MacGruber

Release Date: May 21, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min. 

Director: Jorma Taccone 

Cast: Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, Val Kilmer, Powers Boothe. 

After a hiatus of SNL skit-turned-movies, there is a new hero in town by the name of “MacGruber.” He’s highly trained, highly awarded…and a total case for disaster. Like many SNL members before him, Will Forte steps into his first lead role as a spoof of the tv character MacGyver. Known for his stylish mullet and tendency to get sidetracked, MacGruber never [always] fails to disarm a bomb. Unfortunately, we don’t get a glimpse of the skit format until the very end. Unlike “Austin Powers,” which relied heavily on absurdity and puns, this film primarily focuses on crude jokes and exterior exposure to get the audience laughing. It does provide humor at times, but the main character does little to appear appealing or likable. In lieu of this, Kristen Wiig does a great job in offering some consolation as the trusty sidekick, Vicki St. Elmo. Nevertheless, this is one film that’s acquired through multiple viewings rather than enjoyed the first time around. 

Rating: 2 stars