Here Comes Carter: A bit of old-school Hollywood spite

Is this worth a watch?

If you like movies where everyone is kind of terrible, then yes, dive in. This isn't high art, but it’s got a bite that’s rare for the era. If you’re looking for a warm, fuzzy story about the magic of filmmaking, you’re going to have a bad time. Stay away if you need your protagonists to be, you know, good people.

Kent Carter starts off as a fly on the wall, and honestly, the way he just watches these ego-maniacs is the best part of the whole flick. He’s like a sponge for gossip. It’s funny how fast he flips from being a background guy to a total shark.

Paul Panzer really sells that transformation. You can see the exact moment he decides he’s done being the guy holding the ladder. The switch isn't subtle, but it doesn't need to be. It’s just blunt force ambition.

Hollywood isn't that nice

There’s a specific scene where Carter is just eavesdropping near a craft services table—or whatever they called it back then—and the way he hides his smirk is classic. It reminds me a bit of the cynical energy you find in Nocturne, just with less shadows and more suits.

The star he’s trying to take down is just vile. Every time the guy opens his mouth, you’re rooting for Carter to finally leak the story. It’s petty stuff, but in a way that feels oddly satisfying.

Sometimes the pacing gets a little wobbly. There are segments where it feels like they’re just killing time until the next big argument. One conversation in the studio office drags on for about three minutes too long, and I found myself looking at my coffee cup more than the screen.

Still, there's a weird charm to how mean-spirited it is. It feels like the writers had a few grudges of their own to work out. It’s not as polished as some of the bigger studio pictures, but it’s got way more personality than something like Big Time or Bust.

• The lighting in the studio office is weirdly harsh.
• I’m pretty sure someone trips over a cable in the background during the third act.
• The dialogue is snappy, if a bit repetitive.

It’s not perfect. It’s actually pretty messy in parts. But it’s definitely not boring. If you can handle the cynicism, it’s a fun way to spend an hour or so watching someone ruin a career in real-time. 🍿