South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut

Voices of: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman, Isaac Hayes, George Clooney, Minnie Driver, Dave Foley
Directed by: Trey Parker
Rating: R
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Musical
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: When the South Park gang goes to see the new Terrance & Phillip movie, they are exposed to a slew of new vulgarities, which they immediately incorporate into their vocabulary. This creates panic with their parents, who are determined to protect their children at any cost- even if that means a war against Canada.

Review:

Tim: I should say that I've always thought "South Park" was funny, but I wouldn't really consider myself a serious fan. There are far, far more episodes that I haven't seen than I have. I may on occasion catch an episode if there's nothing else on, but I do not watch it very often. When I do, though, I recognize the vulgar genius of Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The show is certainly controversial, but it's also very funny. However, despite my familiarity, I was in no way prepared for South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. This is one of the funniest, raunchy, memorable movies I have ever seen. I remember seeing this film for the first time in theaters, and being unable to shake what I had seen for 4-5 days afterward. This movie might have warped my brain, but it was certainly something I could not shake.

I am pretty shocked at how brilliant this film is. Parker and Stone played all their cards perfectly. The children of South Park have always sworn quite a bit, but the worst offenders are always beeped on Comedy Central. Here, in this "R" rated film, there is nothing to stop them from going all out. It was a brilliant move to have them watch a vulgar movie and incorporate those vulgarities into their everyday speech. This explained easily why they were suddenly dropping the "F" word constantly throughout their speech. I loved the transition from the small screen to the silver one.

The story is understandably expanded quite a bit as well. However, with bigger, we don't lose any of the trademark humor or social commentary from the story, either. The film touches on censorship, violent and vulgar movies, war, Saddam Hussein, Hell and Satan, racism, and more. It was an incredibly twisted and epic story, and I loved how Parker and Stone weaved it all together. I was already sold on all this, but there was an unexpected element that really made this movie great. The film also happens to be a musical. Now, this isn't in and of itself a big deal- many animated films have songs in them. However, Parker, Stone, and Marc Shaiman created a truly spectacular list of original songs. They were hilarious, catchy and memorable. From the beautiful and funny opening "Mountain Town" to the genius and shocking "Uncle F*cka", the hilarious "Kyle's Mom's a Bitch" and the humorous "What Would Brian Boitano Do?", these songs were incredible. You can't forget the odd but beautiful "Up There" and "La Resistance". These songs are so well written, hilarious, vulgar, and easy to sing along to. The music was truly amazing. And, I haven't even mentioned "Blame Canada", a song that was shockingly nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song. That's right, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut has an Academy Award nomination!

I know the subject matter and the vulgarities in this film immediately will turn some people off (apparently the film has almost 400 swear words, including nearly 150 "F" words.) It's stunningly vulgar. However, if that doesn't bother you, you'll find a very well written, original, funny story here. It doesn't all make sense, but Parker and Stone aren't afraid of anyone, and they lay it all out on the line here. For better or worse, the film is incredibly memorable. There's just something about it- the shocking events and dialogue, the brilliant social commentary, the lack of fear of being disgusting and vulgar- all combined, this is a movie that is very, very unique. I found it to be an incredibly entertaining, hilarious time.

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut is a film that was made to offend and shock people. However, it's also a brilliant, thought-provoking film (I am serious). Plus, if you judge the songs on their originality and cleverness, it's also one of the best musicals I have ever seen. I know this is controversial, but I love this movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8.5



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