The satirical black comedy “Digger,” featuring Tom Cruise, has been labeled a significant box-office failure, managing to earn only around $8 million domestically on its opening night, despite a production budget estimated between $160 million and $180 million.
Critics have been vocal about their dislike of the film, pointing out that it lacks humor, includes exaggerated performances, and feels overly preachy with its climate message.
On the other hand, comedian and BlazeTV host Dave Landau has expressed a different opinion, stating that he genuinely “enjoyed” the movie.
“I was laughing out loud through most of the movie,” he shared with his co-host on “Stu and Dave Do America,” Stu Burguiere.
Despite the criticism, Dave praises Cruise’s portrayal of Digger Rockwell, a wealthy oil tycoon. Some viewers expected a different interpretation of the character based on the film’s promotional material, but Dave argues that revealing more about Digger would have spoilt the film.
He likens it to how revealing a major plot twist in the trailer for “Sixth Sense” would have been a mistake, stating, “Like if the ‘Sixth Sense’ came out, like ‘he sees dead people.’ … That would be a bad part of the trailer.”
He elaborates that his expectations, based on the limited marketing, pointed towards a “gregarious” character, but he found that the movie takes an unexpected turn about half an hour in.
Dave confirms this twist is indeed true, but he appreciates it, contrasting his views with those of the critics.
“I don’t want to give away too much, but one part is obviously lampooning the right, and one part is obviously lampooning the left,” he notes, pointing out that watching the film feels like “wearing your team colors” while not fully recognizing the jabs made at the opposing side.
He describes President Compson, portrayed by John Goodman, as “definitely Trump-esque” but insists that it’s “not what you think it is.”
Ultimately, Dave finds the way the film twists its narrative to be quite brilliant, praising Cruise’s acting skills, saying, “Like, I know Tom Cruise is a lunatic and a Scientologist, but my God, he’s so good at acting.”
In closing, he encourages viewers to see it, sharing, “I enjoyed it. I laughed so much during it.”
For further insights from Dave, viewers are invited to watch the full episode.
