Prime Video just got one of the newest comedy films of the year – and it’s sitting at 91% on Rotten Tomatoes

by Junna Base November 10, 2024

You should never judge a book by its cover or a movie by its terrible title. When I heard that Prime Video was getting a new comedy called My Old Ass, I assumed it would be a silly teen movie full of Gen-Z slang and cheesy life lessons. I was wrong… well, maybe not with the second part, but definitely with the tingling, which is (thankfully) kept to an absolute minimum.

My Old Ass landed on Prime Video this week (Thursday, November 7th) after a very low-key theatrical release (there was exactly one screening of it at my local theater), and I’m pretty confident it’s going to be a runaway success becomes the streaming service’s most-watched list. It has all the ingredients to enchant Prime Video subscribers and is a breeze to watch at just 89 minutes long.

If you’re looking for something new to watch on Prime Video this weekend, here’s why “My Old Ass” (that title never stops being terrible) should be your next watch.

What is “My Old Ass” about?

My old ass | Official Trailer – YouTube

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My Old Ass is a coming-of-age comedy-drama in which 18-year-old Elliot (Maisy Stella) experiences a mushroom trip that changes her life forever. After trying the psychedelic substance with her two best friends, she suddenly meets her 39-year-old self (played by Aubrey Plaza), who sternly warns her: stay away from a boy named Chad, or I will become your life ruin.

When Elliot wakes up the next morning, she initially assumes it was all a mushroom dream, but when she meets a handsome boy named Chad (Percy Hynes White) who works on her family’s cranberry farm during the summer, she decides Listen Take the advice of your future self and stay away from it.

Elliot then rethinks her approach to sexuality, family and moving out of her parents’ home. Meeting her future self gives her a new perspective. But at the same time, she has to try really hard not to fall in love with Chad.

This Prime Video comedy is really cute

Maisy Stella as Elliott in

(Image credit: Amazon Studios / Marni Grossman)

The greatest strength of “My Old Ass” is its likeability. Maisy Stella plays Elliot as a bit cheeky and immature (she’s only 18!), but also kind-hearted and easily enthused. She is a charming leading lady and the character’s good nature continues throughout the rest of the film. There are no sinister villains here and not much drama, instead “My Old Ass” just skips along and lets you spend the entire running time with its largely charismatic cast.

The very low stakes might have been a problem if the film hadn’t been very lively, helped in large part by the brisk running time of just under 90 minutes. And while there’s not much at stake, there’s at least something that will keep you hooked: the mystery of what exactly Chad did in the future to make the older Elliot warn her younger self to stay away. The final answer is somewhat predictable but still satisfying, and the big reveal leads to the best scene in the film.

If there’s one part of “My Old Ass” that left me a little cold, it’s the overall message of “living life for the moment.” This is such well-trodden territory for the genre, particularly coming-of-age comedies, and writer/director Megan Park has nothing new to say on the subject. This results in a final note that fails to create an emotional connection. However, if you’re looking for a straightforward comedy, “My Old Ass” is hard to watch. I disappoint you.

“My Old Ass” reviews – the critics were also enthusiastic

Aubrey Plaza as Older Elliott in

(Image credit: Amazon Studios)

Since premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January of this year, “My Old Ass” has continued to garner positive reviews. On the review collection page Rotten tomatoesit has a score of 91% from more than 171 reviews. And just as impressive is the high audience rating of 89% with over 500 reviews.

Kylie Bolter from the Chicago Reader called it “a surprisingly profound coming-of-age comedy,” while Bill Goodykoontz of the Republic of Arizona remarked that it “will make you cry.” While I don’t agree that the film is cute, my tear ducts were never in danger of bursting. However, viewers who cry easily may shed a few tears during the third act.

“Very rarely can a film capture the energy of Generation Z without seeming forced and gross, but My Old Ass manages to get it right – and our shorts-wearing protagonist Elliott is proof of that,” he said Time outThis is Saskia Morrison-Thiagu. Meanwhile, Christy Lemire is from RogerEbert.com called it “authentic” and said director Megan Park “breathes new life into a familiar genre.”

On the other hand, that is Wall Street JournalZachary Barnes wasn’t a fan, writing, “‘My Old Ass’ eventually devolves from tepid comedy into entirely synthetic Nicholas Sparks-style emotionalism, all in about 90 minutes that are, appropriately enough for this time-wasting mediocrity, too “seem to be.” extend over years.”

You must stream My Old Ass on Prime Video

Maisy Stella as Elliott in My Old Ass on Prime Video

(Image credit: Amazon Studios)

If you’re a little burned out on the thrillers and action films that have dominated Prime Video’s new movie library in recent weeks, then My Old Ass might be right up your alley. It’s a perfect, pleasant coming-of-age comedy with likeable characters and a good-natured narrative. It’s not the most ambitious film, but it plays to its strengths and is very endearing.

I suspect the film’s shorter running time will also be a benefit to many potential viewers. I can’t count the number of times a family member has asked me for a movie recommendation, but specifically asked me to give them a “short film.” Overall, “My Old Ass” definitely has a lot to offer, even if it may not be remembered as one of the year very best films.

If you’re not sure if My Old Ass is right for you, here’s a rundown of it all Top new movies added via streaming services this week, or you can browse Prime Video’s entire November list Here’s a rundown of every single movie and TV show being added this month.

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