Rent Breaking News in Yuba County (2021)

Messy Crime Comedy - Breaking News in Yuba County review by GI

A crime comedy that's a bit of a mixed bag. There's some delights, some massive misfires and some weird casting. On the positive side Allison Janney gives a worthy performance in the lead role as Sue, a nondescript married woman with low self esteem because she's friendless and ignored by her husband, family and work colleagues. When she inadvertently catches her husband having an affair a chain of bizarre events begins and Sue finds herself the centre of attention and literally loves it. Desperate for this to continue Sue tells more and more lies getting herself in a pickle with the police and some local gangsters. Mila Kunis plays Sue's sister and while she has a decent go at it she's wasted and clearly miscast. The plot gets more and more exaggerated moving the film from situation comedy to violent slapstick and believe me at times it's very violent. Ultimately it doesn't totally work even though it's a valiant attempt at showing how a simple craving for some recognition and friendship can push people to extremes. There are laughs and Awkwafina as the daughter of the local crime lord is as funny as always. Matthew Modine, Ellen Barkin, Juliette Lewis have small roles and Regina Hall is great as the detective on Sue's case. Entertaining in parts but all a bit mediocre.