First off, let me say that the title of this film refers to many things, but mainly my initial feel of the movie. I first came out of the theater wishing that there was a cash for clunkers deal for lemon comedies such as this one where you could upgrade to a better one; maybe a Judd Apatow flick (which is sort of the Honda of comedies: reasonable, reliable, and long lasting). Then, I got to work and realized: “I’m being a dick.” It should come as no surprise that someone working for magazine called the “elitist” and normally I wouldn’t care, but holding this film up to the likes of comedy greats was a mistake on my part. High-brow, artsy cunts like myself have a name and a place for guys like Tucker Max. We’re the ones protesting his book signings and some of the screenings. We’re the ones who can smell the still fresh scent of stale beer, axe, sluts, and stag the morning after in our dorms and judge you. Why shouldn’t we? The same self righteous judging is an infliction upon both sides (or should I say infection). The truth of the matter is: with this film, Tucker Max, though no poet Laureate has created a wordy, intelligent, and surprisingly well written comedy. But don’t get me wrong; aside from the script, there is very little in the way of goodness in this film.
Although, I’m pretty sure Tucker started the book on the premise that “anybody can write a fucking book” followed by a “Dude, do you remember that time…?”; the same cannot be said of a movie. Being on the New York Times Bestseller list is great but when you’re on the same list as Lauren Conrad and Paris Hilton, it’s not saying much and made me wary of the film. That being said, the writing on this film is actually very well done. Each joke is earned, each character befitting of the comical situation (Slingblade aka Drew is the prize of this film), there’s no slapstick, no ridiculous premises in the gags and every extreme situation is precipitated by the fact that it’s swimming in truth (some a bit further in the deep end than others).
Now, for the direction. It definitely felt as though the actors were carrying the film themselves. What’s more the film was shot on digital; which isn’t a bad thing, but a few random instances of diffused light for comical effect mixed with oddly unaesthetic framing and even odder shot balances made this look like a film that’s more of a very well done senior thesis project out of a UCLA Grad school program than a major motion picture. I’d like to forgive these cinematic trespasses, but the budget for this film (as given by Tucker in the Q&A) is the exact same amount as Boondock Saints. Even in Bush dollars, this should be enough for an individual driven by creative impetus such as Tucker to make a large splash. Yes, that movie was god awful but it looked better. I suffered through it, however and the grad school effect slowly wears off as the writing seeps in and engrosses you into the film.
The truth is: this is a comedy for everybody. It’s not only for the fans but it’s something the fans could likely make themselves. The difference is: give Tucker a 50 million dollar budget and a little bit of guidance from some of the bigger guns and he would no doubt do a better job than a lot of the hacks out there. And if you’re a snob like me, you’ll be happy to pull your head out of your ass for this one. It may not be for a while, as I believe this first attempt from Mr. Max is destined for late night discovery on Showtime. But you will be drawn in to this film. There’s a reason why Tucker Max has been on Bestsellers for so long and it’s obvious in the writing of this film. While funny and even somewhat enlightening at times, the film suffers mostly from it’s overall direction. Still, I recommend you see the film because I believe most moviegoers will be able to get passed the aesthetic choices for this film. And should you get hooked on this film like so many others have the book, then welcome. The Cult of Tucker will welcome you with open arms… and a beer.
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