Movie Review: A Mighty Wind

Story: Want to sit through a film with a big smile on your face? Then check out this latest by the writing team of Eugene Levy and Christopher Guest as they once again visit a quirky niche of Americana. This time director Guest warmly treats the world of the 1960s type folk singers. Similar in style to Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman and This is Spinal Tap, the form is 'mockumentary' without being mean spirited.

Irving Steinbloom, an impresario of the music world has died. His son wants to put on a final tribute to his father by using the talents of folk singers who were represented by him years ago. How this live concert is formed is the heart of the film. We meet and are enchanted by a cast full of earnest characters. The lyrics are hilarious and the background stories of the cast made me weep with laughter.

This film is more like a waft than a gust of wind and you will have some mighty fine laughs.

Acting: This film has a very talented ensemble cast of regulars who we have grown to adore over the years. My favorites were: Ed Begley, Jr, Fred Willard, Catherine O'Hara, Jane Lynch, and Bob Balaban.

Predilections: I loved all of their previous films and continue to watch them again and again when they are on Cable. I always see details that I missed each time.

Critters: None. I kept remembering which dogs from Best in Show were associated with each folk singing cast member. That made me laugh too.

Food: Lots of Chinese Take out containers.

Visual Art: Some hilarious album covers, wall art and set detail.

Blatant Product Placement: Apple and Compac Computers.

Soundtrack: A hootenanny kind of time. Try to pay attention to the lyrics. That alone is worth the price of admission.

Opening Titles: Just the name of the film. All credits at the end.

Theater Audience: A fun group of about 30 people for a very early morning show. I have commented before about how straight guys tend to sit a seat apart from one another in the theater -- well today I saw a group of three young business types (in suits) sit two seats apart. I don't know what that means but I thought it was interesting.

Quirky Meter: 4

Predictability Level: High and Mighty.

Tissue Usage: 0

Oscar Worthy: No

Nit Picking: No nits to pick -- just lots of guitar picking.

Big Screen or Rental: Oh, big screen for sure. Who doesn't need a good laugh these days? For rentals, how about checking out the other films by this talented group: Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman and This is Spinal Tap.

Length: A perfect 90 minutes.

LOBO HOWLS: 7