Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Geek Screen Gems: Wet Hot American Summer

More of a satire on 1980s summer-camp movies than a parody, Wet Hot American Summer was released in 2001 to hardly anyone, and for good reason. The producers of this hilarious take on Meatballs, and other similar teen films, are all alumni of the love-them-or-loathe-them comedy troupe, The State, who enjoyed a shaky three-year run on MTV, making their mark during the brief revival of sketch comedy in the 1990s, which included acts like the Upright Citizens Brigade, Mr. Show and Canadian comedy prodigies, The Kids in the Hall. Although widely panned by critics and audiences alike and grossing less than $300,000, Wet Hot American Summer's absurdist take on the whole National Lampoon genre is worth a second look for its twisted and bizzare gags, ridiculous premises and over-the-top characters all of which have helped this movie reach a comfortable cult-status on the home video market. Of course it didn't hurt to have a host of fantastic cast members on hand, many of which were relatively unknown at the time the film premiered such as Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Amy Poheler, Bradley Cooper and Judah Friedlander. Add a few established talents of the period, in this case Janeane Garofalo, Molly Shannon and David Hyde Pierce, and throw in a cameo performance by H. Jon Benjamin as a can of vegetables and you basically have a guaranteed hit. Except it wasn't.  So if you loved those cheesy 80s summer movies or just have fond memories of your own camp experiences, head on down to the video rental store and pick up a copy of Wet Hot American Summer (available on VHS and Beta) tonight!

My favorite scene.

20 comments:

  1. I admire a man who knows the difference between satire and parody. #fellowEnglishMajor

    I'll have to check this one out; the name scared me off.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I’m happy I located this blog! From time to time, students want to cognitive the keys of productive literary essays composing. Your first-class knowledge about this good post can become a proper basis for such people. nice one screenprintingmachine.net

    ReplyDelete
  3. PrepaidCardStatus Login @ prepaidcardstatus com. prepaid debit cards can provide you lot more advantages than regular debit and other cards. Click here to login prepaidcardstatus

    ReplyDelete
  4. PrepaidCardStatus Login @ prepaidcardstatus com. prepaid debit cards can provide you lot more advantages than regular debit and other cards. Click here to login prepaidcardstatus

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is my first visit to your web journal! We are a group of volunteers and new activities in the same specialty. Website gave us helpful data to work. round screen printing machine

    ReplyDelete
  6. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. flatbed screen printing machine

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your blog has piqued a lot of real interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting. I appreciate your efforts very much. Custom Patch Maker

    ReplyDelete
  8. The total screen is what is important for the 2g iPhone, the first (otherwise called Gen 1). Display Iphone reparatur

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, تتل بت

    ReplyDelete
  10. Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear clarification of issues. It contains truly facts. Your website is very valuable. Thanks for sharing. apparel screen printing

    ReplyDelete
  11. Extremely helpful post. This is my first time i visit here. I discovered such a large number of intriguing stuff in your blog particularly its exchange. Truly its extraordinary article. Keep it up. 加拿大网课代修

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your own unique character comes radiating through with Yudu.ONCETECH

    ReplyDelete
  13. I got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work. Spinel, Peridot

    ReplyDelete
  14. The information you provided is very useful, thank you very much for sharing useful information with us. You can apply for an online kenya e visa - If you are Planning a Trip to Kenya for tourism, business purposes. You can fill the evisa kenya online application form in less than 5 to 10 minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This author is provide amazing gaming experience in this article and on her YouTube channel you can get many more amazing things to follow to improve your gaming experience. Here is Interior and Exterior Remodeling Services in Chicago IL that can save your time and money. Their services are just one phone call away.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing this information.Keep it up...What is Emergency India e-Visa? Indian Emergency e-Visa works faster than normal e-Visa as it cuts down on your time to process visa applications. Emergency visa to India cost depends on your nationality & your visa type.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Download mod apk games for free at ModCombo you will be able to use unique features much more than the original.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Download All apk Games at Prince mod Apk free of cost. In these games you will be able to use features much more.

    ReplyDelete