Mighty Wind

Starring: Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Michael McKean, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley Jr.

Directed by: Christopher Guest

RS: 4of 4 Stars Average User Rating: 4of 4 Stars

2003 Comedy

Folk music gets a royal tweaking from Christopher Guest, the master behind Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. Some critics bitch about the film's lack of political bite. But I had too much fun to care. The extras hit the spot, too. There's just not enough of them. Guest, who structured the script with Eugene Levy (the actors improvised the rest), is always talking about the hundreds of hours of film he shoots, and all we get is a measly fifteen deleted scenes, none lasting more than a few minutes. Still, the Guest-Levy commentary is a droll kick, and the film seems even better the second time around. Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are deadpan delights as the Folksmen. But the movie's heart belongs to Levy and Catherine O'Hara as Mitch and Mickey, the ex-duo and ex-lovers who reunite for a concert. Listen up, Oscar. Wind isn't just mighty, it's prizeworthy.

PETER TRAVERS
(September 25, 2003)