Fellman's Movie Reviews

A Mighty Wind is another great mockumentary style comedy by director Christopher Guest. It is written by Guest and co-written with Eugene Levy, who also stars alongside Guest in the movie. Although, they aren’t the only stars. There are the usual assortment of actors that appear in Christopher Guest’s projects. Harry Shearer, Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, Michael McKean, Jane Lynch, John Michael Higgins, Fred Willard and Ed Begley jr.  

I wouldn’t say this is as funny as Guest’s previous movies. There’s something missing. It’s not that it isn’t funny, because it still is. It’s just that it’s not AS funny as the other ones are. But when you consistently make great movies, it’s hard to top yourself every time. So, you can’t tout the guy for dialing it back once in a while. 

What is amazing about this movie is how the music is all written and composed by people in the film. Michael McKean and Christopher Guest wrote most of the music and songs themselves. Eugene Levy and Cathrine O’Hara wrote some of the songs that Mitch and Micky performed. And John Michael Higgins arranged the big song near the end of the movie where everyone is playing together on stage. It’s amazing how much musical talent went into this movie.  

And I think that’s what took away from it being as funny as the other movies. You were so wrapped up in the music that the comedy almost took a back seat to it. And once again, it’s not that it isn’t a funny movie, because it’s still a very funny movie. But, because of the musical element, you sort of get wrapped up in that story line and it becomes the main focus. And the comedy just kind of pokes its head out around the music after a little while.  

So, yeah. Go and see A Mighty Wind. It might not be Chrisopher Guest’s best movie. But it’s certainly worth watching. Especially because of Fred Willard’s character, yet again. Because Fred Willard is just hilarious in everything he does. And as always, keep on watching, with a smile on your face…