HBO just released the new streaming movieMountainhead, and it’s splitting audiences and critics. Tomatometer-wise,Mountainheadis doing well with reviewers, getting a 79% score.ScreenRant’s Alex Harrisonhad more of a mixed opinion of the film, giving it 5 out of 10 stars. While Harrison appreciated writer-director Jesse Armstrong’s “approach to dialogue,” he felt that the character relationships were underdeveloped and he “never once bought them as friends.” Audiences have diverged from critics onMountainheadin a major way, as the film’s Popcornmeter is only at 30%.
While the reactions toMountainheadmay be mixed, one of its strongest qualities is its cast. Boasting stars from various backgrounds,the film’s main quartet is made up of Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef.It is a significant project for all involved; for Carell, for example,Mountainheadmarks his continued streaming domination after the Netflix seriesThe Four Seasons. The movie is also significant for another one of its main actors, who is also one of the film’s highlights.
He Plays Chevy Chase In Saturday Night
Cory Michael Smith gives a standout performance inMountainhead. In the movie, Smith plays Venis, one of the four main tech moguls. Not only is he the wealthiest of the movie’s lead characters, buthe is also depicted as the richest man in the world. He is the owner of a successful social media app called Traam, and even as its new technology causes global violence,Venis maintains an arrogance and sense of humor about him that really brings out the film’s strong dialogue.Smith handles this part incredibly well, elevatingMountainhead.
Saturday Nightis currently available to stream via Netflix.
For those wanting more of Smith after appreciating his Venis character, a good film to check out isSaturday Night.UnlikeMountainhead, which is a fictional satire,Saturday Nightis a based-on-a-true-story filmabout the launch of the now-celebrated sketch comedy seriesSaturday Night Live. It features an ensemble cast that includes Smith, Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien, Lamorne Morris, Finn Wolfhard, Nicholas Braun, Emily Fairn, and Matt Wood. Smith is given the challenge of portraying infamous formerSNLcast memberChevy Chase.
And as in the case ofMountainhead, Smith absolutely nails it in this role. While multiple notable people are being portrayed inSaturday Nightby a talented ensemble cast, Smith’s depiction of Chase is by far the most praiseworthy. Performing this imitation, he really gets into the physicality of Chase and brings a brilliant energy that makes the role especially memorable. His line delivery in both films makes him hilarious, and the best part of each; he carries over his strength as a physical actor toMountainhead.
The Movie Could Make A Splash During Awards Season
Smith is not slowing down afterMountainhead. He is also appearing in the Joachim Trier filmSentimental Value, a comedy-drama that focuses on themes of family, memory, and art. The film premiered at2025’s Cannes Film Festivaland was met with a near-record-breaking 19-minute standing ovation. Given this response,Sentimental Valuehas the potential to perform well during awards season.This will be a positive step forward in Smith’s career inertia, as it could establish him as an awards-movie-type actor.
Gotham(2014-2019)
Edward Nygma / The Riddler
Smith’s upcoming projects do not stop there. He is also slated to be in the Jody Hill-directed thrillerFamous, wherein he reunites withSaturday Nightactor Nicholas Braun as well as a talented supporting cast that includes Zac Efron and Ernie Hudson. This movie will broaden Smith’s horizons genre-wise, and help give him further visibility in the industry. With movies likeMountainheadandSentimental Value, he can carve out his niche as a comedic actor, while still maintaining career flexibility to perform a wide variety of roles.
Mountainhead
Cast
Jesse Armstrong’s Mountainhead assembles four tech moguls—played by Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef—at a secluded mountain estate amid global chaos triggered by AI deepfakes.
Saturday Night
Saturday Night (2024) is a forthcoming film with an undisclosed director. The movie centers on the vibrant nightlife of a bustling city, capturing the intertwining lives and stories of a diverse ensemble cast navigating personal and social challenges over the course of a single evening.
