Review of Wet Hot American Summer (2001) by Justin J — 22 Jun 2012
Wet Hot American Summer.
While David Wain may not be a household name, his films have grown somewhat of a cult following. His more recent films include Wanderlust and Role Models, both starring Paul Rudd. But neither film have the absurdness and comedic outrageousness as Wain and Rudd's most early collaboration Wet Hot American Summer.
Not really being a parody of a specific film, but more of a genre of films, W.H.A.S. takes place on the last day of a 1980's summer camp with the counselors trying to sleep with each other and the campers just trying to survive the day, and yes there are a few deaths, comedic and light, but yes kids do die. It's outrageous like I said so it's not really a big deal.
The film features a number of actors who were pretty unknown at the time, but who went on to become quite big. Like I said Paul Rudd is in the film, as well as Elisabeth Banks, Janeane Garofalo, Michael Showalter, David Hyde Pierce, Bradley Cooper, Molly Shannon, Christopher Meloni, and Michael Ian Black, and the voice of H. Jon Benjamin as a talking can of mixed vegetables. Most of those people make up the counselors because that's what most of the film is about and from who most of the comedy comes from.
The film, like I said, takes place in one day and for me most films that take place in one day tend to be a little special and interesting in their own little way and this film is no exception. The comedy is what makes this film. It's one of those films where you shake your head in amazement or disbelief over what is happening on screen nearly every two or three minutes., the film almost nothing but one big joke, and damn it does it work great.
The film, maybe stupid to some, but ridiculously funny and crazy for others, is a film that may not please everyone, but then again it's not trying to be for everyone. It's just trying to be as funny as it possibly can and it is damn funny. It's definitely found its right cult audience and I'm proud to say I'm apart it.
3/5, B.
This review of Wet Hot American Summer (2001) was written by Justin J on 22 Jun 2012.
Wet Hot American Summer has generally received positive reviews.
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