Posted on 10/05/2008 9:10:58 AM PDT by Maelstorm
Other than the awful Blue Collar comedy crew, you don't see a whole lot of humor come from the political right. The tasteless, wrongheaded but consistently entertaining "An American Carol" is David Zucker's effort to show the satire sword can swing both ways. Never mind that the movie is about as politically relevant as Zucker's "Airplane!" Taking a reverse Colbert approach, Zucker attacks Michael Moore by exaggerating his political stances and exposing logical fallacies. Lead Kevin P. Farley, as rotund, ballcap-wearing documentarian Michael Malone, is a major reason the slipshod film is as entertaining as it is. The unheralded brother of departed comic legend Chris Farley, Kevin does the family name proud by executing underplayed Moore mimicry worthy of "Saturday Night Live." The movie's political messages are as pinheaded and weak as those it attacks. Still, Zucker is in fine form with his kitchen sink approach to comedy, and he slaps enough gags on the screen that even though only about a third stick, there's hardly a five-minute stretch where you're not chuckling. The film seems intent on offending, complete with such right-wing-fanatic fantasies as Gen. George S. Patton gunning down a courtroom full of ACLU lawyer zombies and that Bold, Fresh Piece of Humanity Bill O'Reilly slapping Malone around. Zucker steals the plot of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," with Malone in the Scrooge position. The story unfolds at an Independence Day picnic table, as intermittent narrator Leslie Nielsen spins a yarn to some kids. Malone, a successful doc-maker who longs for the prestige of feature film, unknowingly accepts jihadist financing for his epic, America-bashing screenplay. Malone works to get the film off the ground while spearheading an effort to do away with the Fourth of July. The reason the comedy works is Zucker's ability to step away from his serious agenda for some sparkling throwaway gags, as well as his willingness to give Malone a few opportunities to skewer the right. There's plenty of flat-out ignorance on display, but taken for what it's worth, "An American Carol" is a breezy diversion. And hopefully a sign of things to come. The right should follow Zucker's lead and engage its liberal opposition with humor rather than the crass protests and attempts at bans usually flung at Moore's films.
I can’t believe how they are pushing this stupid W movie. I’ve read the script. It is so vile, over-the-top, childish and vicious. I think, like Moore’s movie in 2004, it will backfire.
We need more smart comedy on the right. Nothing cuts through BS and exposes hypocrisy like humor. It is a political message delivered to the soul.
How do you exaggerate an exaggeration? And if you try to make a film exposing all Michael Moore's logical fallacies, it would be longer than the waistband on his pants.
Saw it Friday night! It’s hilarious!
I doubt it will backfire. I’m not even sure how that would work. I saw the trailers, and it looked pretty funny. I plan on going to see it tomorrow night with the whole family. At least it won’t be full of gratuitous smut, like most movies are these days.
An excellent idea!
Very funny movie - saw it last night with my wife.
There was a guy in line at the snack stand, young guy, probably early 20s, wearing a McCain shirt. Said some big black dudes hassled him on the way to the theater.
More tolerance from the party of tolerance and equality, no doubt...
An American Carol is a great movie. I’ll never be able to look at an aCLU maggot the same way again!!! ROTFLMAO!
Whoa Hildy! Scripts require actors to bring them to life. You did not see the movie therefore, you’re really not qualified to express an opinion. I saw it last night.
I will say that it is not a family movie. Lots of profanity—if you’re doing M. Moore how could there not be?
But it was funny and pretty much made out the “documentary maker” to be the fool he is.
But I’m curious about your backfire comment. What did you mean?
Absolutely hilarious, saw it Saturday with the wife.
Kelsey Grammer is over the top as Patton, The scene at St. Pauls Church was pretty tough to watch.
I’ve seen it. Funny as heck. I would caution you that there is a lot of profanity—even little kids saying things and making gestures that I’m surprised got by the censors. I actually think that the profanity and gesture parts were electronially inserted so the kids didn’t actually say or do them.
Anyway, consider yourself warned. Other than that, the audience (the theater was about 2/3s full on the second night after opening) seemed to be having a pretty good time. Lots of laughing and even some hand clapping. As we exited the theater I heard people talking about their favorite part and laughing all over again.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Ok, just returned from the theatre...I have to say that American Carol was mostly a disappointment. Yeah, it was great to see a movie that was 100% pro-American, but there were very few funny parts...mostly laughs at the attempts at laughter. In fact, the satire was so over the top that it almost backfires to make patriotism itself look silly. It’s fun to watch once, but I’d wait to rent it.
You both misread my post...I was referring to Oliver Stone’s movie “W” when I said it would backfire. I plan on seeing American Carol tonight!!!
I saw a commercial for “W” a few weeks ago and honestly thought it was a joke or satirical commercial. It looks so bad, I have no doubt it will BOMB.
Thank you. I left before it was done. Acting was ok but the screenplay..awful!
Oh, sorry. It will be interesting to see which movie makes the most money. I’m hoping Stone’s movie ultimately slinks off quietly into the night.
In any case, enjoy American Carol!!!!
I liked how at one point an ambulance drives by in the background and several of them shamble off after it.
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