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🎙️ EPISODE 245: 02.26.20
It feels odd giving this a lukewarm review. This is actually an incredibly difficult film to critique because one feels forced to look at it from the perspective of the fan as well as the outsider. And there doesn't seem to be any "casual" fans of the On Cinema Extended Universe, a network of media and shows that is so deep and layered at this point, it would be futile to attempt to explain in the confines of something like this beyond saying "it's a spoof of Siskel and Ebert" (and even that feels both too much and too little).
Personally, as someone who's consumed every second of this endless nonsense, this felt a little flat to me. Like they finally drove the joke into the ground beyond recognition. |
Perhaps, the restraints of the mockumentary format, which beckons for legitimization by attempting to unpack the aforementioned extended universe – a seemingly impossible task for the uninitiated, and redundant for the ardent fans – is to blame. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy this. It has some great moments and any extra time spent in the world of these characters is never a waste. Especially Gregg Turkington, who – in perhaps a setting as far removed from Movieland as ever – still brings it back to his VHS tapes and popcorn classics, imploring the filmmakers to study the 1976 Disney flick
The Shaggy D.A. to better understand what's happening with Tim (but to make sure to return the cassette when they're done). It's great.
Mister America also provides closure for the best thread On Cinema has ever stitched: The Trial. And maybe that's also where it suffers. The Trial was such a special landmark; it might never be topped. (And sorry if you don't know what I'm talking about.) But the one thing we know is that Tim and Greg and company are always gonna try. By any means (or medium) necessary.
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