I picked up this movie without any understanding of its background. I knew nothing of the U.P., I didn't have a clue what a Yooper was, and I have always hated hunting because it's a boring redneck sport. For these reasons I really can't offer a review that analyzes the authenticity of the performer's accents or judges the situation to be true to a U.P. hunting experience. I can, however, give you a complete outsider's opinion: this film super-sucks.
It was excruciatingly painful to watch this film. The characters' quirks became devices of torture for audience members: after the second time someone broke into singing, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," I wanted to gag myself. Anything funny about the character Jimmer Negamanee was ruined by the actor's awful over-acting. True to past performances, Jeff Daniels didn't bother playing the part of Rueben Soady, the main character in the film, instead he settled on playing that familiar Jeff Daniels character we've seen in other movies.
This film really keeps the important details to itself. If you are adventurous enough to watch Escanaba, don't expect any real plot development. The movie first introduces the buck-less social pariah Jeff Daniels. That's right, he's an outcast because he hasn't killed a deer. Lame? You guessed it. The movie resolves itself predictably with a foolish buck-bagging scene disguised as a religious experience. Laughably ill-conceived? Right again! The meaning and significance of everything the viewer is subjected to between these two scenes is anyone's guess. There is a nauseatingly over-extended fart scene to endure, a number of demonic possessions, some urine-splashing foo, some boring ritualistic pre-hunt deer testicle consuming nonsense, and numerous other scenes whose meaning cannot be fully deciphered.
Truly, Escanaba in Da Moonlight is an obstacle course for the viewer. If you're anything like me you left this movie kind of grumpy and feeling thoroughly violated. I had to take a shower and some Advil to take away the pain. On the other hand, if you're a Yooper you'll probably really enjoy this film: there's a lot of inside humor in there just for you! Reach right into that cracker-jack box and claim your prize! As for this group of L.A.-raised college gentlemen, we've seen your world and we were less-than-enchanted.
It was excruciatingly painful to watch this film. The characters' quirks became devices of torture for audience members: after the second time someone broke into singing, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," I wanted to gag myself. Anything funny about the character Jimmer Negamanee was ruined by the actor's awful over-acting. True to past performances, Jeff Daniels didn't bother playing the part of Rueben Soady, the main character in the film, instead he settled on playing that familiar Jeff Daniels character we've seen in other movies.
This film really keeps the important details to itself. If you are adventurous enough to watch Escanaba, don't expect any real plot development. The movie first introduces the buck-less social pariah Jeff Daniels. That's right, he's an outcast because he hasn't killed a deer. Lame? You guessed it. The movie resolves itself predictably with a foolish buck-bagging scene disguised as a religious experience. Laughably ill-conceived? Right again! The meaning and significance of everything the viewer is subjected to between these two scenes is anyone's guess. There is a nauseatingly over-extended fart scene to endure, a number of demonic possessions, some urine-splashing foo, some boring ritualistic pre-hunt deer testicle consuming nonsense, and numerous other scenes whose meaning cannot be fully deciphered.
Truly, Escanaba in Da Moonlight is an obstacle course for the viewer. If you're anything like me you left this movie kind of grumpy and feeling thoroughly violated. I had to take a shower and some Advil to take away the pain. On the other hand, if you're a Yooper you'll probably really enjoy this film: there's a lot of inside humor in there just for you! Reach right into that cracker-jack box and claim your prize! As for this group of L.A.-raised college gentlemen, we've seen your world and we were less-than-enchanted.