The Wasteland Reviewer

The Breadwinner (2026) Written Review

Isn’t it funny when a man tries to take charge and take care of his children? This is a joke that has been featured in the media for a long time. Mr. Mom is probably the most famous of all these types of stories that focuses on the struggle of a working man now having to be a stay-at-home parent so his wife can have a career. The fact that there are still films trying to make this joke is quite tiring but hasn’t stopped stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze. With his new film, The Breadwinner, he portrays a skilled car salesman who must be a stay-at-home dad while his wife (Mandy Moore) launches a new venture after a successful appearance on Shark Tank. What could go wrong?

Does Bargatze and Dan Lagana’s new film offer up anything fresh with this new retreat of Mr. Mom? Not really. This film is a tired “re-imagining” of this story. There are certainly some modern twists like including Shark Tank and other famous (and distracting) brands like Toyota and the Tennessee Titans. But the central character is annoyingly dense and is incredibly selfish. Sure, many protagonists start out this way and learn their lessons, but this film never delivers a comeuppance for his horrible behavior and his happy ending, as well as growth, feel as shallow as possible. Most of the comedy centers on him being completely inept as a homemaker and parent which gets old after a few jokes. The only saving grace from a comedic standpoint is the supporting cast of characters who have some fun shenanigans and gags up their sleeves. There are only a few moments of actual thought and thematic resonance (giving some credit where it is due). The third act of the film goes completely off the rails and makes absolutely no sense which undercuts any of the minimal quality that the film had narratively, comedically, and thematically. 

Does Weird: The Al Yankovic Story director, Eric Appel, bring anything of substance to the film? Most of Appel’s work has been on television with sitcoms and you can tell from the visuals of The Breadwinner. The overly lit and bland looking visual stylings are frustrating since the film doesn’t have much else going for it. There are fleeting moments where Appel gets to have some fun, including a nightmarish montage when Nate gets overwhelmed with his new duties. Unfortunately, these inspired moments are minimal. The film also leans into computer-generated effects quite a bit and they look downright terrible (which is not surprising since they used the whole budget on getting the Shark Tank hosts into the film). The film moves quite briskly (at least) so it has some quick pacing. The more human and emotional beats never feel authentic enough in Appel’s hands (but a lot of that blame should rest on Bargatze). Overall, this is a bland looking experience that just never feels cinematic in the least nor funny enough to warrant its comedic label. 

What is the biggest roadblock of the film? Bargatze. He might be a talented stand-up comedian, but he is no actor. His line deliveries are wooden (unless he is injecting jokes like it is a stand-up routine). He lacks the emotional depth to sell any of the moments attempting to be tender. He honestly comes off awkward in most of the film. Moore is not given much at all to work with, but she is charming enough. The three young actors portraying their daughters are cute and charming enough (while feeling like actual kids). Most of the positive elements of the film are the supporting cast. Anything Will Forte is handed; he can deliver upon (which he does in The Breadwinner). Colin Jost is quite funny and committed to the bit as the awkward and desperate stay-at-home dad who just wants to be friends with Nate. Kumail Nanjiani is quite fun as the insecure and desperate car salesman rival of Nate. You even have a fun and unexpected turn from Martin Herlihy who portrays Peter, the food delivery driver who gets close to Nate due to his overreliance on ordering out. 

Does The Breadwinner earn its spot as a modern adaptation of Mr. Mom? Not really. Other films had so much more heart than this. The lead is just not strong enough in the acting department to make this film work. Lazy and tired gags are the Achilles heel of The Breadwinner. Appel has made so many more inspired films and shows and it is quite disappointing that much of this effort just falls flat.