In the 1970s and '80s, National Lampoon's success and influence creates a new media empire overseen in part by the brilliant and troubled Douglas Kenney.In the 1970s and '80s, National Lampoon's success and influence creates a new media empire overseen in part by the brilliant and troubled Douglas Kenney.In the 1970s and '80s, National Lampoon's success and influence creates a new media empire overseen in part by the brilliant and troubled Douglas Kenney.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
- Harvard Jester
- (as Ben Campbell)
- Time-Life Publisher
- (as Mitch Hurwitz)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJoel McHale portrays Chevy Chase in this project. The two costarred in Community (2009). A number of episodes centered on McHale's character fearing he would become like Chase's one day. When McHale called Chase and told him that he would be playing him in the film, Chase gave his blessing and shared with him stories about Doug Kenney.
- GoofsWhen the names of National Lampoon staff omitted from the movie are flashed on the screen, renowned cartoonist and NatLamp editor Shary Flenniken's name is misspelled (as "Sherry").
- Quotes
Tom Snyder: Mr. Kenney, it's a fine line between being clever and offensive, isn't it?
Douglas Kenney: Look, if I could just say something in defense of National Lampoon for one moment...
Tom Snyder: Please.
Douglas Kenney: We come from a tradition of truth-tellers. A long time ago, there was someone else society found offensive. They thought that what he did was radical - dangerous. They persecuted him... and eventually killed him. Of course, I'm referring to Dracula.
- Crazy creditsAfter the end credits have rolled, Martin Mull is shown singing the song "Time of My Life" with members of the cast.
- ConnectionsFeatures Airplane! (1980)
- SoundtracksChapel of Dreams
Written by Billy Myles
Performed by The Dubs
Courtesy of Rhino Entertainment Company
By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing
Clever story telling that takes a while to get the right mood, but once it hits the American Hustle-style montage pace with the '70s period look it just rolls along. Plenty of decent laughs, but with good introspection by the lead actor. I didn't know much about this guy, and his stuff was just before my time, but I found the story really engaging, and of course there's the satisfaction of spotting a host of comedy stars at the start of their screen careers. Biggest laugh was Chevy Chase trying to pour a drink at the parents' new mansion.
The meta narrative is amusing, with a pointed reference to the source of the movie's title, but it also pulls a clever trick in setting up a shock ending for anyone who doesn't know this man's life. Only complaint is that there's no killer line. Maybe: "All you had to say was don't call me Shirley".
The performances are good all round, and the direction, editing and cheerful music keep it bubbling all the way through.
Overall: Nice surprise, big recommend.
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Cử Chỉ Vô Nghĩa và Ngốc Nghếch
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 41 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.90 : 1