Wolff rating: NOT BAD
Plot summary: Mockumentary about a small town in Missouri putting on a historical musical pageant.
Biased, pithy comments: From the directors and writers of Spinal Tap, we have a new look at show business. More important than the show business here, though, is the personalities of the woefully undertalented cast of `Red, White, and Blaine.' The entire thing is quietly hilarious; we're at the same time supposed to laugh at the naive stupidity of these Midwestern theatre wannabes, yet also be rooting for their success. The production teeters on the brink of all-out farce, but never quite falls into the abyss, quickly righting itself back onto its mostly understated track. Some knee-slapper moments delivered deadpan, but I found myself wanting a stronger ending---I figured out the clincher long before it happened, and as a result wasn't as drawn into it. Spinal Tap remains Guest's best work, but Tappers will get a kick out of this same team again. And oh, those songs. Yow!
Other Notes: Resemblances of the play in this film to `Utah! The Peacemaker's Saga' is entirely coincidental. I hope.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey.
Directed by: Christopher Guest