Dude, Where's My Car? [2001] [DVD] Review
In recent years there has been a strong tendency for Hollywood film-makers to derive their plots from the work of William Shakespeare- the master playwright of Stafford-upon-Avon. 'My Own Private Idaho' was modelled on 'Henry IV' and 'Ten things I hate about you' has firm roots within 'The Taming of the Shrew'. Even Baz Luhrman's 'Romeo and Juliet' is rumoured to contain a handful of allusions to the bard's work. Less well-known, however, is the fact that the film 'Dude Where's My Car' constitutes a contemporary homage to 'The Merchant of Venice'.
Adapted for MTV by its star Seann William Scott (best known for his role as Fistler in the 'American Beauty' films) and his father, director Ridley Scott (who famously directed the Oscar-winning TV game-show 'Gladiators'), this is an extremely respectful take. Although Shakespeare's archaic idiom has been heavily updated, I am sure that any scholar would agree that the essence of the bard's content has not only been preserved, but also diluted to taste. If Shakespeare were still alive today, there can be little doubt that he would be laughing inside his grave. However, it is interesting to note that a large quantity of footage was omitted from the original theatrical release (after Shakespeare's notoriously difficult great-grandson refused to grant copyright clearance, in the wake of a blazing dispute over royalties). In addition to Ridley Scott's feature length director's commentary, it's good to see that these scenes have finally been re-instated for this release. Probably the most noteworthy of additional sequences is that in which Seann William Scott and Simon Callow (in a cameo appearance that was previously excised from the film) perform the opening of act III in its original, unpolluted form. Former RSC child-star Scott's enunciation is laced with an honest air of simplicity, that bears reasonable comparison with the manner of Olivier in his heyday (although theatrical purists may object to the background distraction of Ashton Kitchener, as he grapples to retrieve a bag of dope from the 'wrong end' of a chimpanzee- with hilarious consequences!!!).
Dude, Where's My Car? [2001] [DVD] Overview
An entry into an already rather overcrowded market, Dude, Where's My Car? is a very dumb but exuberant comedy aimed fairly and squarely at the teen market. An attempt to recreate the classic feel of certain movies from the late 80s and early 90s, it centres around two hopeless individuals (Jesse and Chester) and their efforts to piece together the night before and, more importantly, find Jesse's car. The plot--such as it is, takes in many a convoluted turn with the introduction of transsexual strippers and aliens but still finds itself stretched thin over the course of the meagre 79 minutes. The film's aspirations are clear. With it's central duo and infuriating use of catchphrases it is almost a direct steal from Wayne's World and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, both of which are leagues ahead in terms of writing, performance and general style. The humour here is base and far too obvious, concentrating on the old standbys of sex and toilets, plus a small dig at blind children along the way. For a better example of such humour head for the genuinely funny American Pie or, for a teen comedy with actual intelligence and panache, the peerless 10 Things I Hate About You.
On The DVD: The extensive range of extra features are in keeping with the overall style of the project. The audio commentary from director Danny Leiner and his two main stars is simply a succession of in-jokes and childish hysterics, while the behind the scenes documentary is equally banal. There is a selection of extended scenes, trailers and TV spots plus a music video from Grand Theft Auto, the best thing about the whole package. --Phil Udell
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