Mr. Corman

The unexpected moves keep things feeling shinier than they are, and that’s the magic balancing act “Mr. Corman” attempts. Life may be disappointing but it’s also amusing and sweet and wonderfully odd. “Mr. Corman” dares to be honest.

It’s clear from the start of “Mr. Corman” that the laughs in this 10-episode series will be few but the smiles of recognition frequent. It’s a testament to the complex charms of this series that those smiles are as often summoned by bleak moments as happier ones.

It’s commendable and fascinating that Mr. Corman’s purpose comes into sharper focus as it progresses. But that doesn’t completely compensate for the show’s flaws. ... Still, Mr. Corman is ambitious, well-acted, and committed to showing respect for and curiosity about all of its characters. When you think it’s going to zig all the way through ten episodes, it zags on you. It is by no means perfect. But it shouldn’t be dismissed.

A show that resists immediacy, but rewards patience. These opening episodes don’t do it justice. But stick with it, and you will find a promising, prickly newcomer.

[Josh's] depressive narcissism is central to the story, and it might have felt the honest thing to make him such a determined little rain cloud, and the actor does not hold back. But it also puts a black hole at the center of the story, one hard to care about. ... At the same time, Gordon-Levitt has surrounded himself with great players and given them good scenes to play.

“Mr. Corman” lacks the traditional structure of a TV series. It just sort of meanders. Late in the season COVID rears its ugly head, which only exacerbates the anxiety Josh is already battling. And then the show meanders some more. ... Even the presence of Debra Winger as Josh’s mom (a woman who refuses to indulge her son’s worst traits while also gaslighting him about legitimate grievances) and Juno Temple as his ex (a character who feels too ill-defined to really work) feel like wasted opportunities.

Mr. Corman is billed as a “comedy,” somehow, but it’s missing the laughs. It seems to be going for cringe comedy, but we just end up cringing. I felt more sad watching it than anything. Ultimately, Josh’s lack of direction and gloomy worldview are an anchor that drags the narrative momentum to a halt.