Joey Magidson
What the hell did I just watch? To call Ponderosa a baffling film is an understatement. So much of what happens in this picture seems to be random, which I know it’s not, but it’s such a struggle to get on its wavelength that it’s uniqueness isn’t a compliment. Now, props to writer/director Rob Rice for getting this flick made. At the same time, is it a complete thought? If it is, I do not know for the life of me what Rice is thinking. So, while I have respect for this 2026 Tribeca Festival title, it’s in no way something that I can recommend.
Ponderosa is so passively weird, it’s as if the movie sort of fell out of an alternate dimension. For some, this might be enough of a selling point to want to watch it, regardless of anything else. For others, it’ll be a hard pass. Initially, I’d have been in the former camp, without question. Now, having seen it, I really would have a hard time not agreeing with those in the latter camp.
Zeke (Jack Dylan Grazer) is a teenager just going about his suburban life, existing in the way that so many other teens do. His mother Sandra (Alexis Bledel) pays close attention to him, though nothing at least initially appears amiss. Sandra works at the Ponderosa Steakhouse buffet, a place Zeke frequents. Regular customer George (Bill Camp) has taken a liking to Zeke, with he finds rather confusing. Then, the Ponderosa shuts down, which gives George an opening to ingratiate himself into their lives.
Giving Zeke a job at his construction company, George starts spending more and more time with him, seemingly desperate to be a father figure…or more. To say where things go and what appears to be George’s plan would be a major spoiler, but also, it would be fairly impossible to describe. In fact, I’m not convinced the film is fully sure, either.
Bill Camp is allowed to run free with this performance, and while it’s always interesting, it’s not a particularly engaging one. Camp is always an actor worth watching, and I appreciate him getting this open-ended opportunity, even if I wanted something a bit more controlled. Jack Dylan Grazer is very passive here, to the point where he’s almost an audience surrogate. Still, he’s very solid in the role. Alexis Bledel is underserved, but certainly fine, given the material. Supporting players here include Amy J. Carle, Demetra Dee, Joseph Lopez, and more.
Filmmaker Rob Rice baffles me here with Ponderosa. While I was puzzled here and didn’t like the movie, I respect the swing and ability to actually get it made. It feels almost late night Adult Swim type stuff, which can be very hit or miss. I’d 100% see what Rice makes next. This might not have worked for me, but he has something to offer, I just know it.
Ponderosa will undoubtedly be the strangest film that I’ll see at Tribeca this year, and likely in all of 2026. The movie falls short for me, without question, but there are others who very much will vibe with it. If you do, that’s fantastic, and I’m thrilled for you. I just simply could not get there.
SCORE: ★★1/2
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