I purchased this movie because Zack Chapman used to be my neightbor in Summit, New Jersey and he plays the Australian rugby player in the film.
Also a bunch of coworkers and friends are big fans of the Broken Lizard movies, so I guess to catch up to speed, I would start from the beginning and get thier first movie.
It was funny, but I did not find myself laughing out loud all that much. I think the pace was a little too slow, and there was too much conversation without enough comedy (after seeing Super Troopers, I think that they solved this problem - which was most likely due to the fact that they were new filmmakers).
The funniest part is the "Garbage Dick" scene - hands down.
June 27, 2008 |  | The Lizards weren't quite broken yet |  |
Every comedy group has a first movie, and as much as I enjoy Broken Lizard's films, this isn't exactly MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL (AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT wasn't exactly a film, right?). It is, however, a pretty decent entry in the college movie genre, as it attempts to have realistic characters (along with the broad, off-the-wall characters the Lizards most often play) in semi-realistic situations (think of it as the SEINFELD of college movies, not in terms of quality but subject matter). Steve Lemme is designated the lead this time and the part of the straight man as Felix Bean, who falls for Suzanne McKenna (Kayren Butler), who might be student council president (we just don't know). Unfortunately, Suzanne is already dating burly, Crazy Joe Davola lookalike Traci Shannon (Jamison Selby), who a la the Boy Named Sue is a volcano waiting to erupt. Felix gets advice from his wiseass friend Zach (director Jay Chandrasekhar) and hippie mailroom guy Freaky Reaky (Erik Stolhanske), who are also having lady problems, Zach with a hot girl who constantly is running the track and who gave Zach 6 of the digits to her phone number and Freaky with Suzanne and Felix's mutual friend Emily (Alison Clapp). The remaining Lizards, Kevin Heffernan & Paul Soter, play troublemaking duo Grogan and Matt, respectively, who along with Felix tried to raid the cafeteria and got caught (Felix made a successful escape), and now pre-law student Suzanne is their lawyer (leading to a very funny courtroom scene where Matt & Grogan must represent themselves and rely on courtroom scenes in movies and the like). Felix and Suzanne have issues, dating drama, blah blah blah. The romantic subplot is convincing enough, as what Lemme and Butler lack in acting ability they make up for with characters we can relate to. The other four Lizards are playing the kinds of characters they will play in their later films (especially Heffernan, Chandrasekhar, and Soter; after this Stolhanske usually played the straight man... well, if you've seen CLUB DREAD that's not entirely true) and showcase the kind of humor that would be evident in those films. PUDDLE CRUISER is funny, sometimes sweet, and makes up for its 'first film inadequacies' with chemistry between the five Lizards that led them down the path of comedy gold (well, at least silver).
February 13, 2008You can tell it is early Broken Lizard and it has more of a serious plot than most of their films but still remains funny. It was worth purchasing might be a better rental if you can find it.
October 11, 2007| | | they've definitely improved over the last few years :) | |
Ok everyone, if you're looking for a really well-acted comedy... well, keep looking. I have to say though, I liked this movie anyway just because of the novelty of it being the gang from Super Troopers and Beerfest. They have definitely improved since this movie though. I like having it in my collection, though. And even though I knew in the first few minutes of the movie that it wasn't going to be the best one I'd ever seen, I still couldn't stop watching it. And I'll admit the storyline was kind of cute. So just don't go into it with TOOOOO many expectations. :) But enjoy it as their first movie. :)
August 9, 2007| | | Not terrible, not wonderful.... | |
This film is perfect for a feature Amazon.com should have: half-stars. 2.5 stars would be the ideal rating for this movie, as it's fairly average.
There are definitely the flashes of Broken Lizard genius in this film; certain moments are priceless. Overall, though, it's clearly an early film, as the pacing is off, the resolution leaves a little something to be desired, and several sub-plots are left dangling.
Still, it's easy to see why BL got the chance to make Super Troopers after this film, and why so many like the film. It definitely has its moments, and even if you don't like it, it's tough to really regret having watched it if you're a Broken Lizard fan. While it's not their best film, it's far from horrible, and definitely worth watching. Whether you buy it or not depends on your level of fandom, I suppose - but it's a good comedy to have on the shelf, to be sure.
January 30, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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