The ‘SNL’ trifecta of Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy try their hand at cinematography with their first movie, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, now streaming on Peacock.
Upon attending the movie premiere at New York’s SVA Theatre on November 13, 2023, I certainly expected to spend the next hour and a half laughing with an embarrassing chortle that only SNL gives to its most ardent fans. However, Please Don’t Destroy has gone above and beyond, inching towards a hilarity reminiscent of the Three Stooges.
From producing the all-too short comedic features, Please Don’t Destroy has given us a blissful movie doing justice to the kind of humor that only their New York University college student schtick could give. It is safe to say this trio has come a long way from their days in 2017, as they’ve become a sensation amongst the SNL community. In the trusted hands of Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller, the group journeys alongside Conan O’Brien and Bowen Yang for the most farce treasure hunt to date.
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain revives the silliness from childish humor—lightens up the daunting insecurities that come from adulting. As the roommates search for the priceless golden bust of Marie Antoinette, nothing short of bear attacks, cult joining, and accidental nudity heads their way. Step by step, the group proves to be the least qualified people to find the treasure. When our beleaguered trio struggles to jump off a cliff, Ben turns into a human kite in a flying squirrel suit. After that, it’s expected all faith to be lost.
John’s refusal of accepting their fate—that their friendship is falling apart—paired against the humor from Ben and Martin’s imposter syndrome, equates to a movie premiere with the theater unable to catch their breath. Taking a satirical perspective on classic adventure movies turns the film into a melting pot of extraordinary movie making!
The criticism of film today being made without the overall intention of winning golden statues or becoming the next beautiful tragedy tends to dilute the initial joy of new films coming out. However, amid the cinematography Hunger Games, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain serves as a delightful jewel of refreshing comedy.
It is simply a funny movie, poking fun at a tumultuous time. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll ask yourself, “Is that the kid from Stranger Things?”
In the dark and gritty underworld of John Wick, there’s only one rule: professionals are 
Upon entering the unholy grounds, the concierge explains the rules of the show: keep your “fancy telex machine,” as characters will refer to it often, one at all times as there will be messages conveyed to you–via text so no decoding there–and also opportunities to scan QR codes and take photos that you can check out through a special link sent to you. Additionally, you’re required, absolutely a must, to have a 
messages regarding which rooms to visit and which characters to speak to–as well as a fun opportunity to take your photo for “intake” with a sassy tattooed assistant telling you in a rather deep 1950s Brooklyn accent to hurry it up. Without giving too much away, you’re in for a treat in the adult playground you’re encouraged to roam with glee.
