The normally brilliant Harry Shearer stumbles with Teddy Bears' Picnic. All the components are present for a potentially hilarious and telling mockumentary-style satire on the famous Bohemian Grove, where an odd mix of New World Order power mongers, artists, pseudo intellectuals, and quasi-celebrity mix in a state of misogynistic, sophomoric, and fraternal abandon. An inspired and willing all-star cast combined with dozens of hilarious inside-joke instants, give the piece great scene-by-scene potential. But sadly, the work as a whole simply disintegrates into a surprising state of comic mistiming and sloppy direction. "Surprising" because of the intrinsic talent involved in the project. It seemed to me that this made-for-TV piece was conceived at breakfast and filmed by dinnertime, cobbled together and performed in one take. It is as if we are looking at the "dailies" rather than the final piece. With basically strong comic material, just a little TLC with the plot flow and a more careful tuning of the comic timing (in direction, acting, and editing) could have made this into a real cult classic. Should be remade to pack the real comic punch the material contains.
17 Reviews
disappointing
tonerbomb8 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The vitriol some folks have directed at this one is unwarranted - there are a few good moments - but the movie is certainly less than can be expected, given the quality of the actors and writers involved.
The real problem is that (contrary to a key premise of the film) nothing "shocking" happens. Maybe we're all too cynical...but middle-aged and elderly men getting drunk and dancing in drag isn't even mildly disturbing or shocking. Perhaps if more comedy had been drawn from the general's mortification, rather than at being in drag itself, that might have worked better.
Oh - and there were prostitutes. Two of them. If I got the impression that these guys were sober enough to actually patronize the prostitutes, I'd feel sorry for the two of them having to service the twenty or so men. But as it was, their role was pretty damned minimal. And again: wealthy powerful men patronize prostitutes? News flash!
The political machinations, perhaps, would have been more shocking in 2002 - but after five years of Bush, no amount of corporate looting and law-evading is shocking anymore. Another lost opportunity: one scene features a character making racist remarks about the players on the sports team he owns - even though the bartender, standing right behind him, is African-American. Does the bartender react? Other than a roll of the eyes, no - no sense that any effect will come back to the sports owner, or that the bartender is more than mildly annoyed at the way he's invisible to these guys.
Even the real damages these guys caused in the film - such as the forest fire - don't read as dangerous or damaging, because Shearer never gets the tone right so that we both care about these characters (or hate them) and feel any sense of outrage. Essentially, the whole thing just falls flat.
Shearer wanted to make a Christopher Guest-like satire/pseudo-documentary. He's a talented actor - but clearly, he's not ready for the big leagues in directing yet. The failures of this film, though, make me appreciate what Guest has accomplished all the more.
The real problem is that (contrary to a key premise of the film) nothing "shocking" happens. Maybe we're all too cynical...but middle-aged and elderly men getting drunk and dancing in drag isn't even mildly disturbing or shocking. Perhaps if more comedy had been drawn from the general's mortification, rather than at being in drag itself, that might have worked better.
Oh - and there were prostitutes. Two of them. If I got the impression that these guys were sober enough to actually patronize the prostitutes, I'd feel sorry for the two of them having to service the twenty or so men. But as it was, their role was pretty damned minimal. And again: wealthy powerful men patronize prostitutes? News flash!
The political machinations, perhaps, would have been more shocking in 2002 - but after five years of Bush, no amount of corporate looting and law-evading is shocking anymore. Another lost opportunity: one scene features a character making racist remarks about the players on the sports team he owns - even though the bartender, standing right behind him, is African-American. Does the bartender react? Other than a roll of the eyes, no - no sense that any effect will come back to the sports owner, or that the bartender is more than mildly annoyed at the way he's invisible to these guys.
Even the real damages these guys caused in the film - such as the forest fire - don't read as dangerous or damaging, because Shearer never gets the tone right so that we both care about these characters (or hate them) and feel any sense of outrage. Essentially, the whole thing just falls flat.
Shearer wanted to make a Christopher Guest-like satire/pseudo-documentary. He's a talented actor - but clearly, he's not ready for the big leagues in directing yet. The failures of this film, though, make me appreciate what Guest has accomplished all the more.
Bad PR for Bohemian Grove
rleather8 September 2007
Its not a good film. It's not very funny.
But what's worse is that this is little more apologist piece on behalf of long term Bohemian Grove guest Harry Shearer.
Quite how this film managed to get made leads to some very worrying thoughts. Viewers might want to catch Alex Jones's "The Order of Death" for an alternative view of the goings on at Bohemian Grove.
But politics aside, is it anything more than a grown up a very of Animal House? I'm sorry to say it's not. In fact to be honest, it makes Animal House look like Citizen Kane by comparison and I can only imagine this would be because of the poor concept at the start of production.
Not very original at all.
So would I rent it (again)? No. Would I watch it on TV? (not again!).
But what's worse is that this is little more apologist piece on behalf of long term Bohemian Grove guest Harry Shearer.
Quite how this film managed to get made leads to some very worrying thoughts. Viewers might want to catch Alex Jones's "The Order of Death" for an alternative view of the goings on at Bohemian Grove.
But politics aside, is it anything more than a grown up a very of Animal House? I'm sorry to say it's not. In fact to be honest, it makes Animal House look like Citizen Kane by comparison and I can only imagine this would be because of the poor concept at the start of production.
Not very original at all.
So would I rent it (again)? No. Would I watch it on TV? (not again!).
Stifled giggles
mackerm28 April 2002
I found myself consciously suppressing chuckles because several of the early jokes were racial slurs designed to make you cringe, but the movie audience was decidedly multi-ethnic. I bet it fares better on home video where the audience won't be so self-conscious. George Wendt has the juciest role as a general who goes overboard in trying to cover up Zambizi Glen's, and his own, secret. My personal favorites are Howard Hessman's portrayal of a grossly-overqualified theatrical director, and the actress playing the TV news producer. Morgan Fairchild has a very welcome, if small role.
I wanted to see this in a theater because it was shot in 480P video. My amateur's eyes couldn't see any difference between this and traditionally filmed movies-- quite surprising because this is lower resolution than even HDTV.
I wanted to see this in a theater because it was shot in 480P video. My amateur's eyes couldn't see any difference between this and traditionally filmed movies-- quite surprising because this is lower resolution than even HDTV.
Extremely disappointing
cutup20 September 2004
I rented this the other night on the strength of Harry Shearer and accompanying cast - which seemed like it had a lot of promise. Unfortunately, I can't say I've ever been more disappointed in a movie. The concept was good, but there was really no main plot; just a collection of undeveloped subplots. Its obvious that the movie was heavily edited, but if what they left are the good parts, then I cringe to think what was cut. None of the actors gave a memorable performance, although with such a large ensemble, very few had enough of a chance. But besides that, the writing wasn't up to par. There was maybe one funny line in the whole movie, which was really close to the end. Not even worth a rental.
All-Star cast gone to waste
kleinhans-13 September 2005
I rented this film expecting to laugh my ass-off. Long story short, my ass is still there. It was not what I would expect from Harry Shearer and an all-star comedic cast ranging from Michael McKeon to Alan Thicke. It even had a cameo of my favorite actress, Morgan Fairchild!
The movie was rated-R, therefore I REALLY expected some top-level comedy and even some nudity. But No.
There is no spoiler to be given of the movie. There is no plot to the story anyway!
I was so disappointed that I conducted a ritualistic bonfire in my parent's backyard where I burnt the offensive footage. Hopefully I destroyed the unfunny demons that inhabited the film. We can only hope.
Harry Shearer should be required to get a permit and meet some standards before assembling a talented cast for any of his future projects. Thankyou, and god bless America!
-----Scott A. Kleinhans
The movie was rated-R, therefore I REALLY expected some top-level comedy and even some nudity. But No.
There is no spoiler to be given of the movie. There is no plot to the story anyway!
I was so disappointed that I conducted a ritualistic bonfire in my parent's backyard where I burnt the offensive footage. Hopefully I destroyed the unfunny demons that inhabited the film. We can only hope.
Harry Shearer should be required to get a permit and meet some standards before assembling a talented cast for any of his future projects. Thankyou, and god bless America!
-----Scott A. Kleinhans
I like Harry Shearer, but...
kallen9920 October 2005
This is a bad movie, an embarrassingly bad movie. It is disjointed, poorly photographed, and, worst of all, not funny. One big problem is that the film includes a number of loosely connected subplots that don't go anywhere. They just get in the way of the main story.
You have the impression that Shearer went into this with a rough idea of what he wanted, then let the actors improvise, intending to pull it together during editing. Maybe he didn't get the material he wanted; maybe he didn't have time to do the editing properly. Whatever happened, the end result is a mess.
I hate to say it, but not even major Shearer fans should bother with this one.
You have the impression that Shearer went into this with a rough idea of what he wanted, then let the actors improvise, intending to pull it together during editing. Maybe he didn't get the material he wanted; maybe he didn't have time to do the editing properly. Whatever happened, the end result is a mess.
I hate to say it, but not even major Shearer fans should bother with this one.
One of the worst!!
dougia66925 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I cannot leave a spoiler for this production as I am hard pressed to find any semblance of a believable story in this poorly written and poorly composed production. Some recognizable actors and others walking their way through a quagmire of a story. NOt funny, not believable, and without any redeeming value whatsoever.
This production, and I use that term very loosely, falls into the same category as: "Dark Waters", "Python vs. Boa", and "Frankenfish". No comedy and absolutely no reason to watch, rent or buy.
I do not understand how an actor, or crew member for that matter, can take part in a production with absolutely no redeeming value. One must be very hard up for work, or in the case of the crew, not had the opportunity to pre-read the script. But, I suppose, even a production the likes of this does help some people pay the rent. My condolences to them.
This production, and I use that term very loosely, falls into the same category as: "Dark Waters", "Python vs. Boa", and "Frankenfish". No comedy and absolutely no reason to watch, rent or buy.
I do not understand how an actor, or crew member for that matter, can take part in a production with absolutely no redeeming value. One must be very hard up for work, or in the case of the crew, not had the opportunity to pre-read the script. But, I suppose, even a production the likes of this does help some people pay the rent. My condolences to them.
spoof the Bohemian Grove gathering
donaldricco1 July 2021
Well, I really wanted to love this, with a star-studded cast and a promise to spoof the Bohemian Grove gathering in Northern California, but this isn't a good movie. Despite the comedic talent in the cast, it's just not very funny.
Vey wonderful off-beat look at the corporate of America.
lorrelmae29 December 2006
I saw this movie in Santa Cruz, with Harry presiding. Fabulous movie for those into politics, and those who know what "the Grotto", and Bohemian club are. Harry actually visited the Grotto as a guest, then made the movie. It's "low-budget", of course there aren't many people out there who would back a movie like this, and Harry did it himself. It tells well of their "bohemian" getaways! This is the way the corporate of America spend their time, at our expense!! (You can pick out who is whom.)Harry is not in it as much as I would prefer, yet Michael McKean picks up where he leaves off. I love the part about the "resident artist"! Watch this film, it sits well with any Michael Moore documentary. I wholly recommend this movie to people who are not Republicans.
As Much As One Could Expect From Harry Shearer
RØB22 December 2001
I was fortunate enough to see this film at one of its world premieres as part of the St. Louis International Film Festival. Unfortunately, Harry Shearer could not come and talk to us about it, as was scheduled, but from what I hear, his make-up Q&A session a few days later was riotous.
Naturally, this comes as no surprise. In the fashion of earlier works such as *This Is Spinal Tap,* *Waiting For Guffman,* and *Best In Show* (not all of which had anything to do with Shearer himself, necessarily), the comedy relies heavily upon quirky yet somehow realistic characters in situations to match. Improvisation and satirical exaggeration combined with portrayal of bizarre characters by some unexpected performers and comic pacing that only someone like Shearer could pull off make this one of the better comedies of the year. While I'm unsure of how well-distributed the film will be, all fans of the aforementioned films should make an effort to see it.
Naturally, this comes as no surprise. In the fashion of earlier works such as *This Is Spinal Tap,* *Waiting For Guffman,* and *Best In Show* (not all of which had anything to do with Shearer himself, necessarily), the comedy relies heavily upon quirky yet somehow realistic characters in situations to match. Improvisation and satirical exaggeration combined with portrayal of bizarre characters by some unexpected performers and comic pacing that only someone like Shearer could pull off make this one of the better comedies of the year. While I'm unsure of how well-distributed the film will be, all fans of the aforementioned films should make an effort to see it.
Take a chance - JUST RENT IT!!
brickbats6 March 2004
I didn't catch this in the movie theater - I was discouraged by the slam in the SF paper, and it came and went in the blink of an eye - but I was surprised to find it on dvd yesterday, and took a chance. My friends and I are glad I did - it was a hoot!. It seems the movie was heavily edited - some potential subplots fizzled out - but what is left is still a funny, fine satire of the news media, of the B.C.... and anything with Harry Shearer is certainly worth 90 minutes. It won't change your life - but hey, relax, it's a decent movie .... just rent it!
Forced laughter
jhansman24 February 2004
I love Harry Shearer. I've been a fan of his subtle, ascerbic humor going back to his Credibility Gap days on KRLA in Los Angeles, through the genius that was Spinal Tap, on to the Simpsons and right up til today with his weekly radio show. That's why I was so dissappointed in this effort; it simply isn't up to his standard.
With so much talent to work with and a perfectly good premise (no spoilers here), Shearer fails to pull off what could have been a good natured poke at the Bohemian Club. Instead, he briefly introduces us to a bunch of characters (never long enough to appreciate why such people would be at such a place), who would be much less annoying if they were at least funny. Alas, they are not, and the plot (such as it is) becomes just juvenille enough to bring the whole thing crashing down.
Even though this movie is an utter failure, I still have faith in Harry's gift for wry humor. Everyone lays an egg sooner or later, and this, unfortunately, what his.
With so much talent to work with and a perfectly good premise (no spoilers here), Shearer fails to pull off what could have been a good natured poke at the Bohemian Club. Instead, he briefly introduces us to a bunch of characters (never long enough to appreciate why such people would be at such a place), who would be much less annoying if they were at least funny. Alas, they are not, and the plot (such as it is) becomes just juvenille enough to bring the whole thing crashing down.
Even though this movie is an utter failure, I still have faith in Harry's gift for wry humor. Everyone lays an egg sooner or later, and this, unfortunately, what his.
Good (But Not Guest)
mhulbert7 April 2002
I agree with the prior comment that this film is in the spirit of Christopher Guest's movies, but it does not quite reach those standards (although, of course, that is setting the bar pretty high). Certainly an amusing film, but one wishes that perhaps the actors had been given some flexibilty to show their comedic muscle (particulary John Micheal Higgins, whose improv in Best in Show was off the charts). Unfortunately, it's not only the fire that fizzles out a little towards the end. Overall though, clearly superior to most comedies out there (and some great satire re TV news), but with someone like Shearer and a cast of this quality one enters the cinema with such high hopes it is easy to be disappointed.
Very Disappointing
randycoates7 April 2008
This film adds up to much less than the sum of its parts, and by parts I'm referring to the fantastic and star-studded cast. With Fred Willard, Michael McKean, George Wendt, Bob Einstein, the guy from Sledge Hammer (sorry I forget his name but he's great) and a ton of other people I am surprised at how bad the movie turned out. I think the big problem was with the script (lacks laughs and isn't a very meaty story, it's just a bunch of gags one after another and they aren't that funny) and mostly with the production value, the sound and video are of very poor quality. This cast deserves better and so does Harry Shearer, who also wrote and directed this. Maybe he was busy working on the Simpsons or something but he is usually much more funny than this movie would have you believe. 3 out of 10.
What a piece of crap.
vampyrecowboy18 March 2005
Oh my, I can\t believe I sat through this. This is unbelievably horrible and excruciatingly boring to say the best.
Here is what is on my cassette box cover...Teddy Pears Picnic. For 51 weeks a year, they run the country. For 1 week they run amok.
This is horrible. It is pointless and is drearingly so painstakingly utterly boring. If you take any advice from somebody who loves watching movies...take this advice. Either shoot yourself in the head or jump in-front of a speeding train or truck before you watch this film;m.
Film? Did I call this crud film? Where's the humor? Where's the running amok? Where are the floozies? What is so special about this garbage that it has a box cover? NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!! If I ever go camping in the woods and need something to use so I can make a path, I will certainly tear this cassette apart and stretch out the tape for as long as I can to find my way back.
Is it bad? Oh yeah...is it funny? NOOOOOOOOOOO. Is there a point to this cinematic schlock? Try to find one and you win an award.
I could go on and on about how crappy this is and what a waste of time it is, in fact I had more fun writing this review than I had watching 2 minutes of this.
Horrible in terms of story, comedy, action and anything which is supposed to result in a movie.
This is below substandard and hits an all new low. Oh...you don't believe me? Try it...go on...I dare you. Spend the money...go on...I double dare you.
Oh, now you get my point...yeah, well you damn well better listen to me next time I tell you how bad a video is. It's that bad....and boring.
If you have the guts to sit through this and figure it all out and find any humour in it...then YOU are a better person than me and I will be forever indebted to you.
Misleading box-cover and synopsis allowed me to think that after an hour of total nothing that this may get better. Oh yeah...right.
Even the best drugs and crates of alcohol and a pipe struck to my forehead at full force will not make me change my mind.
If you truly hate or despise somebody for any reason and you fell so compelled to harm them mentally, treat them to a viewing of this 2 times without letting them leave for any reason. They will truly suffer one of the worst painstaking injuries ever known to man.
When captured enemies must be forced to infinite amounts of pain...this is their torture.
Oh and if you got through the end of this review...you just enjoyed yourself thousand of times more than sitting through the entire duration of this nasty, vile piece of ughhhhhhhhhhhh.
Here is what is on my cassette box cover...Teddy Pears Picnic. For 51 weeks a year, they run the country. For 1 week they run amok.
This is horrible. It is pointless and is drearingly so painstakingly utterly boring. If you take any advice from somebody who loves watching movies...take this advice. Either shoot yourself in the head or jump in-front of a speeding train or truck before you watch this film;m.
Film? Did I call this crud film? Where's the humor? Where's the running amok? Where are the floozies? What is so special about this garbage that it has a box cover? NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!! If I ever go camping in the woods and need something to use so I can make a path, I will certainly tear this cassette apart and stretch out the tape for as long as I can to find my way back.
Is it bad? Oh yeah...is it funny? NOOOOOOOOOOO. Is there a point to this cinematic schlock? Try to find one and you win an award.
I could go on and on about how crappy this is and what a waste of time it is, in fact I had more fun writing this review than I had watching 2 minutes of this.
Horrible in terms of story, comedy, action and anything which is supposed to result in a movie.
This is below substandard and hits an all new low. Oh...you don't believe me? Try it...go on...I dare you. Spend the money...go on...I double dare you.
Oh, now you get my point...yeah, well you damn well better listen to me next time I tell you how bad a video is. It's that bad....and boring.
If you have the guts to sit through this and figure it all out and find any humour in it...then YOU are a better person than me and I will be forever indebted to you.
Misleading box-cover and synopsis allowed me to think that after an hour of total nothing that this may get better. Oh yeah...right.
Even the best drugs and crates of alcohol and a pipe struck to my forehead at full force will not make me change my mind.
If you truly hate or despise somebody for any reason and you fell so compelled to harm them mentally, treat them to a viewing of this 2 times without letting them leave for any reason. They will truly suffer one of the worst painstaking injuries ever known to man.
When captured enemies must be forced to infinite amounts of pain...this is their torture.
Oh and if you got through the end of this review...you just enjoyed yourself thousand of times more than sitting through the entire duration of this nasty, vile piece of ughhhhhhhhhhhh.
Haven't seen it yet.
wilbertvonbork15 April 2006
I love it, IMDb says: if you liked this title, we recommend "Chupacabra Terror".
I just got done watching Alex Jones' Order of Death where he talks about this film by Sheerer. I cant wait to rent it and see Mr. Burns' take on this "innocent gathering" of pedophiles in klan robes worshipping a giant Owl, should be a solid laugh.
I need 10 lines of text. My favorite role by Sheerer is in Blood and Concrete: A Love Story. Besides that, he has made me laugh numerous other times. Sadly, he going to make me laugh now for all the wrong reasons. The Bohemian Grove is a sick and twisted place, anyone caught defending it doesn't pass the laugh test.
I just got done watching Alex Jones' Order of Death where he talks about this film by Sheerer. I cant wait to rent it and see Mr. Burns' take on this "innocent gathering" of pedophiles in klan robes worshipping a giant Owl, should be a solid laugh.
I need 10 lines of text. My favorite role by Sheerer is in Blood and Concrete: A Love Story. Besides that, he has made me laugh numerous other times. Sadly, he going to make me laugh now for all the wrong reasons. The Bohemian Grove is a sick and twisted place, anyone caught defending it doesn't pass the laugh test.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
