A Mighty Wind

• Released:July 24 2003
• Cast: Bob Balaban, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins, Eugene Levy, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey, Harry Shearer and Fred Willard
• Director: Christopher Guest
• Genre: Comedy
• Rated: PG
• Running Time: 92 Minutes

Back Together For The First Time, Again.


Synopsis:
When folk icon Irving Steinbloom passed away, he left behind a legacy of music and a family of performers he had shepherded to folk stardom. To celebrate a life spent submerged in folk, Irving's loving son Jonathan (BOB BALABAN) has decided to put together a memorial concert featuring some of Steinbloom's best-loved musicians.

There's Mitch & Mickey (EUGENE LEVY and CATHERINE O'HARA), who were the epitome of young love until their partnership was torn apart by heartbreak; classic troubadours The Folksmen (CHRISTOPHER GUEST, MICHAEL McKEAN and HARRY SHEARER), whose records were endlessly entertaining for anyone able to punch a hole in their center to play them; and The New Main Street Singers (featuring JOHN MICHAEL HIGGINS, JANE LYNCH and PARKER POSEY), the most meticulously color-coordinated "neuftet" ever to hit an amusement park near you.

Now, for one night only in New York City's Town Hall, these three groups will reunite and gather together to celebrate the music that almost made them famous.


My Verdict:
If you loved Christopher Guest's 'Waiting for Guffman' or 'Best In Show', you are really going to love A Mighty Wind. Guest just keeps getting better at his now infamous mockumentary films and A Mighty Wind is certainly his best effort to date. This time he has teamed with Eugene Levy in writing the screenplay. There is an ensemble cast, many of whom Christopher chose from his previous films, so there will be a few recognisable faces as 'his regulars'. Each person has their own uniqueness which gives the film such a diverse range of characters. There are so many characters to choose from it is hard to pick a favourite. Perhaps the best lines of the movie belong to Jennifer Coolidge as a truly dumb publicity agent. This really is a case of less is more, as Jennifer only has a small role, but it has arguably the best lines.

A Mighty Wind is a film about rekindling memories from the past, good and bad and putting a present day perspective on it. Can the groups rekindle the charm and charisma they once had for their tribute show? The climax of the film is the tribute show which is powerful enough to make you almost want to tap your feet along to the folk music - you really do feel like you are part of the audience.

A Mighty Wind is a mighty funny film that will keep a smile on your face long after you leave the cinema.


- Christina Bruce