MacGruber movie review

Thanks to Marie for the scoop.

This is a review of the pre-screening of the film. It doesn't give anything away about the plot. Enjoy!
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When given the opportunity to see an early screening of MacGruber, I was wary that it would follow in the path of prior Saturday Night Live films. Most sketch concepts generally flourish when they’re just that - sketches. A full-length comedy falls into the trap of relying on the same old recycled jokes to the point where you not only loathe the film, but you retroactively dislike the sketches they were based on. You might not believe me when I tell you this, but there’s no doubt: MacGruber was amazing.

Like any action movie, MacGruber begins with the diabolical plan of an evil genius to acquire and detonate a nuclear warhead. MacGruber (Will Forte), having sworn off the life of an action hero, is approached by the U.S. government and informed of the plan of his arch enemy Dieter Von Cunth (Note: the “h” is virtually silent). MacGruber, with his badass mullet, is the only one with the know-how and experience (his achievements include “starting tight end for the University of El Paso”) to save the world, and accepts the challenge. It’s time for MacGruber “to go pound some Cunth.”

Forte, who plays MacGruber with a perfect mix of confidence and ignorance, portrays a character with more depth and personality than has ever been established in the short SNL sketches. In addition, the writing for Forte’s character is smart, quick, and witty, albeit sometimes asinine. MacGruber spends the movie driving around in his red Miata, completely embracing all that was 80’s pop culture. He doesn’t use guns, but he always manages to come through. “Classic MacGruber!”

15 seconds, MacGruber!

Unlike other comedies, MacGruber isn’t completely tongue-in-cheek. The characters surrounding MacGruber play their roles more seriously, resulting in outstanding rapport between the hero and his cohorts. Ryan Phillippe is excellent in the role of Special Agent Piper, a young rookie whose tendency to follow the rules clashes with MacGruber’s no-holds-barred attitude. In addition, Val Kilmer, as Dieter Von Cunth, manages to take MacGruber completely seriously and in one scene asks his henchmen why they didn’t capture MacGruber, to which they reply that they “didn’t think he was a threat. They actually thought he was mentally retarded

The second star of the film is the hilarious and talented Kristen Wiig, who, as usual, delivers the performance expected of a comedian on top of her game. Wiig plays MacGruber’s new love interest, the impressionable and naïve Vicki St. Elmo. Wiig, in her most substantial movie role to date, is the needed passivity to Forte’s aggressiveness. The three heroes come together perfectly, each adding a necessary ingredient to the delicious dish that is MacGruber.

5 seconds, MacGruber!

MacGruber is the best SNL film since Wayne’s World back in 1992. It manages to take the concept of the original sketch and infuse it with new life. It generally works at all times, and manages to combine physical comedy, witty banter, and awkward sex. If you enjoy a good comedy, go see this movie when it comes out next year. Trust me, this movie is…



From:
http://thevertexblog.com/reviews/movie-review-macgruber
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Andy's not involved in this film, but we're glad to see that the director and writer, Jorma, is doing well.

Enjoy!