The Last Laugh

Chevy Chase and Richard Dreyfuss Reunite in The Last Laugh—A Netflix Comedy with Mixed Reception

Greg Pritikin’s The Last Laugh (2019) brought together two comedy legends—Chevy Chase and Richard Dreyfuss—in a Netflix original film that promised laughs but left audiences divided. latestnetflix.com's view is that the movie, a blend of dysfunctional relationships and quirky humor, marked a rare on-screen pairing for the Caddyshack and Jaws stars, though its reception was far from unanimous.

A Long-Awaited Team-Up

Chase and Dreyfuss, both icons of 1970s and '80s comedy, had never shared the screen before The Last Laugh. Their chemistry was a major selling point, with trailers highlighting their dynamic as a washed-up comedian (Dreyfuss) and his reluctant protégé (Chase). The film’s premise—centered on a road trip filled with misadventures—played to Pritikin’s strengths, as the director is known for low-budget comedies exploring offbeat characters and awkward relationships .

Supporting the duo was a cast of familiar faces, including Andie MacDowell, Kate Micucci, and Lewis Black, whose presence added star power to the project. However, despite the talent involved, the film struggled to find its footing with critics and audiences alike.

Mixed Reviews and a Modest Reception

The Last Laugh premiered on Netflix in January 2019, but its critical reception was lukewarm. On SensCritique, the film earned a modest 5.1/10 rating from 158 votes , while Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score (not detailed in the snippet) suggested a similarly tepid response . YouTube reviews offered a range of perspectives—some praising the chemistry between Chase and Dreyfuss, others calling the humor uneven or forced.

One recurring critique was the film’s tonal inconsistency. Pritikin’s previous work, like Dummy (2002), often balanced comedy with darker themes, but The Last Laugh seemed to struggle with finding the right mix. Some viewers appreciated its lighthearted moments, while others found the pacing sluggish .

Behind the Scenes: A Low-Key Production

Unlike big-budget studio comedies, The Last Laugh was a smaller-scale affair, fitting Pritikin’s reputation for indie filmmaking . The director’s approach—focusing on character-driven humor rather than high-concept gags—may have contributed to the film’s understated charm, but it also limited its mainstream appeal.

There’s little public record of behind-the-scenes drama, though a cast-and-crew discussion (title only, no snippet details) suggests the production was relatively smooth. Still, the lack of buzz around the film’s release—compared to other Netflix originals—hinted at its modest ambitions.

Legacy: A Forgotten Comedy?

Years after its release, The Last Laugh remains a footnote in the careers of its stars. Chase and Dreyfuss, both veterans of Hollywood’s golden age, delivered performances that fans of their work might appreciate, but the film itself failed to leave a lasting mark. With no major awards, viral moments, or cult following, it’s a curiosity for completists rather than a must-watch comedy.

For those curious, the film is still available on Netflix, offering a glimpse at two comedy legends in a rare collaboration—even if the laughs don’t always land.