I was somewhat skeptical going into this film. Although it had gotten good reviews, SNL-based films are hit and miss and Will Forte is not a terribly great comedian in my opinion. But, I found MacGruber to be pleasant, actually. Not in the kind of way that I would take my family to see it, but in the kind of way that it wasn't a serious film and knew exactly what it was doing. And for the most part, it succeeded.
MacGruber's actual plot doesn't matter a whole lot. It's pretty much a string of clichéd plot points leading from one joke to another. But the jokes actually work most of the time. Forte does a pretty decent job of playing the titular character, as he is crass, rude, vulgar, and selfish. He's not the kind of guy you would really root for, and it work in his favor when he makes an ass of himself or screws up. Actually, the majority of the cast works well. Kristen Wiig was my personal favorite, as her comedic timing was great. One of my favorite moments comes between her and Val Kilmer's character towards the end. It had me rolling.
Most of all, the film is a perfect mock up of action films of the 80's. There are some recognizable clichés that are torn apart by MacGruber and his hilarious lack of charm, reminiscent of Austin Powers. One of the funniest parts of the film were the two sex scenes which play out like the sex scene out of Top Gun. The MacGuyver parodies are also easily noticed. Being a big MacGuyver fan, I found them hilarious. From the hair to the gadgets, if you enjoyed MacGuyver, then MacGruber should tickle your funny bone.
It is surprising to see this parody work. It's not a perfect film. I don't know that I could watch it a second time and find it as funny. But I was consistently laughing throughout the film. And, I suppose that's all I can really ask for in a comedy.
MacGruber's actual plot doesn't matter a whole lot. It's pretty much a string of clichéd plot points leading from one joke to another. But the jokes actually work most of the time. Forte does a pretty decent job of playing the titular character, as he is crass, rude, vulgar, and selfish. He's not the kind of guy you would really root for, and it work in his favor when he makes an ass of himself or screws up. Actually, the majority of the cast works well. Kristen Wiig was my personal favorite, as her comedic timing was great. One of my favorite moments comes between her and Val Kilmer's character towards the end. It had me rolling.
Most of all, the film is a perfect mock up of action films of the 80's. There are some recognizable clichés that are torn apart by MacGruber and his hilarious lack of charm, reminiscent of Austin Powers. One of the funniest parts of the film were the two sex scenes which play out like the sex scene out of Top Gun. The MacGuyver parodies are also easily noticed. Being a big MacGuyver fan, I found them hilarious. From the hair to the gadgets, if you enjoyed MacGuyver, then MacGruber should tickle your funny bone.
It is surprising to see this parody work. It's not a perfect film. I don't know that I could watch it a second time and find it as funny. But I was consistently laughing throughout the film. And, I suppose that's all I can really ask for in a comedy.