Short review:
Slow start, but builds quickly enough that you get invested. Not as funny as Blades of Glory or Talladega Nights, but still good and surprisingly heartfelt.
Long review:
I didn't have high expectations for this film. It boasts credits by Lorne Michaels and Will Ferrell. It is by all accounts a classic slapstick, made during the era of SNL's reign on satirical sketch comedy. But it COULD be construed as a wry and comedic commentary on middle America, the hobbies of the working class poor, imposed expectations, natural talent versus hard work and determination, nuclear familial splits, and the fickleness of dreams. Incredibly dumb, with a slow start that is reminiscent of Napolean Dynamite but pleasantly nostalgic- the kind of film you enjoyed when you were young and had more of an attention span, so you watch with a wry smile. By the middle, you're engaged, and by the end, you're gasping with the crowd and cheering Rod on. You've emotionally connected. It becomes one of those films you can just throw on in the background-- or, watch with intention again. Watching it harkens back to the days of looking around and having few options. This film makes you wish you had the support of Kevin, the vision of Rod, the pent up energy of Rico, the soft eye of Denise, the calm demeanor of Dave, and the motivation supplied by Frank. Weirdly categorizable as a classic by people who enjoy slapstick, monster trucks, 4x4 basetball games, and have grandparents that had gingham curtains (all apply to me).
This is the worst movie I've seen all the way through. I liked it.
Slow start, but builds quickly enough that you get invested. Not as funny as Blades of Glory or Talladega Nights, but still good and surprisingly heartfelt.
Long review:
I didn't have high expectations for this film. It boasts credits by Lorne Michaels and Will Ferrell. It is by all accounts a classic slapstick, made during the era of SNL's reign on satirical sketch comedy. But it COULD be construed as a wry and comedic commentary on middle America, the hobbies of the working class poor, imposed expectations, natural talent versus hard work and determination, nuclear familial splits, and the fickleness of dreams. Incredibly dumb, with a slow start that is reminiscent of Napolean Dynamite but pleasantly nostalgic- the kind of film you enjoyed when you were young and had more of an attention span, so you watch with a wry smile. By the middle, you're engaged, and by the end, you're gasping with the crowd and cheering Rod on. You've emotionally connected. It becomes one of those films you can just throw on in the background-- or, watch with intention again. Watching it harkens back to the days of looking around and having few options. This film makes you wish you had the support of Kevin, the vision of Rod, the pent up energy of Rico, the soft eye of Denise, the calm demeanor of Dave, and the motivation supplied by Frank. Weirdly categorizable as a classic by people who enjoy slapstick, monster trucks, 4x4 basetball games, and have grandparents that had gingham curtains (all apply to me).
This is the worst movie I've seen all the way through. I liked it.