Brilliant, not exactly "mindless", political satire

Rating: Null/10 (4 April 2002)

This movie ought to be up with the best political satires America has ever seen. Yes, I'm serious. This movie is hilarious, laugh-til-your-sides-ache comedy, but don't be fooled by all of the swearing and toilet humor. This is not just intended for adults because of the language and violence. This movie skewers war, censorship, the "blame game", racism, religion and so many other topics in a way that (sorry kids) goes right over most childrens' heads.
I noticed one reviewer commented that he would not want his children to see this movie. Neither would I, until they were mature enough to understand it! But isn't that exactly the point of this movie? Ironically, I recall quite a bit of parental uproar at the time of this movie's release over kids sneaking in to see it, blaming the movie industry for not trying harder to stop the kids. The theme of this movie could not have been more appropriate, then. To summarize the basic plotline (and in so doing, unfortunately glossing over or even not mentioning some of the best parts), Kyle and co's parents blissfully give them permission to see the latest "Terence and Philip" movie without even knowing anything about it. Guess what, folks? "T&P" is R-rated and chock full of some of the most hilariously gratuitous swearing and toilet humor you've ever seen (and yes, "Shut Your F***ing Face, Uncle F***er" is exceptionally catchy, but then, how would this movie work if it weren't?). The kids walk out of the movie intrigued by their new vocabulary, and impress all of the other kids at school, who promptly run out and see the "T&P" movie themselves. The parents only begin to take note of what their kids have been up to when the kids start spouting out vulgarities. Instead of admitting to themselves that perhaps they might've done a better job of monitoring their childrens' activity, they blame Hollywood, Terence and Philip, and yes, all of Canada (T&P's home country) for their childrens' "degeneracy". Of course, the children are the only ones who see the ridiculousness of the whole scenario, and join "Le Resistance" to counteract America's war against Canada. The movie does have its flaws -- the Satan and Saddam plotline quickly becomes predictable and (dare I say it?) over-the-top -- but this movie is chock full of enough priceless comedy and satire to more than make up for them. My advice? Watch it again, and again, and again... 9 out of 10