Cast
View AllAndy Samberg
as Conner Friel
Jorma Taccone
as Owen Bouchard
Akiva Schaffer
as Lawrence Dunn
Tim Meadows
as Harry Duggins
Sarah Silverman
as Paula Klein
Chris Redd
as Hunter
Maya Rudolph
as Deborah
Joan Cusack
as Tilly
Imogen Poots
as Ashley Wednesday
Edgar Blackmon
as Eddie
James Buckley
as Sponge
Evan Fine
as Ten-Year Old Conner
Maxwell Jenkins
as Ten-Year Old Owen
Elliott Smith
as Ten-Year Old Lawrence
Questlove
as Ahmir-Khalib Thompson
Crew
Director
- Jorma Taccone
- Akiva Schaffer
Writer
- Akiva Schaffer
- Andy Samberg
- Jorma Taccone
Producer
- Judd Apatow
- Rodney Rothman
- Andy Samberg
- Akiva Schaffer
- Jorma Taccone
Reviews
Austin Singleton
This movie could have been hour HBO special and been just as good if not better but it's still a pretty funny movie! Read my full review here.
http://www.hweird1reviews.com/allreviews/popstar-never-stop-never-stopping-review
Aug 11, 2016
Gimly
Perhaps for someone who is more engrained in the pop culture of the day, this would be a success. It's not that I didn't understand the references, it's just that I didn't care.
_Final rating:★★ - Definitely not for me, but I sort of get the appeal._
Sep 8, 2016
Reno
**A fun film, but also very sensible.**
The title clearly says it is a parody of 'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never'. I haven't seen that, but this film was so fun. Just like another 'Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story'. If you like the combination of music and comedy, this is for you. I think the writing was the best thing, even the lyrics of the songs. The directors did their part very well, but in the end it was the actors who saved the film. Andy Samberg was splendid.
The film was narrated in a documentary style like a series of interviews which also includes behind scenes, I mean unedited clips like the live recording. It is the story of three members of a famous band in America. When everything was going well for them, the split happens unexpectedly. So the main singer decides to go solo and sees some success. But he struggles through his girlfriend and their marriage plans, and also he finds some issue with his manager. You know the makeover begins, how he comes back to his normal life was the remaining film.
It is not anybody's biography, but you should still watch it. The storytelling is not preoccupied with the drugs and sexes, though there are some amounts, which makes it is good viewing for the adults. Don't think it is some silly comedy, lots of things from it makes sense. You can enjoy the music and at a time you would have some laughs. Well balanced contents and overall it is a rare comedy.
_7/10_
Oct 4, 2016
Thematic Analysis
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Jorma Taccone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mozart - Berliner Philharmoniker - Radek Baborák - Daniel Barenboim, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Stuck on You and BINIverse: The First Solo Concert explore similar territory, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 3, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $9,500,000
Where to Watch

