Take 4: Greasy Food Review

Waiting... (2005)

What's Going On Here?: A day in life of the servers, chefs and miscellaneous other staff at Shenaniganz, a restaurant not too unlike TGIFridays, Bennigans and Applebee's. Each employee has their own little trial or tribulation that they are trying to deal with while also waiting on a varied assortment of diners during the dinnertime rush.

Who's In It That Matters?: You'll likely recognize Ryan Reynolds (who plays Monty) from National Lampoon's Van Wilder, as well as Blade 3: Trinity and various other movies and/or television shows. He's got his usual smug comedic sense of timing, and I have to admit...it works for him. You'll also recognize Justin Long (who plays Dean) from Dodgeball and TV's Ed. Those are the two main folks, but it's a very entertaining ensemble cast, including Anna Faris, Dane Cook, Luis Guzman and David Koechner.

Things to Look Out For: If you have a squeamish stomach, be careful: you're not going to be a fan of what goes on in the kitchens of Shenaniganz. You have been warned. As far as bonus features, it turns out this has a two-disc set...and I only got the first disc. There are no audio commentaries on Disc One, but you can watch deleted scenes, outtakes, and a brief featurette on the history behind how Waiting came to be (it was a pretty twisty and turny path, as it turns out). Surprisingly, the outtakes aren't that funny, but the deleted scenes do fill in some gaps from the film, so check those out. The featurette is mildly interesting.

Random Trivia: Toward the beginning of the film, you are treated to several shots of the interior of Shenaniganz, and all the props and knickknacks that are hanging from the walls and ceiling. One shot shows an entire wall filled with what looks like a Rube Goldberg-type contraption, made up of ramps, balls, levers and other elements. If you stay through to the end of the credits, you get to see it in action. Andy Milonakis (who plays one of the busboys) places an empty beer mug on a platform, which causes the dominos in the contraption to tumble, releasing a billiard ball, that triggers a rope and pulley, etc. In the end, a bottle of beer swings around, emptying into the mug. The production design crew challenged themselves to ensure that the contraption was completely functional and required no "help" in the form of hidden wires.

And I Quote...: Monty's Mom: "So I called your house today, at two. You were still asleep, weren't you?" Monty: "That's an understatement." Monty's Mom: "So what did you do last night? I trust my little angel didn't do anything immoral." Monty: "Well, ummm...let's see. I started by getting completely hammered drunk. It was bad. Then drove, while intoxicated, to pick up this disease-infested hooker." Monty's Mom: "Uh huh..." Monty: "From there... uh, let's see. Me and the hooker went back to my place..." Monty's Mom: "The hooker and I." Monty: "Excuse me. The hooker and I went back to my place and from there...God, it was just a blur of intravenous drug abuse and unprotected sex...while taking the Lord's name in vain." Monty's Mom: "Dean, did you know that when Monty was a child everyone thought he was retarded?" Monty: "Dean, doesn't my mom look old? I mean, much older than she rightfully should?" Monty's Mom: "So why aren't you and Serena still together? I liked her." Monty: "I don't know. I guess it got old. We had a relationship based on orgasms." Monty's Mom: "Oh, how charming. You are being safe aren't you? I don't think I could handle the idea of you reproducing." Monty: "Come on, mom! Of course I'm being safe. I pull out." Monty's Mom: "Yes, well your father pulled out too but we've all seen the tragic end of that story."

What Did We Learn Today Class?: 1) Never disrespect people who handle your food. 2) Never...ever...forget Rule #1. 3) Really. NEVER forget Rule #1. For the sake of all that is holy.

Curt's Take: "Must See" - I haven't laughed this much in a movie in a long time. In fact, it's pretty close to earning that elusive rating of "Buy. Watch. Repeat." However...it is definitely not for the easily offended. If sex gags and gross-out humor turn you off, you'll want to avoid this. It is pretty juvenile...but mixed with just enough cleverness and wit I could watch it over and over. Basically, if you really liked Old School and Wedding Crashers, I'd highly recommend this. If sophomoric comedy isn't your thing...steer clear.

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Super Size Me (2004)

What's Going On Here?: Director Morgan Spurlock, after hearing about two teenage girls who were suing McDonald's for making them obese, decides to try an experiment involving eating only food sold at McDonald's for three meals a day...and "super sizing" the meal whenever he was asked. This film follows him on his journey into McHell.

Who's In It That Matters?: Well, not a conventional movie, so you don't have "stars," per se. You've got Morgan, who is a pleasant enough fellow, and his Vegan girlfriend, who obviously isn't that happy that he's trying this out. Next, I'd say you get to know his team of three doctors and his nutritionist pretty well...they don't think at first that the experience will wreak much havoc on his body, but after about nine days, they quickly change their tune.

Things To Look Out For: Feelings of guilt, if you've eaten any fast food in the past...oh, I don't know...three months. And seeing as how I threw back a combo meal earlier in the day (Sunday morning hangover remedy), this film did not make me feel at all good about my decision. The special features are pretty interesting, so check them out. They consist of deleted scenes and interviews, including a 25-minute long discussion with Eric Schlosser, author of the book, Fast Food Nation, There's also a mini-experiment where they throw various McFoods in containers for ten weeks to see how they breakdown over time. It's scary what happens (or doesn't happen, as the case may be) with the McDonald's fries.

Random Trivia: The documentary premiered at Sundance in January, 2004. Less than two months later, McDonalds announced that it will no longer sell any of their menu items in "Super Size," although they officially deny that this move was in reaction to the film.

And I Quote...: Morgan: [while consuming a double quarter-pounder supersize meal] See, now's the time of the meal when you start getting the McStomachache. You start getting the McTummy. You get the McGurgles in there. You get the McBrick, then you get the McStomachache. Right now I've got some McGas that's rockin'. My arms...I feel like I've got some McSweats goin'. My arms got the McTwitches going in here from all the sugar that's going in my body right now. I'm feeling a little McCrazy.

What Did We Learn Today, Class?: 1) Convenience is killing us. 2) Most nutritionists feel that you should never eat fast food...ever. 3) A large fruit and yogurt parfait with granola topping has more calories than either a chocolate or caramel McDonald's sundae.

Curt's Take: "Must See" - Tempted to buy this and just keep it on hand whenever my eating habits slip...like they have been the past month. This movie makes it very easy to kick your desire to change your eating and health habits into overdrive. We'll just see how long it lasts. So definitely check it out...can't think of anybody who won't find it engaging and informational.

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Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

What's Going on Here?: Um...not really sure. About an hour and a half of random skits written by David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams, all of Airplane! and The Naked Gun fame. Directed by John Landis, who also brought us Animal House, The Blues Brothers and Trading Places. There is actually a feature that is about half an hour in length stuck in the middle of the sketches called "A Fistful of Yen," but other than that...just random stuff.

Who's In It That Matters?: I really have to say...not a single damn person that is currently in People magazine. There are very brief cameos by Bill Bixby, Donald Sutherland, Henry Gibson, and George Lazenby, just to name a few...but other than that, you've got cousins of the writers playing roles, and random people who aren't in the film industry anymore (that you'd recognize, at least).

Things to Look Out For: Well, I was very surprised to see this thing had a commentary track (which, of course, I listened to). You can also check out the bios on the director and writers and watch the trailer for the film. Finally, there's a 20-minute home movie that the writers shot during the making of the film. Save yourself a couple hours and skip them all.

Random Trivia: The budget of the film was $650,000 dollars, which was an extremely low, even in 1977. The title came from the Zucker brothers' and Jim Abrahams's University of Wisconsin acting troupe "Kentucky Fried Theater," but other proposed titles for the movie included "Free Popcorn" and "Closed for Remodeling," but the distrubitors shot those down (I didn't really understand why, at first, until I pictured the titles up on a big sign outside a theater).

And I Quote...: Henry Gibson: "Despite millions of dollars of research, death continues to be our nation's number one killer."

What Did We Learn Today, Class? 1) Everything is made with zinc oxide. 2) You can make $650,000 go a long way. Okay...not a terribly long way, but you can make it stretch a bit. 3) Bad Japanese movie spoofs never go out of style.

Curt's Take: "Don't Bother" - Wow. The first "Don't Bother" of the year. I think I remember seeing this movie on video store shelves when my family first bought a VCR. It only took me close to twenty years to breakdown and see it. I could have waited twenty more. Well, it was a valiant early effort for folks who brought us much better parodies down the road. In fact, if you have the urge for an hour and a half of random skits, movie parodies, and news broadcasts, you should instead check out the much funnier Amazon Women on the Moon (which, coincidentally, had segments that were directed by John Landis). The only skit I was pretty amused by was "Zinc Oxide." But it's not worth checking out the whole thing for a two-minute segment, which you can check out here, anyway. So...um...skip it.

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Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)

What's Going on Here?: Harold and Kumar go to White Castle. Duh. Okay, more detail: the friends get high, crave White Castle Sliders, and go on an all-night quest for the tasty mini-burger, refusing to give up until their hunger is satisfied.

Who's In It That Matters?: Well, you probably won't recognize John Cho and Kal Penn, who play Harold and Kumar (although they did have roles in American Pie and National Lampoon's Van Wilder. But there are a few faces you'll know: Ryan Reynolds, Fred Willard, Ethan Embry...and, of course, Neil Patrick Harris (aka Doogie Howser), who plays himself. Every scene he's in is awesome. Best Cameo Ever.

Things to Look Out For: Did I mention that Neil Patrick Harris has the Best Cameo Ever? Well, he does. Also, you'll never listen to Wilson Phillips and "Hold On" the same way again. There's also quite a few special features. First off, there are three commentary tracks...and I listened to them all: 1) Commentary by director Danny Leiner and actors Cho and Penn (mildly interesting, but easily skippable), 2) Commentary by writers Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg...and Harold Lee, who was the inspiration for Harold in the movie (slightly more interesting, actually, but just as skippable), 3) Commentary by a completely random Canadian slacker/actor who plays "Extreme Sports Punk #1" in the movie and has about three minutes of airtime (it walks a fine line between being amusing and annoying...watch if you've been smokin' something funny). In addition to the commentary tracks, you can watch: comedian Bobby Lee interview Cho and Penn while they are in the backseat of an SUV he is driving (kind of amusing); an expose on how the bathroom sound effects for the movie were created (pretty funny, actually...but rather disturbing); "bite-size" interviews with random minor cast and crew members (actually interesting); a featurette on how the "Land of Burgers" animated sequence was created (meh...skip it, unless that sort of thing is up your alley); and deleted/alternate scenes/outtakes with accompanying commentary (kind of interesting, minus the commentary). Oh...and a music video that reminds me of an extra-creepy Mentos commercial...you can just pass on it.

Random Trivia: The characters Rosenberg and Goldstein are a reference to the characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in the play "Hamlet." The writers hope to create an alternate film with these characters that takes place at the same time as Harold and Kumar's story, much like the way that the play "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" takes place at the same time as "Hamlet," but behind the scenes. Also, contrary to the plot of the movie, there is no White Castle located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

And I Quote...: Harold: "Did Doogie Houser just steal my fucking car?" Kumar: "Yes. I think he did."

What Did We Learn, Today?: 1) White Castle is the Holiday Inn Express for stoners. 2) The mix CDs I make are much cooler than Extreme Sports Mix #5. 3) Neil Patrick Harris knows how to party.

Curt's Take: "Worth Considering" - This movie was definitely good for a laugh. Thing is...almost everyone I know who has seen it has raved about it, and quite frankly, I didn't think it was THAT amazing, you know? Sure, there were some pretty damn funny parts, but nothing that bumps this up to a "Must See" for me (although the Neil Patrick Harris scenes were great). I've heard it helps to be high when you're watching it...well...didn't quite have that going for me this Sunday afternoon, sorry. Although I did have some Pizza Hut with me. I guess that's close to White Castle, from a "satisfying the munchies" perspective. But I digress..."Worth Considering" is still a pretty good rating, so if you're looking for something entertaining, you might want to check this out.

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Next Time on Take 4: Call pest control...we've got a tick and mole problem...

Take 4 TV: Six Feet Under - Season Four

Six Feet Under - Season Four (2004)

What’s Going On? We’ve been through the tribulations of the Fisher family and their funeral home for three years now, weathering both life and death, comedy and tragedy. This, the fourth season, sees each member of the household undergoing their own personal trials: Nate dealing with the death of his wife; David experiencing what is arguably the most terrifying ordeal in the entire Six Feet Under series; Claire experimenting with her art, education, friendships and sex; and Ruth discovering that the man she married at the end of last season is hiding more from her than he is sharing.

Leading the Line-Up: Peter Krause (from Sports Night) plays Nate Fisher, who three seasons ago came back to Los Angeles for his father’s funeral, and ended up staying and filling his dad’s role at the family funeral home. He has a much less central role in this season than he has in past seasons, though. Conversely, Lauren Ambrose, who plays young art student Claire Fisher, has a much juicier role than she has in past seasons, and perhaps undergoes a larger transformation than any of the other characters.

Things to Look Out For: Episode 5: “That’s My Dog” – It’s one of the most intense and emotionally impactful episodes of a drama that I’ve ever seen. I was watching the second half of it on the edge of my seat, jaw open, mind racing…very involving, hard-hitting, and apparently raised a lot of internet chatter about the unwritten contract that the creators of a series have with their fans.

Special Features: You’ve got your standard array of commentaries for seven of the twelve episodes here, but if you catch only one, listen to the commentary on Episode 5 (after having watched the entire series). It made me appreciate one of my favorite episodes that much more. Also, on the final DVD of the season, you have a mix of random special features. You can check out the track listings for the Season Four soundtrack and listen to a remix of the music from the opening title sequence (it’s catchy, but repetitive) and watch the standard issue deleted scenes…although there are only three of them and they are all from Episode Four, strangely. You might as well invest the three minutes it takes to check them out. There is also a 20-minute featurette on the editing of the series, “Cut by Cut,” which I was expecting to be a big yawn-fest…but which really paints the editors of a television series in a light I’d never considered before: sculptors of video, you take a mass of raw footage and search through it to find the great moments that, when put together in the right way, tell an even greater story. Definitely check it out. Finally, there’s an interview of the cast by Bob Costas on Costas Live. This is an odd one. You get to see the four main actors, out of character. But the questions Costas asks…very odd. “Have you ever had any near death experiences?” As Costas himself says, it’s like listening to a 2am dorm conservation back in college. But…it somehow works and is interesting. Give it a shot; it’s only 15 minutes long.

Random Trivia: The series is set in Los Angeles because, according to series creator Alan Ball, LA is the "world capital of the denial of death.”

And I Quote: Art Student: “Is this more lesbian stuff?” Photography Instructor: “Yes, I have to meet my quota so I get my toaster oven.”

Life Lessons from Six Feet Under: 1) Be certain you know the person you marry. 2) Give credit where credit is due in creative collaborations. 3) Don’t talk to strangers. Even cute ones.

Curt’s Take: “Must See” – If you haven’t seen Six Feet Under, I’m here to tell you it definitely lives up to the hype. Last August, I gave Season Three a “Worth Considering,” assuming you’d seen the prior seasons as well. I also expressed my hope that Season Four would be much more enjoyable and engaging…and I got my wish. Sure, a lot of it has to do with how well I thought Episode 5 was crafted, but it was definitely just one part of the larger picture. I look forward to (sadly) the final season, Season Five.

Next Time on Take 4: Diner breakfasts. Cheeseburgers. Onion rings and fries. Get ready for a four-course cinematic tribute to greasy foods. No Olivia Newton-John or John Travolta, I promise.