Hot Rod

director: Akiva Schaffer
writer: Pam Brady

Remember when Nacho Libre was supposed to be the next Napoleon Dynamite, but really it turned out to be a Wes Anderson film-wannabe?
Well, here's the next candidate - Hot Rod (which contains a scene that's Wes Andersonian, in contrast to the whole film).
Hot Rod is like Napoleon Dynamite meets an SNL Digital Short, or should I say SNL Digital Long?
Popular SNL Digital Shorts include Lazy Sunday (about Chronic-What?-cles of Narnia and Magnolia Bakery's cupcakes) and Justin Timberlake's Dick in a Box. And if you still have no idea what these are, then you obviously don't have too much time on your hands.
The SNL Digital Short comparison is inevitable since the movie features several SNL cast/crewmates (current Andy Samberg and Bill Hader, former Chris Parnell, writer Jorma Taccone, writer Akiva Schaffer as director, and even Lorne Michaels as producer).

Whereas Napoleon Dynamite was a comedy about serious characters, Team Hot Rod makes you suspect that deep down they know how uncool they are but are proud nonetheless - which makes them kinda cool.

rating: ***1/2/***** (a fun flick)

recommendations: Napoleon Dynamite, Bottle Rocket, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Wet Hot American Summer

Saturday Night Live 10.28.06

SNLove (My Two Hours of Heaven)

host: Hugh Laurie
musical guest: Beck

I looked into Mr. Laurie's blue blue eyes and they swallowed me whole.

Waking up at 4:30 AM was worth it. Standing outside in the rain was worth it. Having to blow-dry my Uggs because they were soaked was worth it. Having my heart sink in my chest in fear of possibly missing those eyes was all worth it in the end.

Sketches included "Most Haunted," "Advance Man," "Hardball with Chris Matthews," "Weekend Update" with Tim Calhoun and two gay guys from Jersey, a job interview, Frankenstein, and a hospital scene with Hugh Laurie in drag, with special appearances by Lorne Michaels and Borat (with Azamat).

Cut sketches that didn't make it to the live show include a "Lost" parody, "Evil Speed Reader," "Vincent Price's Halloween Special," and an annoying drunk guy.

Beck sang two songs, "Nausea" and "Clap Hands," both with marionette versions of the band playing right alongside in a small replica of the stage. The second song included dinnerware as instruments. Very awesome. And Mr. Laurie also had a musical treat for us with a protest song.

Overall, a great experience to watch the workings of a live show.