CINEMA has suffered ever so in the tumult of the past 12 months. Skipton’s Plaza has, mercifully, benefitted from funding by the government’s Cultural Recovery Fund but not all have been so lucky. Even giants in the business, like Cineworld and Odeon, face tough times ahead.

More successful in these days of restriction and stay at home instruction, have, of course, been the streamers. As 2021’s awards season hits its stride, on demand entertainers have a better chance than ever before at Oscar glory. Disney Plus has bagged the front runner for Best Picture in Nomadland. Amazon Prime has bagged potential in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and Netflix in Judas and the Black Messiah, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Mank and more.

In the case of the latter, however, Netflix has long since developed a cinematic ecosystem of its own. Which is to say, its original output spans all from critical darlings to populist fluff. It’s a virtual multiplex with something for everyone. Hard hitting civil rights are not for you? Citizen Kane too niche? Enter this week’s newest offering: Yes Day.

From Like a Boss and Beatriz at Dinner director Miguel Arteta, Yes Day sees Jennifer Garner and Édgar Ramírez play Allison and Carlos Torres.

Usually strict parents of three, Allison and Carlos’ ill advised decision to host a day in which they say yes to each and every one of their children’s requests leads to total chaos. And all because Allison takes umbrage to her children comparing her to famous dictators in school projects. Parents can be fun kids!

There really isn’t so much to Yes Day than that simple premise. After all, the story itself originated from a picture book of the same name, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld, and that had even less of a plot.

Antics on screen include a messy game of capture the flag and a messier still trip to a local theme park. Originality isn’t the film’s specialism and so little surprises.

Even the finale, tender note gives off a heavy whiff of déjà vu. It’s broad, blunt and easy material.

Without the sharper edges and adult skewing overtones of the most successful of family films, Yes Day is a pre-teens only affair.

Parents with impressionable youngsters might want to steer clear. They’ll be gagging to win their own stab at a Yes Day.