Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain’ on Peacock, A Hilarious Feel-Good Movie That Exceeds Expectations

Saturday Night Live superstars Please Don’t Destroy are making their feature debut with the Peacock movie The Treasure of Foggy Mountain. The comedy flick follows childhood friends Ben, Martin, and John as they journey into the forested land of Foggy Mountain in search of treasure. Along the way, their friendship is tested and new alliances are formed. The trio wrote and executive produced the movie, which is directed by Paul Briganti. 

PLEASE DON’T DESTROY: THE TREASURE OF FOGGY MOUNTAIN: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: Childhood friends Ben, Martin, and John, played by their real-life counterparts, Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy from Please Don’t Destroy, are feeling directionless.

Ben is unsatisfied with his relationship with his father Farley (Conan O’Brien), who owns the sporting store that the trio work at; Martin and his long-term girlfriend are getting serious, but he’s a bit of a loser; and John is upset that his friends have ambitions that don’t involve him.

After watching an online video, John comes up with the plan to travel to Foggy Mountain in search of treasure that he came across when he was a child. He enlists Ben and Martin to come with him. The three pack tons of camping supplies and set off to have a wild adventure, and to hopefully bring back some goodies.

Upon beginning their journey, the group meet two park rangers, one of whom, Lisa (Megan Stalter), develops an instant crush on John. Pushing feelings aside, the rangers follow the men in hopes of getting the treasure first.

Chaos ensues, and eventually the group comes face-to-face with maniacal cult leader Deetch Nordwind, played by Bowen Yang, who has dedicated his life to locating the treasure. At this point, the stakes are high and the core friendship is threatened. Ben, Martin, and John eventually part ways, with John deciding to join the cult with Lisa, and the other two going back home to their lives.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: Please Don’t Destroy isn’t the first comedy trio to make their big break on Saturday Night Live. In fact, The Lonely Island also released Hot Rod during the height of their fame on the late-night sketch show. Along with Hot Rod, other buddy comedies like Due Date, Weird Science, or Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle fall in the same vein as The Treasure of Foggy Mountain.

Performance Worth Watching: As a big Stranger Things fan, I want to dedicate this category to Gaten Matarazzo, who has a short cameo playing an exaggerated version of himself in the movie. But there is another ensemble actor deserving of the praise. Hacks star Megan Stalter channels pure goofiness as an unhinged park ranger and John’s love interest. In one moment, Stalter will have you doubled over in laughter, and the next, you’ll have heart-eyes over her “love at first sight” relationship with John. Hashtag duality, folks.

Memorable Dialogue: While John is trying to convince his friends to go to Foggy Mountain, he tells Martin that the treasure will help his plan to settle down with his religious girlfriend. “Amy’s 25, that’s like 62 in Christian years,” John tells him. I mean, they said it, not me.

Sex and Skin: None! Get your head out of the gutter.

Our Take: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain is an incredible feat that exceeds all expectations. The movie is a daring mix of juvenile comedy, high-stakes adventure, and genuine lessons as the three balance navigating their young adulthood with an unpredictable treasure hunt. The run-time is a tight 90 minutes, which keeps the movie from overstaying its welcome.

The script is sharp and filled with jokes that showcase the comedy group’s willingness to poke fun at themselves, as well as others. Ladened with pop culture references and social awareness, many of the jokes elicit an immediate laugh, but also leave you thinking.

The movie refuses to lose steam in the third act, despite the separation of the trio. Their journey back to one another is filled to the brim with heart and genuineness, paving the way for a perfect ending. Foggy Mountain is a feel-good watch that is unashamed to test the waters with its comedy and weirdness.

Our Call: STREAM IT! The Treasure of Foggy Mountain is exactly what you’d expect from the Please Don’t Destroy group, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some surprises in store. With incredible performances, high-quality jokes, and ambitious production, the movie is a worthwhile adventure that centers on the value of friendship. In the end, you’re bound to be craving more from the comedy trio!