Jerry Seinfeld‘s foray into Netflix films hasn’t exactly been met with rave reviews. ‘Unfrosted,’ a fictionalized take on the invention of Pop-Tarts, has left some viewers feeling like they burnt their breakfast pastries.
People are not satisfied with the comedy and claim that it was not up to expectations. But the biggest gripe seems to be a specific cameo. One that has triggered the whole ‘Mad Men’ fandom.
Related: “He’s Horrible”: Jerry Seinfeld Jokes About Hugh Grant Being A ‘Pain In The A**’ On ‘Unfrosted’ Set
Fans Criticize Jerry Seinfeld For Using Nostalgia As Bait In ‘Unfrosted’
The crux of the criticism lies with actor Jon Hamm‘s appearance in the film. Hamm, known for his iconic portrayal of the troubled ad exec Don Draper in ‘Mad Men,’ pops up in ‘Unfrosted‘ doing a wink-wink impersonation of his most famous character. Apparently, this attempt at humor landed with a thud.
Additionally, Fans are calling the cameo “depressing” and “cheap.” Some feel it tarnishes the legacy of ‘Mad Men‘ by reducing its complex characters to a fleeting gag. Others find it a lazy attempt to bank on nostalgia for a beloved show.
One disgruntled X user summed it up perfectly: “Ugh, so now we’re even putting in desperate nostalgia bait from IPs that have NOTHING to do with the film itself or universe it’s in…this is sickening.” Hilariously enough, people were more mad at the Ill-fitting suit John Hamm wore in his cameo than his actual involvement.
In case you missed it: “Movie Business Is Over”: Jerry Seinfeld Talks About Movies Not Being ‘Pinnacle In The Cultural Hierarchy’ Now
Why Are People Unhappy About The Nostalgia Baiting In ‘Unfrosted’
Discontentment with ‘Unfrosted’ stems from a Jon Hamm’s cameo being perceived as unoriginal. Viewers criticize the film’s reliance on a reference to ‘Mad Men’ for humor. This approach is seen as “desperate nostalgia bait” rather than an attempt at fresh comedy. Seinfeld’s reliance on a well-worn pop culture reference might be a symptom of a larger trend.
Additionally, Hollywood is facing pressure to deliver streaming hits and seems increasingly reliant on nostalgia to lure in viewers. Reboots, sequels, and remakes dominate the release schedule, often leaving audiences feeling like they’re stuck in a rerun. However, while this is a common practice fans feel like this is a total cop-out by Seinfeld.
‘Unfrosted’ might be the latest example, but it’s certainly not the only one. The question remains: is this a creative dead end, or just a clever way to tap into pre-existing affection for certain stories? Only time will tell, but for now, Seinfeld seems to be facing the wrath of fans who are hungry for something fresh.
You might like to read:
