Senseless
(1998)
It isn't as funny as "Wayne's World," but it's a close
second. Director Penelope Spheeris has had a bad streak
of picking the worst material, but she gets back to
form here. Of course, she helped immensely by here great
cast. Marlon Wayans is truly funny as the lead character
in the film. Unafraid to do any physical stick or ridiculous
scene to make the film funny, Wayans goofs and mugs
his way through the film with abandon. Luckily, this
fits right into the plot so Wayans has a blast and can't
be accused of overdoing it. His opposition is David
Spade, who looks 20 years too old for his part. Still,
Spade is good at playing the smart ass and he does just
that here. Against a less enthusiastic co-star, Spade
might seem tired and dull but he lets the sparks fly
with Wayans and they seem to enjoy their time together.
It's just time for Spade to get a chance to stretch,
that's all.
Meanwhile, Matthew Lillard has a real chance to shine
and comes across as a truly funny guy here. How long
will it be until he gets a role that really makes him?
His work in "Scream" was a good start and he really
has a chance to show-off here. Lillard should be a big
star and his funny skate-punk in "Senseless" is amusing
and weird to boot. It's great to see him and Wayans
as roommates here with their friendship taken for granted.
Lillard is one to watch.
Tamara Taylor is Wayans' love interest in the film
and she is really cute. She looks like a black Laurie
Anderson. Treated with a rather typical plot twist in
her story, Taylor makes it look brand new. Like Wayans
and Lillard, she is on the path to a great career. Also
in the film, enjoying the ride are Rip Torn, Brad Dourif,
and Debra Joe Rupp.
The script by Greg Erb and Craig Mazan could go either
way. There isn't a whole lot of new stuff here. It is
Wayans, Lillard and Taylor, bouncing through Spheeris'
lively direction that really makes it all come together.
In addition to her filming, Spheeris works well in post
production by including wonderful snappy editing and
a particularly energetic and appropriate soundtrack
scored by the techno rock band Yello.
"Senseless" has a plot that makes you think it may
have once been a Jim Carrey project. It would be far
too typical if he had done this film. But with the new
stars, Spade and Torn doing their funny and serious
schtick, and Spheeris' freewheeling behind the camera,
it all comes out fresh and funny.
Note:
Also with music by Fluke, Naked Aggression, Gravediggaz,
Fatboy Slim, The Crystal Method, Moby, Freak Brothers,
P.M. Dawn and others.
Patrick Ewing has a cameo when Wayans goes to a game
featuring the Knicks and Mavericks. Sherman Hemsley
also has a cameo and the theme for the "Jeffersons"
is also played. A joke is made about Brad Pitt in "Interview
with the Vampire."
A part of a poem by Langston Hughes is read.
Review written in 1998
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