This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Featuring: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer. Director: Rob Reiner.

The thing about cult classics is that if you don't see them before they become known as "cult classics", they can disappoint you a little because you're expecting too much. That is sort of what happened to me with This Is Spinal Tap.

Don't get me wrong, this was an extremely funny movie. The writing was incredible, the performances were spot on and the style was ingenious for the time. But, you know, I didn't piss my pants. I was really expecting to piss my pants. This movie just has that sort of reputation, especially if you're a huge fan of rock n' roll. And really, who isn't?

Now, before you start calling me a picky asshole (which I am) for talking crap about a great movie (which it is), I want you to know I really did love this movie. I can't believe I'm seeing it nearly 30 years late. This is something I should have been pissing myself laughing at when I was 10 and close enough to the 80's to appreciate all the humor. Well, as best a 10 year old could. If, like me, you were sheltered from this movie as a child you definitely need to watch this. It was pretty damn funny. I would have thought it was even funnier if I had seen it when I was a kid like I should have. I guess you sort of have to blame bad parenting.

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The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It's always talked about as a "cult classic" and I'm all about those.

Is it artsy? Not really, just a really well done mockumentary.

What stood out the most to you? How spot on so much of the satire was. It was almost like watching an episode of Behind the Music, but funnier.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Sick of listening to that 80's rock station at work.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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For Your Consideration (2006)

Featuring: Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, Ricky Gervais, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean. Director: Christopher Guest.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Jan. 1st. Act fast!

I'm not one to throw out the term "mildly amusing" lightly, but mildly amusing is exactly what you get with this movie. I kept expecting it to become really funny but all I ever got were a few average laughs. It was disappointing because there was a plenty talented cast, I just think the writing was a little off. It had the right story for a good satire. A bunch of washed up actors make a bad movie but somehow get some Oscar buzz and Hollywood idiocy ensues.

Despite a premise with promise, this Christopher Guest movie just didn't do it for me like some of his earlier movies. Instead of being a hilarious send up of the movie industry the way he mocked community theater and dog shows, you get what just sort of feels like an industry movie that would probably only be interesting or funny to people in the industry. It didn't have the appeal of a Waiting for Guffman or Best in Show. Sure, those were movies about certain industries too, but the characters were relateable even if you don't know a damn thing about dog shows. Unless you're a die hard Christopher Guest fan, I recommend skipping this one and just checking out Waiting for Guffman or Best in Show instead.

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According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 1/1/12. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I've had some laughs out of prior Christopher Guest movies so I thought I'd give this one a try too.

Is it artsy? No, it's a showbiz movie. Showbiz ain't no kinda art baby.

What stood out the most to you? It felt like it was going to become hysterical soon, but it never did.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Really into the inner workings of Hollywood I suppose, or at least satires of it.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 2 Stars.  

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Best in Show (2000)

Featuring: Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Michael McKean, Parker Posey, Jane Lynch. Director: Christopher Guest.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Jan. 1st. Act fast!

For those of you whom are unaware, Christopher Guest is the unchallenged king of the "mockumentary" genre of film making. He was the brains behind the huge hit This Is Spinal Tap and created other cult classics such as Waiting for Guffman. To direct and write that sort of movie you have to have the sort of mind that can spot the absurd in the mundane.

After all, Best in Show is a movie about dog shows. The only thing I have ever remembered about dog shows is that my grandpa would fall asleep in the kitchen watching them on television while my grandma cooked. They aren't the most exciting things in the world. Unless you have the sort of mind that can see the craziness that most of us don't recognize at first glance. Throw in good comedic actors who know how to play their part and give them some really funny lines to deliver, in an understated but somehow outrageous manner, and you end up with a damned funny movie. You get great comedic timing, a lot of laugh out loud jokes, and evidence as to why Christopher Guest will always be the master mockumentarian. Very funny stuff, queue it up. You'll never look at a dog show the same way again.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue. 

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 1/1/12. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I've had people tell me it was funny. They were right.

Is it artsy? Nope.

What stood out the most to you? Probably the woman that slept with pretty much every bald guy in the movie, that cracked me up each time.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to laugh or in the company of one of your friends that keeps her pooch in her purse.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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Waiting for Guffman (1996)

Waiting for Guffman is a Christopher Guest mockumentary about community theater. The movie takes place in the small town of Blaine, Missouri and centers around Corky St. Clair who didn't make it in New York, moved to Blaine and was put in charge of the local community players. The actors are enacting the history of Blaine for the town's 150th anniversary but they soon find out that a famous critic from New York was coming to see the play. Because of this, everyone thinks they are automatically headed to Broadway to become famous actors and hilarity ensues.

I have to say I related to this movie because I have two little sisters that have been involved in community theater since a young age. I've seen some really bad community plays and some really good ones and I know how much work goes into putting on one of these shows (and how ridiculous the drama behind the scenes can get).

Most of the jokes were spot-on and there were some pretty hilarious parts in this movie. If you like satire of small town life or if you've ever been involved in community theater you should definitely check out this movie.  Even if those things are foreign to you this is still a pretty funny comedy you may want to check out anyway.

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Movie available for streaming until 1/31/11

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? TB from Year 31 recommended it to me.

Is it artsy? I wouldn't call it artsy but it is a satire of a form of artistic expression.

Best thing about the movie? The scene in the Chinese restaurant.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for something light that will make you laugh.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.

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