Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is one of the best light-hearted comedies in a very long time and a nice send-up of The Wizard of Oz (1939). At a time when so many comedies rely on recycled jokes or familiar formulas, this movie feels genuinely refreshing. It embraces its absurd premise while never losing sight of its heart, making for an entertaining experience that never overstays its welcome. It proves that original comedy can still work when the right cast and filmmakers are willing to take chances and simply have fun with the material.
L-R: Zoey Deutch as Gail Daughtry and Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Otto in GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
Zoey Deutch (Set It Up; Minions & Monsters) has never been better than with her sweet, innocent character Gail. She brings an infectious charm to the role that immediately makes the audience root for her. Deutch balances the character’s awkward innocence with confidence, creating someone who is lovable without ever becoming overly naïve or cartoonish. It’s one of those performances that reminds you why she continues to be one of the most underrated comedic actresses working today. Every joke seems to land because of her commitment to the role, and she carries the film effortlessly from beginning to end.
John Hamm as himself in GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
The film also features excellent cameos from across actor/writer/filmmaker David Wain’s filmography (Wet Hot American Summer; They Came Together), which is a nice setup for longtime fans to stick around for and appreciate. Without spoiling any surprises, the film features cameos which never feel forced or distracting. Instead, they reward audiences familiar with actor/writer/filmmaker David Wain’s previous works while still fitting naturally into the story.
Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is easily Wain’s best film since Role Models (2008) came out, capturing the same carefree comedic energy that made that film such a cult favorite. The real MVP of the film is Joe Lo Truglio (Wanderlust), who once again proves why he has quietly become one of the funniest character actors working today. He has stolen scenes in movies such as Superbad (2007) and television shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and he continues that streak here. He’s a terrific comedic actor who commands the screen every single time he appears. Whether he’s delivering rapid-fire dialogue or simply reacting in the background, he consistently finds ways to make every scene funnier. Jon Hamm (Baby Driver; Tag) is also at his funniest in Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass. Hamm has shown over the years that he’s far more than just a dramatic actor, and this movie gives him another opportunity to showcase his underrated comedic abilities. He fully commits to every ridiculous moment without ever looking like he’s above the material. His chemistry with the rest of the ensemble makes several of the biggest laughs in the movie feel completely effortless.
The script by Ken Marino (Role Models; Wanderlust) and Wain (Role Models; Wet Hot American Summer) is Golden Globe-worthy and keeps the laughs coming from beginning to end. The dialogue is consistently sharp, and the humor ranges from clever visual gags to witty one-liners that never feel repetitive. The pacing rarely slows down, allowing every joke enough room to breathe before moving on to the next hilarious situation. It also deserves credit for telling an original story in an era where sequels, remakes, and franchise films dominate the box office.
John Slattery (Iron Man; Mad Men) also deserves recognition for his supporting performance. He’s humble enough to poke fun at himself throughout the film, and that self-awareness makes his scenes some of the funniest in the entire movie. His delivery is effortless, and he fits perfectly into David Wain’s offbeat comedic style.
L-R: John Slattery as himself, Ben Wang as Caleb, Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Otto, Zoey Deutch as Gail Daughtry, and Ken Marino as Vincent in GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
It’s a breath of fresh air for the summer. With theaters filled with horror breakouts and blockbuster spectacles, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass offers a welcome change of pace. It’s the kind of comedy that reminds audiences how enjoyable an original, character-driven film can be when it’s built around strong performances and a genuinely funny script. By the time the credits roll, it’s hard not to leave with a smile on your face.
In select theaters July 10th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official Sony Pictures Classics Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass webpage.
Final Score: 4 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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