'Double Eagle Ranch' review: A well-crafted parody of '500 Days of Summer' with a surprisingly thought-provoking message

'Double Eagle Ranch' is a well-crafted parody that avoids common pitfalls to deliver a surprisingly poignant message

Marc Webb's directorial debut, '500 Days of Summer', starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel in the titular roles, was lauded as one of the best films of 2009 and was almost unanimously praised by critics for its screenplay, lighthearted comedy, and a non-linear narrative structure that was mostly unheard of for romantic movies. It drew comparisons to classics such as 'Annie Hall' and 'High Fidelity' in the process and is now very much a cult classic.

But as it is the case with practically every movie, there are those who did not see what all the hype was about. Aspiring writer/director Austyn Jeffs is one of them. In fact, Jeff's disdain for the film is so pronounced, he went ahead and made a spoof of it, 'Double Eagle Ranch,' which he says calls out the protagonist as the 'possessive, self-centered a*****e' that he is.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Nicolas Cage returns as arms dealer Yuri Orlov in 'Lords of War', a sequel that pits him against his estranged son Anton, played by Bill Skarsgard.
2026-11-04T19:51:48.000Z
Disney’s ‘Home Alone’ makeover leaves a different duo facing Christmas chaos. The trailer offers a first look at the special ahead of its television and streaming premieres.
2026-11-04T19:16:18.000Z
A getaway in the Italian Alps turns deadly when a group of friends drinks cursed grappa. As body count rises, the survivors must uncover the truth.
2026-11-04T18:06:15.000Z
A centuries-old vampire experiences love for the first time in 'Pretty Kill Machine,' a new supernatural romance set in Joshua Tree, California.
2026-11-03T18:35:39.000Z
An ‘Orphan’ favorite takes on a world where heartbreak can kill in Beth Fletcher’s debut feature, a sci-fi thriller already filming in Massachusetts.
2026-11-03T18:15:33.000Z
Robert Pattinson stars in 'Primetime,' a thriller inspired by the real-life controversies surrounding a hit television sting operation.
2026-11-03T15:58:12.000Z
Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie’s new film returns to familiar territory, with Netflix backing a story that takes their partnership back to its roots.
2026-11-03T15:45:17.000Z
Two 'Avengers' stars lead 'A Speck in the Sea,' a survival thriller based on a lobster fisherman’s fight to stay alive after falling overboard.
2026-11-03T15:16:52.000Z
With ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ in development, Johnny Depp discusses playing Jack Sparrow again, and what could shape his decision.
2026-11-03T14:17:58.000Z
Jack Lowden addresses growing speculation about his name, as reports suggest he could be among the actors being screen-tested for the next Bond film
2026-11-03T11:41:43.000Z