'Guffman' taps into quirky humor

Guest, cast poke fun at small-town hicks in hilarious mockumentary

Before MTV stopped showing videos and became the ultimate teen-exploitation network, the only non-video entertainment it provided was what became known as a "rockumentary." These rockumentaries brought Joe and Jane America into the "behind-the scenes" lives of the world's biggest rock stars. In the early '80s, Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest created the ultimate rockumentary, "This Is Spinal Tap." "Tap" took us through the twisted lives of a fictional heavy-metal band in what would become one of the most original movies the decade produced.

REVIEW
	Waiting For Guffman At Ann Arbor 1 & 2

When Guest took on a project similar to "Tap" (which he also wrote), it was exciting to see the Second Coming of "Tap" in the form of "Waiting for Guffman," a documentary-style movie based on people's lives in a small, fictional Missouri town approaching its 150th anniversary. In order to celebrate this important day in Missouri's history, the town hires Corky St. Claire (a hilarious Guest) to put on a musical depicting the history of Blaine, Mo.

Amassing a cast of seven, composed of the vast array of town folk, Corky sees this as a vehicle for his triumphant return to off-off-off-Broadway. He writes letters to various production companies in New York to see if they will view his work. When a Mr. Guffman responds saying that he will decide if the play is New York-worthy, the plot's wheels are set in motion.

The opening 30 minutes are a non-stop laugh riot, introducing us to the ensemble cast: Dr. Allen Pearl (Eugene Levy), travel agents Ron and Sheila Albertson (Fred Willard and Catherine O'Hara), Dairy Queen matron Libby Mae (Parker Posey) and others. Through brief interviews, we find out interesting tidbits about the town and the characters.

Ron and Sheila, though travel agents, have never left Blaine - ever. Libby Mae wants to introduce a non-fat, low-calorie Blizzard to the DQ, and everyone wants to know the mysterious whereabouts of the effeminate Corky's "wife." She is kind of like that friend of yours who insisted he had sex with some girl in Canada - who doesn't have a phone so, no, you can't call her. Guest is infallible as Corky.

This is where the movie and director Guest start to get into some trouble: The movie forgets it is a documentary and becomes a film. Things are said and done that would not ordinarily be done before a camera. Without the funny and witty improv, the movie slows, almost to the point of no return. However, the incredibly cohesive cast springs back to finish the movie with a bang.

The supporting cast is strong, and they complement each other so well that one almost feels like a part of Blaine's dull monotony. Those of you from small Midwest towns will be able to see the characters and say: "Oh that guy is exactly how (insert name here) was."

Audiences must go into "Guffman" with an open mind. Laughs are plentiful, but they are not the gut-busters that composed "Tap." It is a different kind of movie altogether, and you will be disappointed if you think you are seeing the sequel to "Tap." So enjoy "Guffman" for what it is: a truly enjoyable movie.

Ron (Fred Willard, top) and Sheila (Catherine O'Hara, bottom) are travel agents who have never left Blaine in "Waiting for Guffman."

Dr. Allen Pearl (Eugene Levy, top) takes a break from dentistry to star in Corky St. Claire's (Christopher Guest, bottom) production in "Guffman."

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