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The Big Tease: The Review

Directed By: Kevin Allen
Starring: Craig Ferguson, David Rasche, Donal Logue and Frances Fisher.

Once you see this film you will appreciate the work and editing put into Christopher Guests' Waiting for Guffman and Best In Show (do I even have to mention This is Spinal Tap at this point?) that much more. That's not to say this is a bad film. Not at all. It has some truly funny moments, and Craig Ferguson (Mr. Wick on the Drew Carey Show) is perfect as Scottish hairdresser Crawford Mackenzie but it doesn't have the pacing, the finesse, or the truly strong characters that seem to evolve from Guest and his Improv troupe.

Told in documentary form, Crawford McKenzie is followed by a BBC crew as he makes his way from Glasgow to L.A. to compete in the W.H.I.F. (World International Hairdressing Federation) competition. There is one snag, he was invited as a guest, not a participant. However, Mackenzie, who often compares himself to William Wallace (Braveheart) will not be stopped by such trivial problems as a Union card, lack of funds or the 'evil' hairdresser Stig (played by David Rasche - Sledgehammer).

Craig Ferguson puts his all into the character but the script often feels thin and only the steady stream of minor celebrities cropping up in supporting roles or appearing as themselves keeps one totally involved.

Although Donal Logue was underused and given only a few minutes to shine, perhaps more of him was on the cutting room floor. Check him out in The Tao of Steve, perhaps an overrated movie, but made up for by another great performance by Logue.

The reason I bring up the Tao of Steve is that it suffers from the same problem as The Big Tease. Both funny ideas, some great dialogue moments, but the glue doesn't always hold. The reason: I am going to be cruel and blame the director, Kevin Allen who also made the equally interesting and equally unfulfilling Twin Town. However, The Big Tease was a step in the right direction and we should be thankful that while Mr. Allen hasn't yet given us a thorough flick, he has given us two solid bases and he will undoubtedly get better as he goes on. After all, he's in his early 30's, endless room for some great work to emerge.

Copyright© DVDwolf.com
Copyright© Written By: Rob Paul

DVD Information: Special Features: Interactive Menus, Scene Access, Theatrical Trailer Video Format: Standard 1.33:1 [4:3] Widescreen (no A.R. specified) Subtitles: English, French Audio Tracks: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround: English Running time of 86 minutes Closed Captioned.

The DVD Scoop:

As for the DVD? Not much there folks but the original Theatrical Trailer, which is worth a look because a lot of the footage in it is not actually in the movie. I would rate this a nice Sunday rental but unless you must own every DVD there is, I can't fully recommend it. No perks, no outtakes, and I am sure a damn fine gag reel could have been composed from this sucker!