A well-timed, thoughtful work

Rating: 9/10 (13 July 1999)

South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut addresses many current social issues besides being uproariously funny. The vast majority of people in the audience each time I saw this film were laughing outloud. The film is -- to say the very least -- politically incorrect, crude, and irreverent of "traditional" values, and while poking fun at politics, religion, ethnic and social issues, it does not take itself too seriously either. The movie is inventively presented as a musical and has the feel of an old MGM film or Broadway show. The songs written mostly by Trey Parker were very well done and fit well. BUT what the movie does best is address the MPAA ratings issue and in a larger context the question of what is wrong with contemporary American society. By the way, I believe I read this movie had to cut to get an "R" rating. It presents the cultural war going on in America today. Is it values (allegedly decreasing) or violence (allegedly increasing) which is at the heart of our social problems? The movie addresses these issue subtly, all the while being hilarious. This is a well crafted movie that can be appreciated on more than one level. CAUTION: It deserves its rating and if you are easily offended avoid this film. Otherwise I highly recommend this film for its importance and entertainment value. Three and half stars!!!