Mr. Throwback Review | Steph Curry Comedy Scores Despite Some Trip-Ups

Mr. Throwback Review | Steph Curry Comedy Scores Despite Some Trip-Ups

As a long-time basketball enthusiast and a connoisseur of comedies, I must say that Stephen Curry’s foray into Hollywood with the Peacock series, Mr. Throwback, is nothing short of a slam dunk!


It seems that NBA legend Stephen Curry might find success in the world of Hollywood. Known as the point guard for the Golden State Warriors, who’s garnering attention at the 2024 Olympics, Curry also showcases his natural comedic abilities. In the new comedy series “Mr. Throwback,” he competes humorously against popular actor Adam Pally (known for roles in “Knuckles,” “Happy Endings,” and “The Mindy Project”). This witty adventure is easy to understand, and its concept is certainly appealing.

In this story, Pally assumes the role of Danny Grossman, a financially struggling memorabilia vendor longing for a change in his life. Despite still harboring feelings for his ex-wife (Ayden Mayeri), he’s also worried about his relationship with his teenage daughter (Layla Scalisi). To make matters worse, Danny owes close to $100,000 to the Polish mob and clings to the past, both emotionally and physically, which explains all the memorabilia.

The series amps up the stakes early on when Danny concocts a plan to reunite with his old school bud, the one and only Steph Curry. The two became estranged because of a school scandal (more on that in a bit), but fate brings the two back together. Unfortunately, Danny digs a hole for himself when, out of a desperate need to reclaim a past glory and bond — and to clear his debt — he tells our fine Steph that his daughter is terminally ill. It doesn’t take long to suddenly get inside Curry’s inner circle.

Mr. Throwback Has a Winning Premise

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of television and film, I find the upcoming series, with its unique blend of mockumentary style and a dash of humor derived from a fake illness, incredibly intriguing. The pedigree behind this project, featuring Adam Pally, David Caspe, Matthew Libman, and Daniel Libman, is nothing short of impressive – these are creators who have consistently delivered laughs through their work on shows like “Happy Endings” and “Black Monday.”

Danny’s past should evoke chuckles. As a child, he was an exceptional middle school basketball player, almost legendary – think “The Jewish MJ” or the star on your cereal box. However, the shine wore off when it became clear that his so-called ‘talent’ was exploited by playing with kids significantly younger than him. The revelation sent shockwaves through the community. Danny was shunned, and his coach father (the renowned Tracy Letts) was dismayed, while even his former teammate, Steph Curry, couldn’t escape the scandal.

Upon Danny’s return to Curry’s world, Kimberly (played by Ego Nwodim) is also present, her skepticism unchanged. The question arises: for how much longer can Danny continue spinning his grand lie? It’s important to note that he’s not enthusiastic about his actions and appears unable to progress in life. He seems trapped in a predicament, which forms the crux of the story.

Adam Pally & Steph Curry’s Chemistry, Tracy Letts’ Brilliance, and the Underused Ego Nwodim

Mr. Throwback Review | Steph Curry Comedy Scores Despite Some Trip-UpsMr. Throwback Review | Steph Curry Comedy Scores Despite Some Trip-UpsMr. Throwback Review | Steph Curry Comedy Scores Despite Some Trip-UpsMr. Throwback Review | Steph Curry Comedy Scores Despite Some Trip-Ups

One of the main difficulties the series faces is striking a balance between its more somber moments and humor. David Caspe and Adam Pally, who previously collaborated on Happy Endings, are involved in this production – it’s worth mentioning that Caspe is married to Casey Wilson, one of the stars of Happy Endings where she played Penny. However, unlike their previous work, the writing team for this show is smaller and while it may not be as consistently hilarious as you might expect, there’s definitely a fantastic back-and-forth between Pally and Curry, who have a knack for delivering a good punchline.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I must say that Tracy Letts truly shines in this production. Known for his brilliant playwriting work like “August Osage County,” and gracing the screens of films such as “Ford v. Ferrari” and “Lady Bird,” Letts has an uncanny ability to command a scene. The series delves skillfully into his past as a coach, showcasing moments like, “I used to be able to throw kids back then. I can’t do it now. I’m not strong enough,” which adds depth to his character. Furthermore, the series also explores his current struggles, making his character feel remarkably well-rounded.

As a longtime fan of comedy shows, I can confidently say that Ego Nwodim truly shines as Kimberly in this new series. Her charisma and wit are captivating, and her delivery of lines like “People love a redemption story, but you know what they love more — a trainwreck” are particularly memorable.

Good Game, Steph. We Need Another One

As someone who has spent countless hours binge-watching television shows, I must say that this series truly stands out. The production value is top-notch, and they’ve nailed the mockumentary style to perfection. The sets are well thought out, and the clever touches add an extra layer of depth. Now let’s talk about Danny – what a character! I can’t help but wonder if he’ll be able to resolve his current predicament. But more importantly, will he find a way to let go of his past wounds? Only time will tell, and I certainly hope that there’s a Season 2 in store for us. Fingers crossed!

In summary, Mr. Throwback seamlessly blends into today’s fan-centric culture. Whether it’s Taylor Swift or Curry himself, our fascination with connecting to our idols persists. David Caspe leverages this in his six-episode series, and while more insight into Curry’s professional life would be welcome, the current journey offers an enjoyable watch. Despite occasional hiccups in execution, the intrigue it creates is undeniable. This, after all, is Steph Curry we’re talking about – a man who consistently excels. As of August 8, Mr. Throwback started streaming on Peacock. You can catch it via the link provided below:

Watch Mr. Throwback

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2024-08-10 15:31