You ever see a movie trailer and think, "Hey, that looks funny. . . but those are probably all the good scenes from the movie up there in the trailer."
You ever go see a movie that all the critics hate, a movie you know will likely be awful, yet it's a movie you feel compelled to see, if only to watch the carwreck?
Basically, you ever walk into a movie with zero expectations. . . and walk out incredibly surprised?
The comedy Waiting is just that kind of movie.
After seeing the preview, I knew I wanted to see it. The premise looked worthy of a chuckle or two, the latest entry into the priceless "Work Sucks" comedy genre. Plus, c'mon, it has Ryan Reynolds in it-- the guy always makes me laugh.
Guess what? I laughed my ass off. My friends laughed their asses off. The theater, on a Sunday evening, laughed their asses off. Total surprise, came outta nowhere.
Is Waiting stupid? Sure. Is it gross? You betchya. Is it funny? You'll have to judge for yourself, but the movie has instant flypaper status written all over it. The only problem being that 90% of the best jokes would never make it past, say, Comedy Central's editors.
I can see myself wasting many a future Saturday afternoon in front of the TV re-watching this movie.
Basic plot: people who hate their jobs work at Shennanigan's, a Bennigan's/Applebee's/TGI Friday's/Chili's/Ruby Tuesday's/Sweet Jesus, there's a lot of these shitty chain restaurants, aren't there?-kind of place.
Hilarity ensues.
That's really about it. No real learning, no real growth, just lots of stupid, raunchy humor, Reynolds making whip-fast quips, and the comic genius of the immortal film god, Luis Guzman.
The movie appeals to the demographic that laughs at Old School, Kevin Smith movies, and of course, Office Space. If those films don't do it for you, don't bother going. If instead they are up your alley, then take my word for it, Waiting is your kind of movie.
Although, like all good comedies, it's best to see it on a weekend night with a good crowd. Or drunk. Or stoned. Otherwise, a rental would suit this film just fine. I, however, am glad I saw it in the theater. If only because there's this one scene where. . . no, I won't ruin it. Just let it be said, I haven't simultaneously laughed-so-hard/been-so-grossed-out in years.
Good stuff, this.
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