Waiting for Guffman
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Movie Reviews of Waiting for Guffman
Movie Review: How HIGH a Ridge I could not tell....
Summary: 5 Stars
but I can tell you that this is one mockumentary you should not miss. Having been in local productions I immediately picked up on situations that happen - the ongoing clash between the musical director and the director, the director having a meltdown and leaving only to come back at the urging of the loyal cast, things getting out of hand with the budget, etc. (with director having meltdown with the powers that be over not getting any more money). The UFO stuff is a great added attraction ("I was probed"). What makes this movie a tour de force, though, is the fine cast and their ability to ad lib and become these quirky hilarious people - especailly the ALWAYS hilarious Fred Willard. No matter how many times you see him in one of these films, it is NEVER enough and Katherine Ohara perfectly compliments him in the husband and wife duo. The movie gradually pulls you in and just when you think "Well maybe this one isn't so great" the auditions scene comes along and you are hooked - Fred and Katherine's song and dance routine is priceless (Midnight at the Oasis). Guest and Levy are at their best and the always reliable Parker Posey is wonderful. I can't say for sure if this one is my favorite of the mockumentaries - I love them all - but this one is really great, especially if you have participated in local theater or just enjoy going to the productions.Movie Review: Best Mockumentary Ever!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you have ever seen this type of film before, you haven't seen anything until you have seen Guffman. Christopher Guest plays the Broadway-driven, hysterical director of a musical written for the sesquicentennial of a small Missouri town called Blaine. The movie opens with an introduction from its residents about the history of Blaine and moves on to the start of the show, from casting to rehearsals to the real thing. Corky, the director, hopes to have his masterpiece on Broadway and invites scouts out to see the show. He gets a reply from Mr. Guffman, hence the title, Waiting for Guffman. Needless to say, the show is pretty ridiculous...This movie is one of the funniest movies I have ever had the pleasure of watching. If you have never done any theater before, you may not appreciate the idiocy of the play; nonetheless, the movie's humor does not revolve completely around the show. It is merely a short part of the entire movie. Most of the humor lies within the characters, their relationships, and their actions (many of which are ad-libbed).
I have not yet seen Best in Show, but I read an interview with Christopher Guest that said that a double-DVD set of Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman is coming out.
"Do you want me to strike it? I know all the theater terms..."
Movie Review: This is not Spinal Tap, but it's funny for the same reasons.
Summary: 5 Stars
The characters in this movie are as average as they come, but this is not your average comedy. If you've ever seen the face of a part time performer light up when talking about his "craft", you will appreciate this movie. "Waiting for Guffman" documents the creation of an original musical play in Blaine, Missouri. The location doesn't matter, you'll still recognize the characters. Celebrating mediocrity, "Guffman" is filled with instantly familiar characters who actually get to live their dream--to perform in front of an audience. None of the characters know that they are bad actors, but that doesn't matter. The townspeople in the audience don't know, either. You will laugh at the characters in this movie, not because of any jokes, gags, or ironic plot devices, but because the characters are just like many of us--they try too hard and take themselves too seriously. These people believe in what they're doing, darn it, and they're not going to let anything stand in the way of their dreams--not even lack of talent. "Guffman" succeeds in the same way that "This is Spinal Tap" succeeded. Everybody in the film thinks that they are extraordinary. They are. Extraordinarily funny!Movie Review: The DVD Review!
Summary: 5 Stars
First of all, I'm shocked to see so many references to the VHS edition of this movie! This should be in any dvd collectors library. This is one of those rare comedy gems that often gets overlooked by a public feeding on Dumb and Dumber style comedies. Sorry, but there isn't any gross out humour here. Only scene after scene of brilliantly improved characters and situations that skewers the small town mindset and local theatre. Some of the greatest improv performers are here! Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Catharine O'Hara are some of the more familiar names. They all work their magic in front of the camera. These aren't lines being read from a script. They are moments of hilarity created on the spot as the actors get in the minds of their characters. If you are a fan of Spinal Tap, Best In Show, SCTV or Saturday Night Live, then you should find this quite funny. I have watched it repeatedly and still find subtle nuances that I didn't notice on earlier viewings. The DVD includes deleted scenes (also very funny) and commentary with Guest and Levy. Watch carefully for slices of your own personality in the various cast members. The truth is so funny it hurts. And perhaps that is why some people don't enjoy this movie.Movie Review: We are not alone!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am guessing that if you are reading this review you have already seen "Waiting", as we refer to it in our house. We're junkies and it's good to know we're not alone.One word of caution for those who are just discovering the Christopher Guest films - once you're hooked, be careful about who you show the film to. A few years ago, my husband and I were hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner with both sides of the family over. We forced our families (some of whom were much older - like 70+) to watch it. wWhile we were rolling on the floor in laughter our guests were just in the absorption stage of viewing and laughed more at my husband's and my laughter than anything else. Later, I made my dad and sister watch it again and sure enough they were hooked too. My point is, it takes a couple of viewings to begin to fully appreciate the subtle but gut wrenching humor of these films. Now the entire family teases us about our addiction.
Needless to say, we have been counting the days until it came out on DVD! I'm already worried about the dilemma I face when it arrives. Do I wait to see the deleted sceens until my husband arrives home from the office? Or do I sneak a peak? I just don't know if I can resist!