Plump Fiction (1997)

A satire of the '90s indie film scene, particularly those convoluted plots that adorned such ultra-violent thrillers as Pulp Fiction, Natural Born Killers and Reservoir Dogs; while also skewering everything from Sling Blade to Clerks to Nell. It's not funny enough just to make tongue-in-cheek references to other films, although it's fun to revisit them if you're familiar with this time period. I'm being generous with my rating because I enjoy the films represented and I find it an interesting snapshot of film history. This is still better than the 2000s trend of spoof comedy which would soon dilute and overwhelm the genre.

It was produced by Rhino Records, so if nothing else, the music is good.

1½ Priscilla, Queen of the Desserts out of 5

American Wedding (2003)

AKA: American Pie 3: The Wedding

Jim and Michelle are getting married, while Stifler throws the bachelor party. This entry focuses more on Steve Stifler's story, who was the only one of the high school cadre who hasn't changed at all, which is a relatable feeling.

I unabashedly love this series, even if my compadres do not. The first two entries are still my favorite. More than anything, it serves as a time capsule into what comedies used to be during a very specific slice of time and will never be again. Unfortunately, I could only ever relate to the first movie.

They show what friendship could be and the strengthening of those bonds forged during your formative years. Everything works out for the best for everyone, of course. These are life experiences I will never know or have.

These movies feel quaint now, some 20 years later. I miss them.

2½ GILFs out of 5

A Minecraft Movie (2025)

I'm too fucking old to have ever played Minecraft, and now the kids who have grown up with it have already gotten their own movie. That just makes me feel sad, on so many levels. As such, I'm coming into it blind, knowing nothing about this (Over)world. Jack Black (as Steve) capably carries the over-the-top hysterics, while Jason Momoa leans into his asshole persona. It reminded me of Jumanji at times; kind of dumb and fun in equal measure. Judging by the audience reaction around me, it seemed to go over well, but unfortunately, most of the references and in-jokes went over my head. It felt to me like a paper thin premise stretched over a feature film length. Fans of the game appear to be satisfied, but for everyone else, it leaves much to be desired.

2 chicken jockeys out of 5

Note: This movie has turned into a literal blockbuster overnight, with national headlines of kids tearing up movie theaters. Why is anyone surprised by its success? The only franchise I think would perform even higher is a Fortnite movie. Never underestimate dumb kids with too much time on their hands.

Riff Raff (2024)

Ed Harris plays a reformed criminal in a blended family who is inconvenienced when his former wife, his son and his bride-to-be come to visit, who are being hunted down by two relentless hitmen that make their lives a living hell. As a dark comedic thriller, this movie is a bit of a mess in its feeble and meandering execution. I'm not sure how this even landed in theaters because it screams direct-to-streaming to me. Even the bumbling team of Bill Murray and Pete Davidson (never thought those two would be paired together) left me wanting more. And poor Jennifer Coolidge just seems like she's typecast at this point.

Also, not sure why they ripped off the theme to Howard Shore's After Hours.

2 guys named Roger out of 5

MASCOTS [2016]

Director Christopher Guest returns to his mockumentary comedies about broken down flakes who just won't quit in Mascots.
This time around eccentric sports mascots from all over the world have gathered together to compete for the obscure Golden Fluffy Award.
If you're familiar with Guest's previous films Best in Show or Waiting for Guffman than you know exactly what you're getting.  If you're completely in love with those films than chances are you'll enjoy this one but don't expect Guest to attempt to do anything different.  He plays it pretty safe here, which isn't a bad thing if you're in it just for the laughs because there's plenty to be had.  I was constantly giggling so I got just what I wanted with this one but many will want more considering it's been so long since his last film.

3 pink bunny Furries out of 5

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION [2006]

Chris Guest & company gather together once more for the Academy Award season satirical film For Your Consideration.

It takes some nasty jab at the way Hollywood & the entertainment business runs but I think a lot of the humour is lost on the average viewer with too many "in the biz" jokes and whatnot.  Catherine O'Hara shines here as the insecure and manic actress on the verge of hysterics.  For some reason Guest decides to drop the mockumentary style he's so good at and it hurts the ab-libbed humour a bit.  Beyond it's many shortcomings, FYC is still wickedly funnier than most inane thoughtless comedies today.

3½ Jezebels out of 5

BEST IN SHOW [2000]

Christopher Guest assembles his usual group of actors to bring on the funny with their knack of incredible improv in the mockumentary Best In Show.  

The film focuses on a group of flaky, neurotic individuals who all live their lives through their canine companions, as they all come together to compete in a national dog show.  There's more than enough folks who just simply didn't understand the humor in this film but for those that do, it's a piss-your-pants laugh-a-thon.  

4 telepathic bloodhounds out of 5

GENTLEMEN BRONCOS [2009]

After the mainstream disaster that was Nacho Libre, Jared Hess (writer & director of Napoleon Dynamite) returns to what he does best.  Quirky indie-comedies that really aren't for everybody.

Serving as a twisted homage to terrible sci-fi pulp fiction, Gentlemen Broncos is weird, weird, weird.  It manages to be consistently funny and is never afraid to get too absurd.  As awkwardly hilarious as the film is, it does suffer a bit in character development.  We get to know everybody in the first 20 minutes and that's it.  They never really push forward after that, but can be forgiven as it dares to be different.

3 assault deers out of 5

AMERICAN REUNION [2012]

The entire cast of the first three American Pie films are back in American Reunion.  13 years later and there's gray hairs, more wrinkles and the risk of getting stale.  After some forced "nostalgic" scenes and cheesy "where are they now" bits, the film gets on with it's lowbrow gross-out trademark comedy.  Depending on your maturity level, you'll either laugh or despise it.  It provides enough gut-busting chuckles but in the end doesn't add up to much.  Like the tired Scream series, this is for fans only.

2½ see through pot lids out of 5