Review of Wayne's World (1992) by Adam F — 14 Aug 2014

When it comes to bringing in the laughs "Wayne's World" is most triumphant and as a comedic spoof of pop culture, it's excellent. Once you've seen the film, you'll be able to forgive that bad joke because the movie is so enthusiastic and so much fun to watch that it becomes infectious. First, the plot. The film centres on Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) two best friends who run a public-access television show called "Wayne's World". The two metal heads discuss babes, invite ridiculous guests onto their show to make fun of them, play instruments and crack jokes. The show is a big hit with the locals and its popularity is what draws our antagonist Benjamin Kane (Rob Lowe) to the loveable goofballs. He buys the rights of the show from the two, promising them a wider audience and huge salaries. Things appear to be going well, with the two spending their money ($10,000) on things they've always wanted, like rocking instruments. It gets even better when Wayne meets the beautiful bassist Cassandra (Tia Carrere) and the two begin dating. All seems well until it becomes clear that Benjamin is taking advantage of his position. Not only is he changing the show in ways the creators disagree with, adding interviews with sponsors and prohibiting them from poking fun at the guests but he also aims to steal Cassandra from Wayne. The whole situation seems pretty grim, particularly with Wayne and Garth's friendship under strain but with some help, the two might be able to foil Benjamin's plans and get Cassandra the big musical label she deserves.

Most of the film is filled with non-stop jokes and that, combined with the memorable characters is what makes "Wayne's World" work so well. The film constantly makes fun of pop culture trends (including a cameo from a great action film that made me laugh hard for a long time) and sets up hilarious, iconic moments. Everyone who sees the film has a favourite joke but some of the best include the duo and their film crew rockin' out to "Bohemian Rapsody" while driving, the "extreme closeups", Garth's "Donut Man", the scenes where Cassandra appears to "Dreamweaver" (a joke that's been copied innumerable times) and the combination vacuum/haircutter that's featured on the show. Even if some of the pop culture stuff goes over your head because you're unfamiliar with the films and people they're joking about there is so much going on that there's hardly a scene that won't make you laugh or at the very least smile. The thing with Wayne's world, and the sketch show this movie spun off of is that there are many quotable lines and memorable moments making the film even more enjoyable with multiple viewings because you'll have the chance to remember them through repetition and repeat them with other fans of the film (my favourite being "If she was a president she'd be Babe-raham Lincoln"). You'll be startled to find how much of the written dialogue has become ingrained in pop culture. "We're not worthy!" while bowing vigorously? "Asphincter says what?" (and other variations) "Esqueeze me?" those common jokes all comes from this film. Above all however, it's the characters that make the movie work. Wayne and Garth are two loveable losers you just can't get enough of and they're a real joy to see. It's hard to pinpoint what it is about the guys, but it's probably their enthusiasm and juvenile demeanour. They are totally, perfectly happy with who they are and they're having a terrific time all the time.

When you see images from "Wayne's World" you might be tempted to dismiss it as one of those bad comedies we saw a slew of in the 90s, with two dumb teenagers teaching "the man" a lesson by showing that their utter coolness and distaste for authority would make them triumphant over the crusty dean or the crotchety business officials or whatever. "Wayne's World" is the movie "Meet the Deedles" "Bio-Dome" and the like are trying to be but those fail to achieve even a tenth of this film's success. Why? Because "Wayne's World" is a clever, intelligently written film with likeable, everlasting characters. No written review can really do the movie justice and really, the less you know about it the better because there are quite a few jokes that will have you laughing hard when they catch you off guard. Even if you aren't familiar with the original sketches or half the characters, films or music that's being referred to throughout there's so much energy and joy that you'll be hooked. Even with the countless imitators, "Wayne's World" stands out as a joyful comedy, filled with unique jokes that are sure to make it one of your new favourites. (On Dvd, August 2013).