So this week is a fun one and I could have gone in so many directions but I went with Mocumentaries. If you head over to Wandering Through The Shelves, you can find out what others have chosen. Here are my 3...
1. A HARD DAY’S NIGHT-1964
This is a great film that everyone should see because it’s as much a mockumentary as a documentary on the, arguably, the best band called The Beatles. We watch these fab 4 deal with their crazy fans, each other, and Paul's nutty grandfather all while listening to some great music. I find this one gem of a film with the Fab 4 not bad in acting at all.
2. BEST IN SHOW-2000
I love this mockumentary starring a cast of great comedians like Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Jane Lynch, Harry Shearer and the wonderful Jennifer Coolidge. You meet a bunch of couples who each own their own dog that they are bringing to the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show to win Best in Show. You get to see the very uptight couple, the uber gay couple, the sportsman, the gold digger married to a very old man, and the married couple where she keeps meeting old lovers but she only has eyes for her husband who, literally, has 2 left feet. If you have ever watched a dog show, you know they have this dog show stuff down pat. Sometimes, we even look like our dogs except I hope I don’t look like my Wallace. First, he is a boy and second, he is kind of...lumpy and I don’t think I am lumpy..not much anyway.
3. A MIGHTY WIND-2003
This stars the exact same group of people as Best in Show and they pulled it off again with it being just as funny as Best In Show except, this time, they are hitting a home run with the folk singers from the 1960s who decide to come together after the death of their friend. Guess what? They actually can all sing. Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean are in This is Spinal Tap(I have not seen this yet) and would appear on Saturday Night Live as folk singers. Anyways, we listen to their trials and tribulations as well as wonder if the loving team (played by Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara) who fell apart years ago with her marrying someone else and he ending up in a sanitarium, will be able to play their big hit from back in the day(whoo-long sentence there..it's the German in me). Eugene Levy was excellent in his role and so funny yet you feel for him in this very funny film. By the way, even though Best in Show was co-written by Eugene Levy and Christopher Guest (who also directed and wrote the songs), the films were mostly improvised.
Which 3 would you choose?
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteWhile we are on the subject of that up-and-coming pop combo that call themselves The Beatles, I'd like to highly recommend two Beatles themed movies, Across the Universe and Yesterday. Mrs. Shady and I have watched both films multiple times. Both are fantastic. Across the Universe stars Evan Rachel Wood who, for a time, was engaged to be married to Marilyn Manson. (She could have had Shady.) Yesterday co-stars Lily James who broke through as Lady Rose on Downton Abbey and as Cinderella on the big screen.
I love a mockumentary that's well done and I plan to check out both of the films you reviewed in this post. Eugene Levy and Fred Willard crack me up, and I see that they appeared together in Best of Show and in Mighty Wind. Jane Lynch from Glee, who is also in both of those mockumentary comedies, currently has a major role in the TV hit The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend BB!
I reLly enjoyed watching Across The Universe which is quite original and well done plus Bono is in it. I still have to see Yesterday but I heard it was good and I love Lily James who made a great Cinderella..plus that dress was to die for. I think you would enjoy both films especially A Mighty Wind.
DeleteSaw the first two, never saw the third. This is Spinal Tap has been on my list to see forever and was the first one that came to mind. Oh well. The list is pretty long.
ReplyDeleteThis list could be so long with all the films out there. I still have to see Spinal Tap too.
DeleteYes! This is Spinal Tap is the best mockumentary ever. I can watch it any time.
ReplyDeleteWasn't crazy about Best in Show but I did like Waiting for Guffman.
I still have to see Spinal Tap. I think Best in Show wouldn’t appeal to people if they don’t have a dog or watch those shows. My brother didn’t think much of that film.
DeleteI haven't seen any of your picks this week. I've always been curious about A Hard Day's Night though.
ReplyDeleteI think you would like all 3 to be honest
DeleteI've not only not seen any of these, I haven't HEARD of any of these. The last two sound wonderful, though.
ReplyDeleteYes...they are not mainstream except for A Hard Day’s Night. I think you may like them
DeleteI've seen all of your picks and they are very good ones.
ReplyDeleteThe first ones that came to my mind (after Spinal Tap are two by Federico Fellini--Roma and Clowns which are two of my favorite films period. Clowns is especially wonderful in the way that the art of clowning becomes a metaphor for real life--which it really is. As the movie progresses we start to wonder who the real clowns are--the funny folks in the circus or the "documentary" crew filming the story.
This is an excellent genre. I could probably think of many more if I really put my mind to it.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I have not seen Clowns but it sounds like a good one especially from Fellini. There are so many one can choose from
DeleteNope brigit, I've not seen any of these films, only ever heard of A Hard Day's Night and would never have wanted to see it as I can't stand the Beatles, never could, more of a Rolling Stone fan, Kate x
ReplyDeleteWow..not a Beatles fan..I have to sit down for this one😁
DeleteBest in Show is a hoot and everyone in it gets right into the spirit but for me as is usually the case Catherine O'Hara is the MVP. A Mighty Wind is on my to see list but haven't quite gotten there yet.
ReplyDeleteWe match! A Hard Day's Night is a gem of a movie and the Fab Four are just bursting with charisma.
I went the mockumentary route as well and both of my others are from Britain as well.
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)-John, Paul, George and Ringo portray themselves in this skewed view of “a day in the life” of The Beatles as they enjoy their first brush with fame and the craziness that went along with it. Just this side of reality the film takes you for a fun ride with the lads from Liverpool who sell this by being so effortlessly appealing.
The Big Tease (1999)-Scottish hairdresser Crawford Mackenzie (Craig Ferguson) dreams of leaving his small village to compete at the World Hairdresser International Federation annual contest and winning the coveted Platinum Scissors Award. It looks like his wish is about to become a reality when he receives an invitation. Determined to immortalize his shining moment for posterity he heads for the contest in LA with a documentary crew but comes crashing down to earth when he finds he was only invited as an observer. Unwilling to be cowed and with the help of PR agent Candy (Frances Fisher) he pursues his goal with relentless zeal all recorded by his tagalong crew.
Confetti (2006)-Faux documentary follows three couples as they battle for the coveted title of Confetti magazine’s “Most Original Wedding of the Year” along with a house and a cover shoot. Fitness enthusiasts Josef & Isabelle (Meredith MacNeill and Stephen Mangan) want a tennis-themed wedding. Romantic movie fans Matt & Sam's (Jessica Stevenson and Martin Freeman) are determined to have a ceremony inspired by Hollywood musicals. Finally naturalists Michael & Joanna (Robert Webb and recent Oscar winner Olivia Colman) want their big day to a celebration of the great outdoors with Michael adamantly insisting that he be nude during the ceremony. Hit and miss but funny overall.
I always love it when We match. Catherine O’Hara is so good..I just binged watching Schitt’s Creek yesterday and she is a hoot! I would love to see your 2 picks because I love Craig Ferguson and used to watch his late night talk show(I taped it). The 3rd pick sounds quite good because weddings are great to mock regardless.
DeleteI only know a HArd's Day Night which is a fun spoof. And stars some really great muscinians too-smile. Hope all is well. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteThis film is excellent. I am doing well and hope you are as well.
DeleteDespite the popularity of those four boys from Bristol, I never saw a single one of their movies. Don't know why.
ReplyDeleteWow! I thought you would have seen the first one they did.
DeleteOnly one I saw was it is a hard day's night years ago as a young teen. Thought it was a funny movie.
ReplyDeleteBetty
It’s quite a great film
Delete'SPINAL TAP' came into my mind immediately. It's hilarious!
ReplyDeleteAnd I like 'A MIGHTY WIND' almost as much.
'Best In Show' was good, too. But I think my third choice (or maybe first choice) would actually be Monty Python And THE HOLY GRAIL' (with Monty Python's 'LIFE OF BRIAN' just barely behind it).
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
I still have to see Spinal Tap. Love Monty Python which fits this week perfectly but I just talked about. Monty Python film last week(Meaning of Life).
DeleteI have seen Hard Day’s Night several times and it always strikes me how innovative it was. What other band came up with anything like that? Compare it to other films of the time and it’s just so off the wall.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a great film that has mini music videos also. It’s is a great farce
DeleteI love all three of your choices, Birgit. Eugene Levy was one of my crushes. Must be the thick eyebrows. Walter Mattheau was also a cutie. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou love the unique faces but I think it must be the thick wild hair
DeleteI have not seen any of these. I think you have to be in the right mood for a mockumentary, and I often am not. One of these days I need to rectify this.
ReplyDeleteI do love watching these types of film but if it is not a favourite genre, One would have to work towards seeing them. I bet you would like these films
DeleteHi Birgit - I haven't seen any of these ... even the Beatles' one - I guess 'catch-up' time ... might come around soon! Some fun ideas here - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteOh yes, since we are all having to spend more time indoors, it might be a good time to watch some flicks.
DeleteI love mockumentaries so how is it even possible that I've never heard of any of these?! They sound interesting though and I'll check them out.
ReplyDeleteWow! You will have to watch these for sure
DeleteI've seen all of these, and my all-time favorite movie is "A Hared Day's Night." My favorites are *This Is Spinal Tap*, *The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash* (supposedly, there's another one, *The Rutles: Can't Buy Me Lunch*), and *Waiting For Guffman*. *Spinal Tap* and *Guffman* were done by the same people that did *A Mighty Wind* and *Best In Show*. *The Rutles* is based on the actual story of The Beatles and has members of the Cast of Monty Python's Flying Circus and Saturday Night Live circa 1979. George Harrison plays a reporter, to give you an idea. *Spinal Tap* follows "the loudest band in England" on a disastrous tour, and *Guffman* is about a small-time theater company who learns that someone from Broadway will be in the audience and goes overboard trying to impress him.
ReplyDeleteI have to see all the ones you mention and am wondering now how I haven’t seen them before.
DeleteI love that you chose all mockumentaries! I really should see Best In Show, I've heard so many good things about it. I haven't seen the other two either, gotta rectify that soon!
ReplyDeleteIf you love Dogs, you will love Best in Show but, if you love music, you will love A Mighty Wind. They are so well done
DeleteI have to be in the right frame of mind for them, but they are good picks indeed.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know what you mean but I love this genre.
DeleteBest in Show is on my watch list, I'm hoping I'll like it!
ReplyDeleteI’ll be shocked if you don’t.
DeleteHmmm...I haven't seen any of these films, but they sound interesting! Great list!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my Thursday Movie Picks!
Ronyell @ The Surreal Movies and TV Blog
They are good especially if you love The Beatles or music like Folk. If you love Dogs, you need to see Beat in Show
DeleteI haven't seen A Mighty Wind, but enjoyed the other two, so I'll look for it. The Rutles (speaking of The Beatles!) and This is Spinal Tap are two that came to mind. Of course, the Monty Python guys were masters at satire. ☺
ReplyDeleteGosh, I have to See The Ruttles and Spinal Tap which are great mockumentaries.
Deleteyonosoymillenium ~
ReplyDeleteNO! She just wants you to go away and never return again. (I suggest you go to hell. But that's just me speaking for me, and NOT me speaking for Birgit, the queen o' this blog.)
>>... Hello, I loved this post, I have been most interesting.
No, you have *NOT* been "most interesting". In fact, you bore the crap outta me (which worries me because the grocery stores are all outta terlet paper!)
Now, please, please us all and go to hell, will ya?
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS