Review of Wet Hot American Summer (2001) by Dave C — 01 Aug 2009
A hilarious send-up to the 80s that's both bafflingly horrible and side-splittingly hilarious.
From a filmmaking perspective, this movie is a complete mess from top to bottom. It lacks a story, a hook, and cohesiveness that's apparent in even the most inept of films. It's just a shitload of seemingly random scenes strung together on the flimsy pretense that everything occurs in the same day.
However! It is quite funny at points. And on top of that, it achieves the look of an 80s film better than pretty much anything ever done beyond the 80s. I thought it was made in the 80s until I saw some of the cast member and realized that yes, it was made in the present day. Aesthetically, it's utterly flawless.
There are many moments that are worthy of gut-busting laughs, and others that simply fall flat. Nothing goes on too long, though. It's paced well and is has a huge cast of hilarious people. Paul Rudd, in particular, steals the show for whatever scenes he's in.
Overall, it's a fun time, but don't expect a whole lot else.
This review of Wet Hot American Summer (2001) was written by Dave C on 01 Aug 2009.
Wet Hot American Summer has generally received positive reviews.
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