First and Best of The "Mockumentaries"

Rating: Null/10 (13 February 2004)

This is the finest example of this genre and should be enshrined as the "how to" in its field. Some of the impact has been lost over the years due to the television skits and shows that have made use of its innovation, but it should be viewed with fresh eyes considering its place in film history.
I saw this film when it was shown in theaters in 1984. At the time, it was one of the most inventive, original and funny films I had ever paid to see. Mind you, this was well before the more popular advent of VHS and the proliferation of films on that medium.
This is the first of the documentary-style comedies that followed and certainly the best of the bunch. "Waiting for Guffman", "Best in Show" and "A Mighty Wind" are the children of this film and all share a similar vein of humor, however, this film having been the first gains it considerable advantages over the others.
This is Rob Reiner's first foray into feature film directing and it was a remarkable start. The situational humor, as well as the improvised history and dialogue is simply priceless. Throughout the film (and this is particularly true considering the time when it debuted) there is a sense of realism that never lets up, which enhances the comedic elements of what occurs and what is said. His own performance (particularly in the opening) is as masterful as those by the rest of the actors in the film.
Anyone who has seen a "behind the scenes" film about any rock band would need to see this before any other "mockumentary", as it truly captures many of the working elements of a musical group, as well as the sillier aspects of how performers can view themselves and their place in their industry.
I should balance this review by saying that I saw it with a girlfriend who was only 20 years of age at the time. She didn't get some of the humor and thought that many of the situations were too uncomfortable and "real" seeming to be able to laugh at them. Fortunately, she was among a remarkable minority in the audience that evening, as the theater erupted with laughter over many of the lines which have now become classics.
Please watch and enjoy this film - place it in context for its time and allow yourself to "peek in" on the lives of the "World's Loudest Band"!