Escanaba in da Moonlight (2001) User Reviews

I've never been to the UP

[juicylovesme · 7/10 · 18 April 2012]

I've never been to the UP and I've never shot wild game. My husband spent a year close that part of the country and I watched this while he was out of town... and then again when he came back home. It's funny, even though part of the movie didn't make sense to me.

I enjoyed Soady's purpose to snag he's first buck. And I like Jeff Daniels in underpants. My Chevy took a sh%T is pretty funny too. It certainly didn't win any Oscars, but that's OK. So many scenes of this movie are now ingrained in my head, but that's OK. I've never been to the UP and I've never shot wild game. My husband spent a year close that part of the country and I watched this while he was out of town... and then again when he came back home. It's funny, even though part of the movie didn't make sense to me.

I enjoyed Soady's purpose to snag he's first buck. And I like Jeff Daniels in underpants. My Chevy took a sh%T is pretty funny too. It certainly didn't win any Oscars, but that's OK. So many scenes of this movie are now ingrained in my head, but that's OK.

Who's Laughing Now?

[CaptainSick · 6/10 · 31 December 2019]

Consistent, steady, not too long. The comedic timing is excellent up to the 30 minute mark, just loses laugh factor a bit as the climax gets going. Right as I was getting bored of the plot struggle the movie ended, not too suddenly though. If You are a fan of the original Evil Dead movies you might get a kick out of the stylistic choices used for the supernatural elements of this film that seem to take reference from another spooky Michigan cabin in woods.

Buck Fever

[questl-18592 · 7/10 · 25 November 2020]

Holy cow, if ever there was a back to back feature that'd have you talking with an accent it's following up Fargo with Escanaba in da Moonlight. That aside, as a Michigander especially, I found this movie a wonderfully charming, hilariously satirical romp about northerners and their hunting obsession. Again, big part of this might be that I've known a number of people like this in my life, those that live for that big buck hunt.

Absolutely charming and delightful, worth a watch for most I'd say but a definite must for any northern folk looking to laugh at some ridiculous behavior they're likely all too familiar with.

Cool as ****

[Wienerbroed · 6 September 2003]

I've never hunted, never been to deer camp, never been to da UP and only been to the US once (Michigan, visiting in Detroit.) However, seeing this movie set me off to laugh extremely hard for days on end. Now our toilet is named the one-holer, and "my Chevy took a s***" still sends me laughing. Jimmer RULES! "this whiskey tastes like syrup" :D

I'm living proof that one doesn't have to be from MI to love this movie. It will definitely be in my video collection soon !!!

A pretty cool movie

[scumgrief · 7/10 · 31 January 2001]

Living in Escanaba, it's been impossible to avoid all of the excitement involved with this movie. It was awesome having Jeff Daniels and his crew be in our area for those couple months of shooting. And my wife and I even appear in one of the scenes! (as extras) So finally seeing the movie was quite a treat.

Of course I enjoyed the movie because of being so close to the production, but besides that, this movie was really funny! Besides the way it made fun of us yoopers(eh), it had a lot of "Dumb and Dumber" type humor in it. I can honestly say, that I have never laughed harder then I did in the "farting" scene. You have to see it to believe how hilarious it it. Yes, the whole UFO/Bearwalk thing was kinda stupid, but the humor more than makes up for it.

This movie deserved a national release! I hope it gets one...

Comment on reviews

[Xenogears76 · 9/10 · 17 January 2005]

Everybody needs to seriously take the chance to re watch this great movie. I would assume that 90% of those who watched this movie didn't get it, or thought it was really stupid. You must understand that this is a movie comprised of upper Michigan culture, and you really must be familiar with the area and it's culture to fully understand what it is trying to get across. Those who are not from the U.P. have absolutely no idea what this movie is about. Please, if you are going to watch this movie, consider it's roots before you judge it. I hope everyone gets the chance to make it to the upper part of Michigan someday and stay at one of the great cities in the area. The culture is amazing, and it really is something you cannot get anywhere else. Thanks.

Painfully crude and just plain weird

[Neal99 · 2/10 · 20 August 2003]

Having lived in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (30 miles from Escanaba) in the mid-1990s, I was eager to see this film. It begins promisingly enough, with some superficial understanding of the values and quirks of U.P. life. But Jeff Daniels apparently was not content with a low-key approach that would have been fitting given the place and the people. Instead, he introduces extremely crude humor and some wildly inappropriate mystical/supernatural elements. Although there is a good movie to be made about this practically unknown region of the U.S., this is NOT it.

What you don't know..

[nicholas_cousino · 10/10 · 6 January 2005]

It is not fair for someone from Oregon to trash Jeff Daniels for making Escanaba. I think that it does help to be from the Great Lakes State to truly enjoy this movie, but still, just because you do not understand something, is no reason to trash it. As a Michigander and an huge Jeff Daniels fan, I LOVED this film. It was not only funny, but in a lot of ways true to form. If you have ever spend a night in the woods of Michigan, or have ever been to Deer Camp, you would understand. And, as another point of interest, Jeff Daniels shot The Crossing about 4 years after he shot Dumb and Dumber. So, obviously, Dumb and Dumber was not his downfall. And yes, he was great in The Crossing. Also, if you are ever in Michigan, I recommend you stop by his theatre in Chelsea, MI. The Purple Rose. You are guaranteed a laugh.

An Interesting Idea Gone Bad

[Bryan-22 · 2/10 · 6 February 2001]

I don't argue that deer camp, the U.P., a cursed hunter and regional dialects sound like the makings of a funny movie. I will argue that it didn't happen here. It's easy to understand why Escanaba in Da Moonlight was a successful play, especially in Michigan. Its premise is way over the top and its staging let the audience use a little imagination in some of the more surreal scenes. On film, it's not really funny to see a man with his face in another man's ass waiting for him to fart, and the movie's hammy acting doesn't make characters, it makes caricatures. And what the hell is the UFO tie in? If it was supposed to be magical or mystical, it came off as absurd and stupid. For cryin' out loud, these people are interesting (and funny) enough, why bash me over the head with outrageousness without purpose? For anyone who thought this was funny, I suggest checking out Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know radio show. His interview with a northern Wisconsin Sturgeon fisherman and his wife was infinitely funnier than anything in Escanaba in Da Moonlight. It was real, it was funny and no one got farted on. I would be surprised if Escanaba gets national distribution, which may be for the best because then professional critics won't have a chance to skewer it and embarrass Jeff Daniels who deserves an A for effort, but a an F for execution.

If you are a real outdoors person, you will like it.

[bluzman · 8/10 · 22 December 2001]

This is a very funny parody of the realities of life amongst the real yoopers, not the phony yoopers who live near academia at the colleges in The Soo, Marquette and Houghton. It started as a very successful play and has been carefully translated to film. It is about the myths and legends surrounding deer hunting camps and hunting. If you have ever spent time in a deer camp, you will recognize all the truths they joke about (drinking, cardplaying, farting, sacred clothing and food, etc. etc.). A bearwalker is an Indian legend about a spirit which has came back or been called back on a mission -- they often take the form of a bear, hence the name. See it.

"Escanaba" smells suspiciously fecal

[dye-3 · 2/10 · 4 March 2006]

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.

I Watched, Laughed, Farted and Then had the Urge to Hunt!

[sawyertom · 11 November 2002]

I saw Escanaba in The Moonlight when it first came out. MY wife and kids and myself laughed until we had tears in our eyes. We thought it was funny. Especially the fart jokes. Sorry ladies, but I am a hunter and have been in more than a few deer camps to know what actually goes on. They play cards, fart, drink, tell jokes, read Playboy Magazines in the john and tell all kinds of stories. Most of the ladies would think this is gross obnoxious behavior. Then again, us guys aren't like they are in those stupid "I'm a Victim too" chick flicks, which us guys find obnoxious and odious because of how men are portrayed in them. As a comedy about hunting, the performances and some of the things in the story are exaggerated. But, isn't most humor? Jimmer steals the show with his talking, drinking and of course major flatulence. Harve Presnell is very good as well. THis is a must for all fans of comedies and hunting. I can relate to Jeff Daniels' character in a way, because the only deer that I managed to bag other than a spike horn some years ago were does, until a couple of years ago. I hadn't even seen a buck out in the woods until then. While, I loved the movie, that isn't to say that it couldn't have been better. I wish, they would have used the Da Yoopers music in the sound track, not played up the ufo and mystical aspect so much and maybe had more hunting related humor and dialog in it. Could it have been better. Sure. But as it is, it's still a pretty damned good movie! FOUR BULLSEYES OUT OF FOUR BULLSEYES on this one.

Hilarity at it's best!

[jaygagety · 10/10 · 27 February 2003]

Having made a million trips up north (well past St. Ignace) through the years, and experiencing a zillion or so deer camps, as well as knowing a hunter or two that have had their buckless days, the familiar theme in this movie was so fun for me and my family. We saw the play in Detroit twice, and ran right out to buy the movie. I recommend this movie to anyone that wants a good laugh. Jeff Daniels successfully carried the enthusiasm and laughs from the play into the movie, and that can be hard to accomplish when you know people out there have such high expectations from seeing the play. Exceptional performances from everyone, but I would have to say there's no one quite like the Jimmer on the planet. He's phenomenal! Not to mention, there is a sweet side to this movie that women (besides me) will love. GO BUY THIS MOVIE!!!!! It's not just for people in Michigan, I swear!

Great movie if you like flatulence and men in long underwear

[HAL9000-4 · 1/10 · 14 February 2001]

Never has flatulence been such an important part of the action since Mel Brooks "Blazing Saddles". I call this film "Dumb and Dumber" meets "The Blair Witch Project". Taking the worst elements of both movies and you get something that makes you want to gouge your eyes out with both hands.

Did I mention other key McGuffins such as porcupine urine, maple syrup, and yes moose testacles.

Laughed myself silly

[Bronco46 · 10/10 · 27 October 2002]

This is one of those films you'll either love it or hate it.

And for those that hate it, it is probably because you can't get past the silliness. But taken as a whole this is actually a very entertaining film with some of the best fart jokes of all times. But getting your buck from a two-holer-----you'll see what I mean! Best if viewed with a pasty.

Yow

[killermcbash · 1/10 · 9 May 2006]

This may well be the worst movie I've ever seen, and that's saying something. It's like saying George Bush is the worst President ever. Well, duh. If this is the best representation that Yoopers can find, then I feel really sorry for them. And I'm from Minnesota. Ya gotta find a better story, eh? Fer ghad's sake.

Here's whatcha do: Ya go find a director with some actual talent, and ya find a script with some funny stuff in it (fart jokes don't count), and ya make a movie. Then I'll watch it.

Until then, I'll watch the Daily, eh?

That's a TV show, ya buckless Yoopers.

MAC

Jeff Daniels Moves Past the Stigma of Playing Dumb

[gavin6942 · 8/10 · 17 December 2006]

A family of deer hunters, one of them (Jeff Daniels) a buckless Yooper, ventures into deer camp for another year of hunting. But this year is special, with tradition thrown to the wind, and the coming of something special: God, aliens or worse!

The most difficult thing about trying to classify this movie is not figuring out what genre it is (clearly it is a comedy), but what subgenre? There are strong dramatic elements in here, but also a few ludicrous scenes where some horror or science fiction elements surface. So if someone asks what kind of comedy it is, there is no good way to answer that...

I live in Northeastern Wisconsin, so Yoopers (people who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) and deer hunting are commonplace where I live. And while the accents in this movie are greatly exaggerated (not unlike the accents in "Fargo"), much of what is shown is not far from the truth. This film really hit home for me, which helped on top of the already hilarious scenes. My second viewing was with a group of people who actually spend time in Escanaba, and they swear it is even more true than I happen to think it is.

Jeff Daniels strangely plays the "straight man" throughout most of this one, allowing those around him to provide the situations. Cousin Jimmers from Menominee is great as a wild man with a penchant for alcohol after being abducted by aliens. DNR Ranger Tom becomes possessed and strips to his skivvies. Porcupine urine and whiskey made out of sap are here, too.

The film is silly, but not stupid (like "Dumb and Dumber"). You will not have to spend all day thinking about what you saw, but you are also not going to be left with two brain cells left. As far as comedies go, this one has something for everyone -- the Goldilocks of comedies. I strongly support this film and hope it is only the beginning of a great career for Daniels.

worst movie of all time

[innocuousbeliefs · 1/10 · 20 October 2005]

I'm going to have to disagree with that previous statement that being a "yooper" helps people understand the "inside jokes" of this film. This films inside jokes are more like idiotic presumptions made by people who are from the lower peninsula. Its like the Eino & Toivo jokes of yore. This movie is idiotically stupid; the only real value is if you're incredibly high and need something moronic to view. True there are pasties in the U.P. but no one takes a bunch of pasties to camp; thats ridiculously stupid. When you're at camp, you don't act like a complete moron and fart, drink urine and chase imaginary deer. This movie was so hard to finish and I'm from the U.P. I think this movie is an insult to Yoopers. "guh"... don't waste your time.

Excellent movie with a good message.

[shutout81 · 30 November 2002]

I dont think most people will understand alot of the jokes told in this movie if you are not familiar with hows things are in the U.P. Most people who are not from the area probably will not like this movie.

This movie has a nice blend of sophomoric humor with a nice lesson in family values. This movie shows the sacrifices a family will make for one member which was real nice to see, and it was done in a manner that was not corny, so it carried an impact.

Most people who do not like this movie should because it was too goofy should lighten up. They need to realize that the movie is intended to be sophomoric, but carry an underlying message that is noted above.

Overall, I say this movie is a 8 out of 10. If you are in the mood for a silly funny movie, go out an rent this movie. I am glad to see that they finally released this movie, so it should start to become available, at least in the Michigan area.

very funny

[phokt · 10/10 · 28 June 2003]

We visited the UP last year and fell in love with it. (Have been there before, of course.) The humor is sooo stupid it is funny. YET, there are a lot of subtle looks, winks, and nods too. You do have to understand non-city humor and it helps to love Michigan. Which we do! Family in Fruitport, South Haven, Holland, and Caro...... Perfect summer place. Not too fond of winter, tho.

What' happened to Jeff???

[guyb · 1/10 · 26 October 2002]

It is inconceivable to me how ANYONE could have enjoyed or laughed at this movie. I'd say it's the worst movie I've seen in years and I see a lot of them. Maybe I've forgotten junior high? It's also very hard to believe that this is the same Jeff Daniels to did such a brilliant performance of George Washington in The Crossing. Seems like ever since he did Dumber, he's gone into the tank. Can you believe he even wrote and directed this junk?

my chevy took a sh*t

[elsterusa · 10/10 · 16 December 2003]

For all you haters out there who didn't give this movie a 10 out of 10, I have one thing to say to you. I'd like to put your face on Jimmer's butt and have him rip one twice. Seriously, this is THE funniest movie ever made. I suppose that you had to go to the Upper Peninsula in order to like this movie. So, everyone, pack up your things and drive to the UP. Once you leave, rent this movie and laugh your *ss of. This movie is funny beyond the limits of human comprehension. The mixture of moose testicles and porcupine p*ss is a powerful concoction that both destroys and builds up this movie at the same time. Beware of possessed Detroit park rangers, incoherent and gassy small bearded men, and the all powerful bearwalks, for they all lurk in the darkness of ESCANABA!!!

Watching this is like a form of punishment......

[merklekranz · 1/10 · 22 February 2008]

Jeff Daniels first movie that he directed "Escanaba in da Moonlight" is equally bad as his second film, "Super Sucker". Both movies lack a credible script, and essentially have the same weak timing and direction. This one starts out as a comedy, then about about a half hour in, suddenly morphs into spiritual possession, U.F.O.s, and other total nonsense. The non-existent script is padded with repetitive fart jokes, off key warbling, meaningless narration, and tiresome scenes that go on and on and on. If Jeff Daniels wanted to make a boring short about Upper Peninsula superstitions and native rituals, I wish he would have done so, instead of making a feature film that is a total waste of the viewers time. - MERK

A teaching of the Yaqui Way, Yooper style. Excellent.

[JoeBobJones · 8/10 · 5 May 2011]

Escanaba is really a wonderful, existential exploration into Yooper mysticism, if such a thing truly exists. It takes place in the hunting cabin handed down through generations, to which such local importance is placed on "bagging the buck" that our hero (Jeff Daniels) is effectively made a local leper for never shooting one. He is presented with a gift of sorts to remedy this malady. Yes, it has glorious fart jokes, indecipherable up north speak, euchre (for those who know, it's a great euchre scene), and basic base dumb guy humor. The undercurrent of this film runs far deeper, and shouldn't be dismissed as it is by the detractors here on IMDb. Strains of family ties, disappointment, and self loathing dominate, but also love binds this film into a strange but cohesive journey toward one mans self discovery through attempted slaughter of a buck. This is far deeper than the casual viewer might give it credit. It takes fantastic, surreal turns. In other stories, similar characters to Jeff Daniel's Reuben traverse the sojourn into the metaphysical state fueled by various psychedelic drugs, cacti, or what have you. In this case, it seems to be fueled by porcupine pee and other unsavory fluids, drunk by all and sundry in the hunting cabin. All participate in what might be called an ongoing porcupine fueled group hallucination, but is it? In the end, as we might expect (and hope), Daniels finds his redemption. I defy anyone not to be happy in this conclusion. I loved this play adapted to film, and I fling poo at those who call it "bad", they just don't get it. Escanaba In Da Moonlight is wonderful.

One of the worst.

[marian-1 · 1/10 · 14 February 2001]

One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Excruciatingly slow-moving, boring and stupid. Lots of juvenile bathroom-humor, drawn out into painful tedium. I like Jeff Daniels, but he should stick to acting and forget writing. I am amazed this is rated as high as it is. I call it a turkey.