Just see it, and expect to laugh at things absurd, obscene, and sophomorically triumphant. Movie 43 is the next movie to play when friends come over with plans to just get shitty and watch something on the TV. “Stupid goofy” is an apt description of this film that often crosses the boundaries of good taste, resulting in squeamish peals of laughter.
There is no success here, no spectacular win for comedy, but also no highbrow expectation; it was universally panned by critics who somehow imagined that a slapstick, R-rated comedy filled with A-list actors would not pander to scatological gags. It was, in fact, woven by a group of eclectic comedy directors into a patchwork quilt of amusing-to-hysterical ensemble performances, with scenes ranging from prurient to the grotesque.
The film spent 4 years in principal photography. On a shoestring budget of $6 million, and with top tier actors such as Will Sasso, Naomi Watts, Leiv Shreiber, Emma Stone, Gerard Butler (as a foul leprechaun), Bob Odenirk (who also directs two segments) and many more all working for scale, the time was required to work around the actors’ schedules.
The opening, and the glue holding all 13 vignettes together, features an aspiring screenwriter, Charlie Weesleras (Dennis Quaid), starting his pitch to producer Griffin Schraeder (Greg Kinneer). Each time Griffin cuts Charlie off, telling him that the idea wouldn’t work as a movie, Charlie immediately throws him a different scene made-up on the spot and played out in his head as a new sketch for the audience to enjoy. Eventually, their exchanges become violent until Charlie, who scammed his way in, takes hostages and tries to escape through the parking lot. And there, the plot itself ultimately fumbles to an end like a dead bondo-mobile abandoned behind a grocery story. But that doesn't stop another two sketches (one appearing after faux credits) from invoking a few more guffaws.
The skits, themselves, are a little bit on the hit-and-miss side, and tend to press the boundaries of good taste, but as long as the viewer is aware and prepared, they will have a fun time. Whether it’s Hugh Jackson playing a suave, handsome bachelor with a pair of testicles on his neck, or Kate Windslet reacting to this reveal on a blind date, the performances show off their under-appreciated comic ranges. Jackman’s interaction with his neck sells alone the moment, regardless of how silly or mortifying the humor can seem.
Other notable (if you can actually call them notable) performances include Richard Gere as the executive in charge with launching the iBabe, Jason Sudekis and Kristen Bell in sketch about speed-dating for superheroes, and the world’s most provocative “Truth or Dare” game between Stephen Merchant and Halle Berry.
This is not a comedy for the family. This is a comedy that some people probably won’t find all that amusing. But then there are the rest of the Netflix subscribers - folks who can take the film at face value and enjoy the goofy ride. So the next time the boys are over with a few 6-packs or 40’s, give Movie 43 a look-see. But expect little more than campy, stupid, offensive fun from this comedy.
Rating: 3 of 5 automatic can openers
Pain Level: 3
Medication: 600 mg gabapentin, 400 mg ibuprofen
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