Netflix’s New Comedy ‘Unfrosted’ Is a Star-Studded, Nostalgic Treat That Everyone (Especially Boomers) Will Find Sweet

It stars Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer and more

Published May 3, 2024

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3:51pm

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John P. Johnson / Netflix

Growing up, I remember going grocery shopping with my mom and perusing the aisles for my favorite snacks and happily placing them into the shopping cart to be devoured in front of the television later. And much like my love for Doritos (the nacho cheese flavor, to be exact) and Oreo cookies as a kid, my unwavering devotion to the Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry Pastries was simply unmatched (and still is, btw).

So, imagine my surprise when I learned that a new comedy film loosely based on the creation of the infamous toaster pastry would be coming to Netflix. And don’t even get me started on the star-studded cast: Jerry Seinfeld (who also directed the film), Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer, Hugh Grant, James Marsden and Dan Levy?! Oh, I was already locked in. And watching the official trailer brought my expectations to an all-time high.

But with its nostalgic premise, timeless pop culture references and an all-star cast, I couldn't help but wonder: Is Unfrosted *really* worth the watch? Keep reading for more deets about the new Netflix comedy as well as my honest review.

What Is Unfrosted About?

Serving as Seinfeld’s directorial debut, Unfrosted is a not-so-true retelling of the “great pastry war” of 1963, where Kellogg’s and Post compete to make the world’s first toaster pastry that’s not only safe but easy for kids to make. The movie revolves around a Kellogg’s employee named Bob Cabana (Seinfeld), who learns that Marjorie Post (aka the CEO of Post) and her assistant, Rock Ludwin (Max Greenfield), have stolen his research for a “top secret” project he’s working on, which later becomes the Pop-Tart.

In an effort to transform the breakfast market in America, both cereal companies face off against each other to see who can get their pastry to grocery store shelves first. But in order to turn his idea into a reality, Cabana enlists the help of his former colleague, Donna Stankowski (McCarthy). Together, they form their dream team, consisting of Tom Carvel, Steve Schwinn, Jeff Boyardee and Jack Lalaine.

John P. Johnson/Netflix

Who Is in the Cast of Unfrosted?

Like I said before, this cast is stacked. Aside from the main cast, the movie also included an appearance by James Marsden (Jack Lalanne), Christian Slater (Mike Diamond), Jim Gaffigan (Edsel Kellogg III), Peter Dinklage (Harry Friendly), Ronny Chieng (Chuck) and Cedric The Entertainer (Stu Smiley).

John P. Johnson/Netflix

My Unfrosted Review

If you’re looking for a fact-based story about the making of the Pop-Tart, then you won’t find it here. Unfrosted is a loosely based comedy film that will take you on a fun and pleasantly chaotic ride. From evil milk delivery men to a brawl between cereal mascots (yes, you read that right), this movie is soooo unhinged, and I loved every second of it.

And given the moment in time in which this movie takes place, Unfrosted is an enjoyable watch for viewers of all ages, but especially Boomers. Yes, this movie revolves around the making of the Pop-Tart. But in many ways, Unfrosted is like a love letter to the 1960s. There are a few moments where viewers are shown popular toys from that era, from the X-Ray Vision Spex Glasses to the Whee-Lo. I should also mention that Chubby Checker’s song “The Twist” (which was released in 1960) played in numerous scenes throughout the film.

One scene, which was shot entirely in black-and-white, shows an actor dressed up as Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger. While filming a Frosted Flakes commercial, the actor holds up a box of cereal and says the famous catchphrase: “They’re grrrreat!” And he’s not the only Kellogg’s character who makes an appearance in the film.

Throughout the movie, there is a brief cameo from Snap, Crackle and Pop (the Rice Krispies trio), the “Apple Guy” from Apple Jacks and Keebler Elf from the Fudge Stripes Cookies.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Unfrosted. While the storyline made little to no sense, the ensemble cast saved the movie from becoming a dumpster fire. It brought the laughs, the mayhem and (of course) the tasty pastries. Whether you’re a Boomer or not, Unfrosted is a fun-filled watch from beginning to end.

John P. Johnson/Netflix

PureWow Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

Unfrosted is a star-studded, nostalgic watch that deserves a spot on your Netflix queue. But what really made the movie an absolute must-watch? It would have to be the talented ensemble cast. While Seinfeld and McCarthy were the comedy duo I never knew I needed, every cast member was a scene-stealer in their own right. Schumer and Greenfield? Hilarious. Fred Armisen? Laugh-out-loud funny. Even Christian Slater, who doesn’t have a background in comedy, got a chuckle or two out of me. This comedy movie deserves all the hype.

WATCH ON NETFLIX

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Karelle McKay

Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

Karelle McKay is the Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment at PureWow. Before she started writing about all things pop culture, she was a literal couch potato who loved...

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