We don’t get films from James L. Brooks often, but when we do it’s worth taking note. Whether it was 1980s classics like Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News, or the fun Jack Nicholson performance in As Good As It Gets, his films have resonated with audiences. He has a certain style and approach to the world that feels like a bit of comfort.

But we haven’t had a film directed by Brooks since 2010 with How Do You Know. All that changes on Friday as Ella McCay drops in theaters. And, if you’ve long been a fan of Brooks and his cinematic style, this will be a can’t miss event.

The film focuses on the titular Ella (Emma Mackey). We first meet her as a teen, where her father (Woody Harrelson) is embroiled in a scandal that means changes for the family. While he and her mother (Rebecca Hall) are moving away, Ella’s life is in her hometown. So, she stays and lives with her Aunt Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), with whom she’s always been close.

That led to Ella starting a career and getting married (Jake Lowden). Now, she’s risen all the way to the post of Lt. Governor of her home state. Her mother’s gone and she remains estranged with her father, but she’s still close with Helen. She’s a visionary whose policies have helped Governor Bill (Albert Brooks) accomplish great things. But it’s made her something of a political pariah. Still, she’s happy with her chaotic life and career. But things are about to change.

Governor Bill gets an offer, which leads him to resign, vaulting Ella to the big chair. Her father is back, hoping to reconcile to keep his current girlfriend happy. Ella’s brother, Casey (Spike Fearn), is having a bit of a meltdown, requiring her attention. And a minor scandal involving her husband threatens to make her the subject of some unflattering reports.

Ella’s trying to keep all the balls balanced in the air, but it certainly isn’t easy. Can she push through to the finish line?

All of Brooks’ best films are a mixture of comedy and drama. This is the same. There are some really funny moments and sequences, but also some touching moments. And all of it is a lot of fun and engaging for those looking for a little December escape in theaters.

Mackey does a nice job in the lead role. She has to balance a lot as the center of this orbit. While the rest of the talented cast gets to come-and-go around her, she’s at the center, balancing it all. She sinks into the part and is a lot of fun in the lead role. But it’s a good cast.

Albert Brooks is a veteran of James L. Brooks productions, and you can tell. He easily slides into the role of Governor Bill and has some really funny sequences. I also loved Curtis in the role of Aunt Helen. She had a couple line deliveries that made me laugh out loud. She is having fun in the part and really lifts the production when she’s on screen.

One criticism would be the story and the pace. It meanders a bit and takes a while to get where it’s going. The payoff is still fun, and most of the journey is fun, but it takes a while to tell where we’re going. And, at times, there’s almost too many side characters and side plots to keep track of, especially when some don’t factor into the conclusion.

That being said, I really enjoyed Ella McCay. I’ve long been a fan of Brooks’ films, even ones that aren’t as popular. This felt like a welcome return with a good cast and a fun premise. It’s worth checking out.

Ella McCay is in theaters nationwide on Friday, December 12.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.