Just because comedies are meant to be funny, that doesn’t mean they can’t also have a serious undertone and realistic take on certain societal aspects. Crazy Famous attempts to create a discussion about our need for attention while still trying to make you laugh.
The definition of who is famous today has rapidly changed from what it was even ten years ago. All thanks to the internet of course. Just look at how a Youtube star was in the news recently (Not going to link since if you don’t know it’s really not worth your time reading). While myself and others have no idea who he is or why he’s popular, people like him are pulling in viewers by the millions. The thing is, to be famous nowadays, you don’t even need to have talent.
So our lead Bob (or Marcus or Felix depending who is talking to him) wants to be famous at all costs. We get some flashbacks throughout the film that shows this compulsion was called by overbearing parents. A good ol’ famous by proxy situation. So what can Bob do to let the world know who he is? Well, it’s apparently going to Camp David taking out a little exercise trampoline, stripping naked, and then jumping over the fence. He may not be the best planner since the president wasn’t even there at the time. Apparently, the guards at Camp David aren’t very trigger happy as they were perfectly content to just let Bob complete his attempt.
Even though Camp David is many states away, Bob is sent to a mental facility in Upstate NY. Upon meeting the doctor he is very upset that there aren’t reporters clamoring to talk and interview him. With the quest to become famous still firmly in his mind he will now recruit a party to continue his mission. He gets a boost when he meets Smith (Richard Short) who posits that Osama Bin Laden is still alive and he knows where. He only needs to escape and then he can kill him. This thrills Bob. Dr. Phil (David Neal Levin) then joins the gang. That is the only thing they call him and he is in character one hundred percent of the time. Larry who is played by Victor Cruz (unfortunately, not the salsa dancing football player) rounds out the group.
The four then plan and execute their escape. It’s now on to hunt down Osama. Also in the mix is a sketchy government group in their patented suits and ties. They always look shifty and up to no good, you know the ones. The rest of the plot just becomes crazy and far-fetched.
The comedy of the film is really all over the place. There are a lot of jokes that fall flat, though a couple actually got a hearty laugh. They range anywhere from smart and subtle to farting and hiding things in people’s rectum. I kind of wish the writing stuck to one type and then it would be easier to recommend to certain viewers.
The highlights of the film for me were the characters. Dr. Phil and Smith really nailed their parts. Every time Smith called Bob “Felix” and Larry “Pussy” it had me chuckling. Phil’s one-liners were well written. Our group of four all seem to have been acting right along, these aren’t people new to the industry. Everyone else, however, had some cringy delivery and dialog that certainly seemed out of place.
Crazy Famous Final Thoughts: 2.5/5
There were a lot of good ideas presented in Crazy Famous. The execution was quite lacking though. They could have really extrapolated on their main idea instead of tossing it aside for a plot that just gets more dumbed down as you go. It didn’t know if it wanted to be a human interest comedy of someone finding more about themselves or just something ridiculous. It doesn’t mesh well.
With that being said, you can certainly do worse than renting this or giving it a look. The group dynamic and performances do have some laughs, just don’t expect the social commentary to go anywhere or the plot to be at all coherent. Crazy Famous is available now from Amazon or other digital retailers.
Note: This movie was sent to us for review. This has not affected our judgment or editorial process in any way. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this process.
