Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016) is a hilarious mockumentary that parodies the over-the-top world of modern pop music. Directed by Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, this comedy features the comedy trio The Lonely Island (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone) in a satirical take on the rise and fall of a pop sensation. With a perfect blend of absurdity, catchy tunes, and biting satire, the film provides a sharp commentary on celebrity culture. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s highlights and let you know where you can stream Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping online, especially for U.S. viewers.
Plot Overview: A Satirical Rollercoaster
Popstar centers on the life of Conner Friel (Andy Samberg), better known as Conner4Real, a former boy band member who’s now a solo pop sensation. After his solo album flops and his career begins to crumble, Conner desperately seeks to maintain his fame, employing every trick in the popstar playbook. From absurd promotional stunts to bizarre endorsements, Conner’s increasingly ridiculous attempts to stay relevant provide the backbone of the film’s humor.
The film follows a documentary format, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the insanity of Conner’s life. His rise to fame, fall from grace, and eventual redemption are packed with laugh-out-loud moments, celebrity cameos, and spot-on music industry satire.
The Lonely Island’s Signature Humor
If you’re familiar with The Lonely Island, you know what kind of humor to expect from Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. The trio’s signature blend of absurd, irreverent comedy and over-the-top musical numbers is on full display here. Andy Samberg as Conner4Real is perfect in the role, bringing a mix of arrogance and cluelessness that makes his character both frustrating and lovable at the same time.
The supporting cast, including Sarah Silverman as Conner’s manager, Tim Meadows as his publicist, and Maya Rudolph as a corporate brand executive, all add layers of humor to the chaotic world of pop music stardom. The film also features a host of celebrity cameos from the likes of Adam Levine, Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Seal, further blurring the lines between the real and the absurd.
Satire of the Music Industry
While Popstar is undoubtedly a comedy first, it also serves as a sharp satire of the music industry. The film brilliantly mocks everything from the commercialization of music to the fleeting nature of fame. Conner’s outlandish behavior—like releasing a terrible album with over-the-top marketing or staging an elaborate comeback tour with ridiculous stage setups—hits close to home for anyone who’s followed the careers of real-life popstars.
From a humorous critique of overproduced music to a look at how social media and sponsorship deals dominate modern celebrity, Popstar doesn’t hold back in its portrayal of the often vapid nature of the entertainment industry. Its humor may be exaggerated, but it feels grounded in the real-world absurdities we often see in today’s celebrity culture.
Memorable Songs and Musical Performances
One of the film’s highlights is its soundtrack, filled with memorable, parody-style songs. Tracks like “I’m So Humble,” “Finest Girl (Bin Laden Song),” and “Equal Rights” are not only catchy but cleverly written, lampooning various pop music trends. The musical performances, complete with over-the-top choreography, extravagant costumes, and ridiculous special effects, add to the film’s overall fun and madness.
The songs themselves serve as hilarious, often biting commentary on the music industry, taking aim at self-absorbed pop anthems, superficial social causes, and celebrity activism.
Why Popstar Deserves a Watch
Though Popstar didn’t perform particularly well at the box office, it has since gained a cult following thanks to its sharp humor, memorable performances, and pitch-perfect satire. Fans of Andy Samberg, The Lonely Island, and mockumentaries like This Is Spinal Tap will find a lot to love here. The movie strikes a great balance between parodying the excesses of pop stardom and delivering genuinely funny moments, all while offering songs you’ll likely have stuck in your head for days.
It’s a rare mix of laugh-out-loud comedy and smart satire, making it a film that warrants more attention than it initially received.
Where to Watch Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Online in the U.S.
For viewers in the U.S., Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is available across multiple streaming platforms, both through subscription services and as a rental or purchase option.
Streaming Services: Subscription Platforms
- Peacock: As of the latest updates, Popstar is available for streaming on Peacock. The platform offers a variety of movies and TV shows, and Popstar is included in its catalog. Peacock offers both free and premium subscription tiers, so you may be able to watch it without any additional costs if you’re on the premium plan.
- Hulu: Hulu subscribers can also find Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping in the platform’s movie catalog. It’s worth checking Hulu’s library to see if it’s included in your subscription.
- Netflix: The film has previously been available on Netflix in some regions. Be sure to check if Netflix in the U.S. currently includes Popstar in its rotating selection of films, as its availability can fluctuate.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: Popstar can be rented or purchased through Amazon Prime Video. The rental price typically starts at $3.99 for HD, and purchasing the film will cost around $12.99.
- Apple TV: For Apple users, Popstar is available to rent on Apple TV for $3.99 or purchase for $12.99 in HD.
- Google Play Movies & TV: You can rent or purchase Popstar via Google Play Movies & TV. Rentals are usually priced at $3.99, while buying the film will cost $12.99.
- YouTube Movies: YouTube offers the same standard pricing as Google Play, with rentals at $3.99 and purchases at $12.99.
- Vudu: Another popular rental and purchase platform, Vudu offers Popstar with similar pricing, making it an easy choice for those who prefer this service.
Conclusion
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a criminally underrated comedy that perfectly balances absurd humor with sharp satire of the music industry. It offers an endless array of laughs, memorable songs, and a biting critique of the world of pop music. Whether you’re a fan of Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island or just enjoy clever mockumentaries, Popstar is well worth the watch.
For American audiences, it’s easy to find online, with several streaming services and rental platforms offering the movie. Whether you prefer Peacock, Hulu, or renting it on Amazon or Apple TV, Popstar is just a click away for your next comedy night.
