Norm Macdonald made deadpan feel dangerous. Now, five years after his death in 2021, Judd Apatow has made a Netflix documentary about the Canadian comic, and one critic isn’t convinced it’s the tribute he deserves.
The Tale of Norm Macdonald: The Review
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film | Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald |
| Director | Judd Apatow |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Reviewer | Rendy Jones, What’s on Netflix |
| Rating | 2 out of 5 |
| Format | “Screenlife” (an internet rabbit-hole style) |
| Verdict | Rare finds, but a mismatched style |
What Makes It Different?
Instead of a traditional biography, Apatow tells the story through a computer screen. Viewers follow a cursor through search bars, endless clip feeds and click sounds, as if scrolling through a late-night YouTube spiral. The narration comes from an abridged audiobook of Macdonald’s 2016 book, Based on a True Story: Not a Memoir.
What Works?
The reviewer credits the archival team for digging up rare material. That includes footage that contradicts Macdonald’s own claims about his schooling, plus home videos from his farm upbringing. Friends like Nick Swardson, David Spade and Adam Sandler also chime in, and the film revisits his SNL days, his run-ins with NBC and his “fake news” bits.
What Doesn’t?
The main complaint is the format. The review says the screenlife style feels at odds with a comic known for dry, no-frills honesty, and that it may alienate his core fans. It also says the film adds little new insight, feeling closer to a polished best-of reel than a deep portrait.
The takeaway: fans may enjoy the rare clips, but the film might mostly send you back to Macdonald’s original interviews and stand-up specials. Read more about Norm Macdonald, then explore our Netflix picks and movie reviews on Technosports.
FAQs
Who directed The Tale of Norm Macdonald?
Judd Apatow directed the Netflix documentary about the late comedian.
Is the film worth watching?
One critic rated it 2 out of 5. Opinions vary, so it’s best for devoted fans curious about the rare footage.
