Saturday, May 10, 2003

MOVIE - A MIGHTY WIND -Review Rating $$$$$ $$$$ (OUT OF 10) STARRING - Christopher Guest (Mark Shubb), Michael McKean (Jerry Palter), Fred Willard (Mike LaFontaine), Catherine O'Hara (Mickey), Eugene Levy (Mitch), Bob Balaban (Steinbloom), Parker Posey (Sissy Knox), Ed Begley Jr. (Lars) & Harry Shearer (Alan Burrows). DIRECTOR - Christopher Guest (Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, Almost Heroes & The Big Picture). Screenwriters - Christopher Guest & Eugene Levy A mockumentary about the wild and crazy world of folk music. A Mighty Wind is one of those rare movies that comes along every now and then that not only entertains but leaves the viewer marveling at the creative genius behind the film. A Mighty Wind, a satirical gem of a comedy brilliantly executed and acted, is a wonderful and funny spectacle in the same league as Monty Python's The Holy Grail, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, Fargo, Being John Malkovitch and Punch-Drunk Love. Half the fun of A Mighty Wind is in the execution of the story. The mockumentary style is done so convincingly that you almost begin to believe these characters actually exist. A Mighty Wind also demonstrates that comedies, and especially satirical comedies, derive their humour from the degree of authenticity of the story. Compare this film with Head of State, Chris Rock's latest movie, and you'll appreciate how important realism is to good comedy. The authenticity of the story is maintained throughout the movie. There is simply not one plot hole or misstep in A Mighty Wind. This is, of course, crucial to the success of the movie and distinguishes this comedy from others that rely on humourous moments to make you forget how poorly thought out the script actually is. This realism and depth, which was so lacking in Anger Management, gives the jokes in A Mighty Wind that added punch. The acting is brilliant as well. Some of this generations best comedians somehow manage to keep a straight face throughout this uproariously funny send-up of the folk music fad. Eugene Levy's portrayal of the unstable folk legend Mitch is his best performance of his career. While he often plays over the top, less than subtle characters, as he recently did in Bringing Down The House, here he uses restraint to great effect. Unlike so many other recent movies, there is convincing chemistry between Levy and O'Hara (Mickey). So much so in fact that you will be cheering for an on-stage reconciliation. That moment epitomizes the quality of this film. The fact that A Mighty Wind is able to make you laugh heartily and simultaneously create real enough characters to care about is an accomplishment that should not be underestimated. Christopher Guest's movies don't rely on traditional scripts. Though each scene is scripted as to what will occur the actors, amazingly, improvise the lines on the spot. This produces a synergy between the storyline and these talented actors, that other movies lack, and the result is a comedic masterpiece. All the songs in the film were written for the movie and add to the authenticity of the experience and the humour. Whether you were a fan of folk music or always wondered who bought those folk music albums, in the discount bin at the flea market, you'll treasure A Mighty Wind. A Mighty Wind is, simply put, mighty good. Running time - 92 minutes Alternative Reviews: Roger Ebert's Review Peter Travers/Rolling Stone Review Rotten Tomatoes Reviews A Mighty Wind Official Website Search Feature: Google It! 12:03:07 AM

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