Reviews

Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim throughout their career have challenged expectations. Starting out as makers of web short films, they eventually created and acted on the brilliant animated TV series "Tom Goes to the Mayor." The show subverted expectations of what an animated series should be. Next, the live-action "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" upset "Tom Goes to the Mayor" fans who were expecting a similar show. In 2011, Tim and Eric again surprised their fans with the dark comedy short-film "The Terrys," a major departure compared to their previous work.

In short, the duo is always adopting new techniques, and therefore, their feature-length debut should not come as a shock. Nonetheless, as with other Tim and Eric productions, it has disappointed several fans. A recurring criticism is that the film is not an adaptation of "Awesome Show." As another IMDb reviewer has aptly stated, Tim and Eric never promised that they would recycle any aspect of "Awesome Show." While it is in their best interest to please fans, they would never stoop down so low as to rehash a joke for the sake of, in the words of Spaghett, "a goof and a spoof."

One could easily imagine what "Billion Dollar Movie" would be like if it were simply a film translation of "Awesome Show." It would probably be in the style of "Kentucky Fried Movie," a collection of randomly linked sequences that would allow for inclusion of most of the "Awesome Show" characters. To be honest, this would not make for a very interesting film, and Tim and Eric know this.

They instead decided to make a film that would satirize mainstream film. Innumerable filmmakers have expressed their criticisms of Hollywood by adhering to an anti-"Hollywood" aesthetic, which actually one might expect from Tim and Eric. However, never failing to surprise us, Tim and Eric chose to closely follow the formulas that characterize mainstream cinema. The film, for one, has a discernible three-act plot that is centered around a problem, which perfectly parodies the premise of every lame comedy. Tim and Eric owe a billion dollars to loan-shark gangsters and must figure out a way to pay them back. Additionally, there is a shallow romantic subplot. Various other Hollywood clichés are referenced in the film.

However, I will be careful to say that "Billion Dollar Movie" is in, no way, a parody of Hollywood films. Often, the parodist is detached from that which is being parodied. Tim and Eric, on the other hand, engage themselves in their objects of ridicule. What makes their comedy unique is that they participate in what they mock, as opposed to adopting the role of a detached observer poking fun at others. What better way to make visible the flawed strategies of mainstream films than applying those strategies and hence proving their futility? This is what Tim and Eric have always been doing---revealing the ridiculousness of the world around us by embracing it.

In conclusion, "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" is a wonderful film that is up to par with their other works. While a lot of people are now identifying themselves as Tim and Eric fans, I believe that any true fan will appreciate their film. If you are a true fan, you probably already know that the film will be better than what you expect.

First off, I want to say that "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" and "Mr. Show with Bob and David" are two of my favorite shows. And now another alternative comedy, "Snuff Box," is a new favorite. The show features comedians Matt Berry and Rich Fulcher. They played Dixon Bainbridge and Bob Fossil respectively on another marvelous show, "The Mighty Boosh." Berry was additionally on the brilliant "Garth Marenghi's Darkplace" as well as "The IT Crowd."

Like any alternative comedy, "Snuff Box" does not adhere to any familiar format. It is not completely a sketch comedy, sitcom, or a dramedy. What is discernible is the outrageous humor. There is an ongoing storyline, which focuses on Berry and Fulcher as a hangman and his assistant. As foils, Berry and Fulcher are hilarious. Nonetheless, the show is strewn with unforgettable bits that display Fulcher's zaniness. There is never a slow moment, and much of the material is genuinely unique. Lastly, the music provided by Berry is a wonderful addition.

I cannot guarantee that those who liked Berry on "The IT Crowd" will enjoy "Snuff Box," as "The IT Crowd" was more mainstream. However, if you are a fan of "The Mighty Boosh," "Garth Marenghi's Darkplace," or alternative comedy in general, I am sure that you will like "Snuff Box."

I am shocked to learn that people older than me have not seen this movie, which came out before I was even born. "This Is Spinal Tap" is great on so many levels. For one, it deserves props for popularizing the genre of "mockumentaries" (or "mock" documentaries). Secondly, it is hands down the best satire on rock-'n'-roll AND the best mockumentary. Sure, there have been other decent mockumentaries and rock comedies; however, the film's brilliance remains unparalleled. Moreover, it is not nasty in its indictment of rock bands. As opposed to completely scorning its topic, it simply points out the foibles of rock-'n'-roll, such as how drumming can be a deadly job.

The film, furthermore, is full of unforgettable moments as well as brilliant performances by members of the fictional band Spinal Tap--- Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. As with the later Guest-penned mockumentaries (which I also love), much of the film is improvised. However, even the premeditated material is golden. Examples are the band's catchy songs that sound eerily authentic or smaller details such as critical reviews of Spinal Tap albums.

This film may be over a quarter of a century old, yet it will be relevant for years to come. Now that the 1980s are long gone, we can see the ridiculousness of all those hair bands. The fact that the creators of "This Is Spinal Tap" had this insight at that time makes the film all the more ingenuous.