Family Feuding Say It Isn't So
By Ross Anthony
Like "The Mexican," "Say It Isn't So" tries its hand at genre gender blending. In this case, the "American Pie" no-joke-is-too-low, male-oriented comedy is injected with a dose of good old-fashioned female-oriented love story (about 2 parts the former with one part the latter). Even the title chimes like a Freddie Prinze Jr. flick. And like "The Mexican," though not rock solid, this film finds a way to entertain.
The picture starts out with a bang. When dog-catcher Gilly (Chris Klein) joins his boss for a dysfunctional family dinner, insults are passed around the table like appetizers, while topics from sex to nipple-piercing comprise the main course of irreverency. You'll probably embarrass yourself by laughing at such lowbrow humor. After a strong first act in which Gilly falls in love with a lovely, though incompetent hairdresser, things simmer to nearly a lull after we learn a family secret that makes their love impossible. The enjoyment factor later elevates in time for the climax. Will Jo marry the wrong guy in Beaver, Oregon? Or will Gilly with the steadfast assistance of loyal friend "Dig," find a way to set things right?
Shameless, the picture finds its humor anywhere it can - often in genital areas. In fact, I suspect, one spot too hairy for the censors was yanked from the final version. Still, don't let the physical comedy eclipse the clever-er one-liners.
Here are a couple of lines that resonate the funny bone via the skull...
After Gilly's awkward dining experience with the boss' psycho family he suggests, "Maybe you should hire a professional..." The boss responds without missing a beat and stone cold serious, "You mean ... hitman?"
Then after Jo accidentally lops off a chunk of Gill's gill (ear), she invites him to dinner, "What are you doing tonight?"
"Healing mostly." Gill shyly replies.
There's more where those came from, some too obscene to mention here.
Though easily missed because of its genre, the picture and lighting quality are very very sweet.
Some gags drop like dead flies, while others are laugh-out-loud uproarious. In the end, an above average night at the movies.
Say It Isn't So. Copyright © 2001. Rated R. * Starring Chris Klein, Heather Graham, Orlando Jones, Sally Field, Richard Jenkins, John Rothman, Jack Plotnick, Eddie Cibrian. * Directed by J.B. Rogers. * Written by Peter Gaulke & Gerry Swallow. * Produced by Bobby Farrelly, Bradley Thomas, Peter Farrelly at 20th Cent. Fox/Conundrum Ent.
Grade..........................B+
-- Copyright © 2000. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
For more reviews visit: http://www.RossAnthony.com
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