Jerry Seinfeld whips up a hilarious storm in the laugh-out-loud comedy ‘Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Chronicles’

The buzz around the blockbuster live-action Barbie movie in 2023 has sparked a trend for origin stories, setting the bar high for both fictional and realistic depictions of how things came to be. Enter Netflix’s latest offering, ‘Unfrosted,’ marking comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s directorial debut and first leading role. This delightful comedy takes us on a whimsical journey into the creation of Kellogg’s revolutionary breakfast pastries, the beloved Pop-Tarts. Joined by the talented ensemble of Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer, and Jim Gaffigan, Seinfeld serves up a cereal-iously funny adventure, though it does get a bit syrupy at times.

‘Unfrosted’ kicks off with Seinfeld’s character, Bob Cabana, regaling a young boy with the fantastical tale of Pop-Tart invention. We’re then transported back to the 1960s, a time when breakfast was dominated by a comical rivalry between Kellogg’s and Post. This fierce competition pushes both companies to unleash their creativity, ultimately giving birth to the iconic Pop-Tart and its lesser-known counterpart, Post’s Country Squares.

While ‘Unfrosted’ takes some fictional liberties with the cereal’s origin story, Seinfeld injects plenty of wacky historical cameos for comedic effect. From Jack LaLane, the fitness guru, to Steve Schwinn, the Schwinn bicycle company founder, and even Tom Carvel, the mastermind behind soft-serve ice cream, the film playfully suggests their involvement in the creation of Pop-Tarts. In a lighter moment, McCarthy’s character, Donna, humorously speculates that even Albert Einstein could have had a hand in it if not for his untimely passing. Seinfeld’s signature humor and clever use of these figures add a hilarious punch to the narrative. However, some of the political references might go over the heads of those less familiar with…

The film might not be the most informative history lesson, but the chemistry between Seinfeld, McCarthy, and Gaffigan is absolutely fantastic. Their quick-witted banter and clever one-liners hit the mark every time. The movie also sprinkles in some fun nods to classic brands like Quaker Oats and Doublemint Gum, adding an extra layer of nostalgic amusement. For example, in one scene, Donna prepares an orange drink and asks Bob to give it a try. After taking a sip, he exclaims, ‘It’s got a good Tang!’ to which she playfully responds, ‘That’s a great name,’ hinting at the origins of the Tang drink. These little hidden gems throughout the film make ‘Unfrosted’ a delightful treat.

Unlike Pop-Tarts, which flew off the shelves and sold out completely within two weeks of their initial release, ‘Unfrosted’ might not appeal to everyone. But just like Marjorie Post, played by Schumer, says, ‘There’s always a surprise inside the box.’

‘Unfrosted’
Director: Jerry Seinfeld
Genre: Drama
Platform: Netflix
Language: English
Rating: 3/5