Movie 43 combines the talent of many comedy writers and directors – along with the star power of over a dozen famous actors – to create a comedic anthology in the vein of Kentucky Fried Movie.
Framed by the story of a faded star (Dennis Quaid) trying to pitch his crazy film ideas to a put-upon studio executive (Greg Kinnear), we are dragged into a world of bizarre, gross, wildly inappropriate (and sometimes hilarious) tales, which feature strange combinations of celebrities engaging in some very naughty behavior. [NOTE: There are different cuts of the film being released in different markets (US, UK) and apparently this overarching storyline differs depending on which version you see.]
Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman in ‘Movie 43′
A woman’s (Kate Winslet) blind date with a successful millionaire (Hugh Jackman) comes with a raunchy catch; Two suburban parents (real-life couple Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts) try to create the traumas of high school for their home-schooled son (Jeremy Allen White); A man (Chris Pratt) tries to summon the… “gusto” to fulfill his girlfriend’s (Anna Faris) gross erotic request; A grocery clerk (Kieran Culkin) has a dirty verbal sparring session with his jilted ex-lover (Emma Stone); A CEO (Richard Gere) listens to the concerns of one of his executives (Kate Bosworth) over the hazardous nature of the company’s sex doll-styled iPod; Boy Wonder Robin (Justin Long) tries out speed-dating, only to be c-blocked by his buddy, Batman (Jason Sudeikis).
We learn the true heart beating inside of society’s most infuriating and abused machines; An adolescent girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) hits puberty in the most awkward way possible; A commercial puts competing brands of tampons to an aquatic test; A guy (Seann William Scott) gives his buddy (Johnny Knoxville) the birthday surprise of a violent, foul-mouthed leprechaun (Gerard Butler); Two people on a blind date (Halle Berry and Stephen Merchant) take a game of ‘Truth or Dare’ way too far; A black coach (Terrence Howard) tries to inspire his team to overcome the racial prejudice facing them on the basketball court; And a woman (Elizabeth Banks) competes with a conniving cartoon cat for her boyfriend’s (Josh Duhamel) affection. Welcome to the madness of Movie 43.
Terrence Howard in ‘Movie 43′
The film boasts an eclectic lineup of directors, including Bob Odenkirk (Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad); Rusty Cundieff (Fear of a Black Hat, Chapelle’s Show); Griffin Dunne (Practical Magic, Fierce People); Steve Carr (Next Friday, Paul Blart: Mall Cop); Steven Brill (Little Nicky, Without a Paddle); Brett Ratner (Rush Hour); James Gunn (Super); and even Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games) directing a segment. Acting as ringmaster of this circus (and directing several segments) is Peter Farrelly, one half of the brother duo responsible for comedy classics like Dumb & Dumber and There’s Something About Mary, as well as more recent (and not so classic) films like Hall Pass and Three Stooges.
Like any movie anthology, Movie 43‘s segments are hit or miss. Some segments will have you busting a rib from laughter (“The Catch”), while others will leave you cold (“Middleschool Date”). Most of the segments will shock and (slightly) appall even the most hardcore raunch-com fans – especially when that offensive or gross behavior is being done by some of the most famous or respected thespians in the biz (why they all agreed to do this, only God knows). Aside from the cast mentioned above, we get cameo appearances from many other famous types (too many to name here), who also go for broke in terms of making the most absurd and raunchy comedy that can be squeezed inside of an “R” Rating.
Halle Berry in ‘Movie 43′
In terms of writing, the film offers a mix of mostly newcomers and a few established talents – who all seem most concerned with seeing just how much gunk they can scrape out of the bottom of the proverbial barrel. To call Movie 43 “low-brow” would be a tremendous understatement; without spoiling anything, it’ll take about five minutes for any viewer to realize that whatever intellect or decency they brought along with them should’ve been checked at the door. From sex jokes to anatomical gross-outs to downright offensive or uncomfortable situational humor – this film throws everything at the wall (poop, pee, blood and everything in between) and hopes the stain sticks. If that’s the sort of comedy experience you’re looking for, many portions of this film will be a blast for you.
Movie 43 definitely leads with its best parts, and aside from a few exceptions, the longer the movie is on, the less effective it is. Some of the actor pairings are just awkward or strange (Halle Berry and Stephen Merchant???), while some of the segments are just dumb and unfunny (again, “Middleschool Date”). By the end, the movie has exhausted so many avenues of inappropriate humor that when a mid-credits segment kicks in for one last go, it’s mostly just beating (then urinating on) a dead horse. Still, in the era of comedies that try to balance raunch with smarts and/or sentimentality, Movie 43 is an easy joke-a-minute buffet for the lowliest part of the human brain.
Leslie Bibb, Justin Long and Jason Sudeikis in ‘Movie 43′
This movie could never hope to achieve anything above the very low bar it sets for itself – but it certainly comes pretty close to maintaining that low standard throughout. Definitely not a cult-classic like Kentucky Fried Movie (and I imagine a fair number of the actors in the cast wouldn’t cry if this film was overlooked), but it will make for a fun rental down the line.
Movie theater worthy? Only if you’re riding a sick buzz and want something gross to giggle at along with your equally demented friends. Which is to say: there is a place and circumstance for a movie like this – just leave grandma and/or grandpa at home, lest they have a heart attack.
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Movie 43 is now playing in theaters. It is 90 minutes long and is Rated R for strong pervasive crude and sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity, language, some violence and drug use.
Our Rating:
2 out of 5
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I saw a scene with the cartoon cat in a red band preview and it was…. disturbing.
‘Framed by the story of a faded star (Dennis Quaid) trying to pitch his film ideas to a put-upon studio executive (Greg Kinnear), we are dragged into a world of bizarre, gross, wildly inappropriate (and sometimes hilarious) tales, which feature strange combinations of celebrities engaging in some very naughty behavior.’
Huh, wait what? That even wasn’t in the film.
Yes it was. The “Stories” in the film are ideas that Dennis Quaid is pitching to Greg Kinnear while taking him hostage.
I did some research and that was just a TV spot for it. The movie itself though was about 3 kids who search the Internet for the world’s most banned film. Dennis Quaid and Greg Kinnear aren’t even in it.
Or is it possible there are different versions of the movie? I live in Europe.
Ah, yep! The version released in Europe has a completely different wraparound.
Wow! Thanks Henry! That’s good to know!
I’ll note that in the review.
I like raunchy comedies as much as the next guy my age, but I had a feeling this would be a POS.
No way I’ll be seeing this in theaters… ‘probably won’t even bother watching it altogether unless my “demented friends” decide to rent it
Thanks Kofi.
If only these directors had heard of this magical little thing called “The Internet”, which lets you release all your twisted little sketch ideas without having to group them with other, less-inspired ideas.
How would these directors make any money if the released the clips online? The internet is not the answer to everything, smh
Id give it a .5 is the catch the leperchaun scene? Cause imo it was the least funny of the already not funny scenes
I’m sure the movie was funnier then what the review makes it seem. Comedy tends to go over people’s heads. Just giving my opinion.
I do agree that comedies can be greatly overlooked. But honestly silver linings playbook is much funnier than most comedies cause its real. They dont pull the rediculous just use real lifr scenerios
@Norrin Radd
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the things that went over people’s heads after you see this movie.
I don’t plan on seeing it.
did u really just call kofi out like that and then say you don’t plan on seeing this film?
wow
I noticed that people can’t handle opinions on here & i didn’t call him or her out.
Do you actually think this movie has jokes so intricately hidden that it goes over people’s heads?
Actually, the review is spot on and in many ways gives the movie a little too much credit. There is nothing about this movie that goes over your head, it’s just a 90 minute shock-value movie that has it’s moments here and there, but all in all this is pretty much not worth a movie ticket.
It wasn’t. Sadly enough…
I kinda wanted to see this. But based on this review I’m gonna fall back on it and wait for it to come out on DVD to rent. Good looking out Kofi.
This movie is the best comedy since Dr. Strangelove. Beautiful movie with Oscar worthy performances.
Trust me, The Academy wouldn’t touch this movie with a 10 foot poll!!
Haha, my Grandmother enjoys The Hangover movies and MTV’s Ridicoulusness. Maybe she will see this!
“why they all agreed to do this, only God knows” <–my thoughts exactly.
I thought they must have all been at the end of their contracts with the studio and were forced into it. THE low point in all of their careers no doubt. Wah wah.
the critics giving this movie 1 star have absolutely no sense of humor. The movie set out to make people laugh, and i laughed throughout the whole movie, hysterically…watch it if you’re not easily offended and love crud and sexual humor
I might check it out if it comes to HBO or Starz, but this reminds me of The Three Stooges that looked funny as hell. I watched it and found that too was probably given generous reviews even though they were bad. The actors (Including the kid who nailed the younger Moe so well) did a good job…Too bad they didn’t have a script for their talent. AnywayI have the feeling this looks funny in the trailer, and it has a lot of stars, but I’m guessing most of the funny we’ve already seen.
Yes. Watch the preview over and over. That’s hysterical. The movie is not. I walked out since I really was in the mood for a good laugh and just wasn’t getting any (well there was a chuckle or two over the span of 45 minutes). I decided to ask for a refund. The kid asked me “for what movie” and another kid said “Movie 43″. The critics aren’t lying. It’s bad.
The trailer looked horrible. Just another movie full of celebrities being full of themselves. Stupid.
By far the worst movie I have EVER paid to see. I want to know what kind of black mail was used against these actors to get them in this movie.
I liked the movie. Was a no-brainer, with too many serious movies hitting around awards time. But I do see the difference in opinions. I actually think this one is a individual taste. But your review was good. I might have given it 3 stars
There was nothing in this movie that went over my head. Has to be the worst idea for a movie I have seen in ages. How they got these usually talented actors to star in this movie is beyond me. Definitely not worth the price of a ticket. In fact I walked out and asked for my money back. I did not laugh once nor did I hear any of the other 40 or so people laugh once, and Oh, I was not the only one who walked out.
totally agree, my wife and i did the same, we walked out along with half of the people watching it and asked for our money back. It was like a morgue no laughter what so ever. Who on earth allowed this film to be viewed in public wants looking at.
I honestly think that any money earned by this movie (after the refunds have been given out obviously) should be sent to Kofi for having to put up with this absolute mess of a movie.
I think he’d need the counselling so it’s only fair the studio pays for it, right?
Utter trash .they stole my money on the way in.re
Al cinemas should be embarassed to take money and show this and the actors involved will also cringe when its in there c.v
At least it’s not in 3d
Absolutely loved this movie…don’t know when I have laughed so much out loud at a movie….But it’s not for everyone.
I give it 4 stars!
Movie 43 it’s the worse movie ever! A shame!
Who said this film was funny? whats funny about incest, a young girls first period, and some girl wanting to be shat on. This film was not funny just vulgar, the actors in this film must be either desperate or washed up and finished. I have never seen a picture house empty so quickly ( me and my missus included )Please do not go and waste your money on this perverted, vulgar UN-funniest film ever made.Sheer crap.
Who said the film was funny?
People who only laugh at lowest common denominator type material, people who laugh ironically at unfunny things to seem hip or the brainless I’d imagine.
Even the trailers didn’t make it look funny in any way, shape or form so how anyone was planning to see it based on that is beyond me.
Two words – disgraceful and disgusting ! I wanted to leave the cinema after 10-15 min watching . The most awful movie I’ve ever seen ! I just can’t understand how people like Jackman , Gere, Berry , Butler , Thurman and so agreed to participate in this… mistake .
still beats the current SNL
when i saw this movie the whole theatre were laughing hysterically, ignore the critics, we all need a laugh and this delivers, its not made with awards in mind it is what is, 90mins to just have a laugh, so relax people!!
Just got back from watching this at the cinema…. The biggest waste of time…. Don’t waste your money… Completely no storyline, the humour was weird and misplaced… How on earth they managed to get some big names to star in such a disaster is beyond me…
I’d rather poke my eyes out with cocktail sticks than ever watch this crud again….
Just came back from watching movie 43 in a theater. At first you have the feeling that after jackman talking with his balls under his chin, you’re in for at least something funny. That feeling quickly turns into a question: “what persuaded all these big actors to join in this project, seriously”. Had three urges to leave during the movie. If I would have given in to the first, would not have missed a thing. I advise people to get is in 6 months time for $3 in the sale basked of a supermarket.
Just like a bad 90s sketch show with famous people,
OH, AND JUST A QUESTION,BUT HAS ANYONE HERE EVER FOUND ANYTHING STEPHEN MERCHANT HAS SAID FUNNY,LIKE AT ALL.