The Nerdery Movie Night #246: My Old Ass & Thanksgiving Stuffing Popcorn

In which we both laud Aubrey Plaza's performance by using the word "pathos".

Thanksgiving Stuffing Popcorn

Dave: We haven’t cried this much since we watched the election results! This film was difficult for two GenX-ers who spend every day watching everyone they know get demonstrably older: back pain, traumatic divorces, other unexpected life changes. It’s tough to watch and even tougher to feel on the edge of your consciousness. Aubrey Plaza really deserves some kind of award for this. The understated pathos she brings to this role is incredibly moving - we rewound a few times just to watch her facial expressions. I usually end with something funny, but really: go hug the people you love, and if you can’t hug them, give them a call, text them, send them a Hallmark card. It’s a big, goofy world. (️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)

I hate to brag, but I maybe knocked it out of the park with this one. Slight deduction for being a little too salty, but otherwise, this had the flavors of the thing it was imitating. It also wasn’t a gloopy mess like some of our popcorns. I’m not endorsing all TikTok recipes - I’m pretty sure some of them will probably give you cancer - but this one knocked the flavors out of the park. It was a tiny bit salty, but maybe that’s because we both cried into the bowl several times (see above review of incredibly depressing movie). Even so, it managed not to taste cloying and chemical-y like Stove Top but also wasn’t overly moist, like I’d imagined dressing pudding to be. I’d definitely make this for company!  (️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)

Joe: I had an unexpectedly visceral reaction to this film. Initially, I wasn't particularly taken by My Old Ass. A bunch of GenZ acting all dramatic and stupid? No, thanks. But that set-up is in service to a plot that largely resolves around fate, grief, and regret. In a truly unexpected twist, Aubrey Plaza hands in a performance that starts off as glib before descending into the depths of pathos. While I highly doubt the Academy will come calling, it is a performance that is steeped in heartache - and her final scene is an absolute gutpunch (I am literally tearing up as I think about it). The themes this film unpacks are as old as time, but they are no less potent. Funny and deeply affecting, My Old Ass belies its intentionally provocative title. Highly recommended. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)

Usually when we make a popcorn that reports to echo an extremely particular flavor, we get but a whiff of its inspiration. Not so with this popcorn. It tastes exactly like turkey stuffing - to an almost shocking degree. It's salty, deeply umami, and herbaceous - so much so, that I was certain I would find chunks of turkey at the bottom of the bowl. Did we eat the entire bowl in record time? Yes. Will I ask Dave to make this again? Yes, yes, a million times yes. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Popcorn from: some TikTok video Dave stumbled upon

My Old Ass on IMDB