In an era where the art of comedy seems to be in constant flux, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain emerges as a refreshing beacon, perfectly capturing the essence of transition and camaraderie. This film, narrated by John Goodman and helmed by Paul Briganti, is a delightful romp through the exaggerated yet palpably real challenges of early adulthood, akin to a vibrant cross between the classic adventures of Indiana Jones and The Goonies.
BFFs!
The story follows Ben, Martin, and John, a trio of childhood friends turned colleagues, as they embark on a treasure hunt in the enigmatic Foggy Mountain. Their journey is peppered with challenges that range from absurd (like evading hairless bears) to the hilariously mundane, mirroring the real-life transitional phase from youthful idealism to adult responsibilities. The film has a true artist’s touch of balancing extreme craftsmanship and dick-joke-level jokes. This is evident by a surprisingly well-choreographed and performed rollerskating scene very early in the film.
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The cast’s chemistry is the film’s beating heart. Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall, collectively known as the Please Don’t Destroy group, bring an organic, playful dynamic that feels like watching real friends rather than scripted characters. Their interactions are imbued with a genuine sense of camaraderie and shared history, making their journey not just a physical one, but an exploration of their relationship dynamics as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.
It’s Out There, But In Here Also
The narrative does an excellent job balancing grounded humor with offbeat, larger-than-life moments. The comedy feels real and relatable, making the absurdity of their situations even more enjoyable. Conan O’Brien, in a rare non-self role as Ben’s dad, brings a nuanced performance that perfectly complements the main trio’s antics. Similarly, Bowen Yang, as the hypocritical cult leader, delivers a performance that is both delightfully over-the-top and eerily believable.
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The performances in step with the narrative wonderfully encapsulate the sense of being in-between stages of life – too old for reckless adventure but too young to fully embrace adult mundanity. This transitional stage is depicted with both empathy and humor, making the film resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost in the maze of growing up. It’s tough being content while your friends want other things, and the film plays off the situation well and does it with class, even when utilizing it for a dick joke.
Woah, That Looks Cool!
Visually, the film is a surprising treat. The North Carolina backdrop provides a picturesque canvas that enhances the adventure, adding to the film’s overall charm. The production design, particularly the Trout Plus store and the Foggy Mountain cult commune, is thoughtfully crafted, adding depth to the narrative. And amazing set pieces for major events.
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Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain is also a commendable nod to the legacy of adventure films. It captures the spirit of classics like Indiana Jones and The Goonies while carving out its own identity. The film manages to strike a perfect balance, appealing to nostalgia without relying on it, making it a fresh and unique experience that feels familiar without trying to capitalize on nostalgia.
BFF4L!
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain is a delightful, comedic adventure that captures the essence of friendship, the awkwardness of transitioning into adulthood, and the unadulterated joy of embarking on a journey with friends. It also subtly, but profoundly, captures the growth of healthy male friendships that embrace emotion and feelings. It’s a film that not only entertains but also resonates, reminding us of the value of camaraderie and the enduring spirit of adventure.
For being a fun goofy adventure, incredible cast chemistry, surprisingly high-level artistry, and accurately and empathetically portraying healthy-ish male friendships, I give Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain a
6/10
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain is now streaming on Peacock.
About Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Writers: Martin Herlihy & John Higgins & Ben Marshall
Producers: Judd Apatow p.g.a., Jimmy Miller
Executive Producers: Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, Ben Marshall, Paul Briganti, Josh Church, Sam Hansen, Matt Riley, Michael Sledd
Co-Producer: Albertina Rizzo
Director: Paul Briganti
Production Company: An Apatow Company/ Mosaic Production
Cast: Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, Ben Marshall, Bowen Yang, Meg Stalter, X Mayo, Nichole Sakura, Cedric Yarbrough, Sunita Mani and Conan O’Brien
Synopsis
In PLEASE DON’T DESTROY: THE TREASURE OF FOGGY MOUNTAIN, John Goodman narrates the adventure of Ben, Martin, and John, three childhood friends turned deadbeat co-workers, who fend off hairless bears, desperate park rangers (Meg Stalter and X Mayo) and a hypocritical cult leader (Bowen Yang) in the hopes of finding a priceless treasure, only to discover that finding the treasure is the easiest part of their journey. Oh, and Conan O’Brien plays Ben’s dad in it. Produced by Judd Apatow (Superbad) and Jimmy Miller (Bad Teacher), the film is written, executive produced by, and starring Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall — aka the Please Don’t Destroy guys — and directed by Paul Briganti (Saturday Night Live).
Have you been waiting for a comedy that combines adventure and humor? Are you excited to see how the trio tackles the challenges thrown their way? And, with Conan O’Brien in the mix, what comedic twists are you anticipating? Let us know what you think on social media!
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