‘An amiable puff piece’: Critics agree new doc on ‘Lorne’ doc on ‘SNL’ creator doesn’t dig deep enough

Key Points:

• The documentary "Lorne," directed by Morgan Neville, offers an entertaining and often funny look at Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels but lacks deeper insight into his private life, resulting in mixed critical reception with a 58% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 50 Metacritic rating.
• Critics note the film relies heavily on celebrity anecdotes and archival footage, serving more as a light tribute than an in-depth exploration of Michaels, with Daniel Fienberg calling it an "amiable puff piece" that is fun but superficial.
• Reviewers like Odie Henderson and G. Allen Johnson highlight the documentary's strength in showcasing perspectives from SNL cast members and comedians, which provide humor and charm despite the lack of substantial revelations about Michaels himself.
• William Bibbiani points out that the film may disappoint dedicated SNL fans seeking more personal details, as Michaels remains largely private, and the documentary offers a mix of amusing but sometimes underwhelming anecdotes.
• Overall, "Lorne" is praised for its entertainment value and star-studded interviews but criticized for not delivering new or profound insights into the enigmatic figure behind Saturday Night Live.