and cabinet post from Trump. However, it was Sherman who delivered a nervous, side-splitting act as the widow of internet sensation P’Nut the Squirrel. Heartbroken over her husband’s euthanization, Hazel (a nod to ‘nut’) yearns for interaction with “Weekend Update” co-host Jost. Her oversized tail continually bothers him, she shivers like a deer in headlights, and freezes stiff as an ice sculpture before an oncoming vehicle, all while making more squirrel-related puns than one would anticipate. An amusing segment from a talented comedian indeed.
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2024-11-17 12:01