Movie Club: Midnight 'MacGruber' fans sound off
They loved it.
Now, some might say, "What would you expect from people coming out at midnight to see 'MacGruber'?" True, but the praise and numerous "awesome" quotes were probably refreshing for a movie with some pre-release hype that took director Jorma Taccone by surprise. ("It was a little shocking to read how many people thought the movie was going to be 'It's Pat.' ")
Joining us Thursday was "MacGruber" cinematographer Brandon Trost (the guy in the black T-shirt). And, at least among the movie's earliest audience, Taccone didn't have much to worry about -- and he even had a few fans.
"MacGruber" scored a 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, ranking it fifth among "Saturday Night Live"-related film releases. The Times' own list of good, band and ugly "SNL" films didn't opine on this release, but our review rains down a bit of love: "[Will Forte] handily establishes his gonzo comedy cred, especially when it comes to a useful celery stalk. Strategically if unsanitarily employed, it does the job of distracting MacGruber's targets. The same could be said for the agreeably diverting movie that shares his name."
Still, despite the enthusiasm of its midnight audience, the film grossed an estimated $4.1 million over the weekend.
Oh well, on to the next film. And here's a treat, readers -- you can help decide. As happens often during the summer movie season, two big films are coming out: "Sex and the City 2" and "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" will battle at the box office, and for our attention. Let us know in the comments which one we should see.
-- Jevon Phillips
Photo: "MacGruber" cinematographer Brandon Trost, Tony Pierce as MacGruber, and other filmgoers at the Pacific Theatre at the Grove. Credit: Jevon Phillips / Los Angeles Times
I left the movie after 20 minutes. It was not funny or cute, just vulgar and crude. I'm so sorry I gave it my ticket money.
Posted by: brenda orme | 05/26/2010 at 10:29 AM
It's gotta be the worst movie I have ever seen......we watched for 30 minutes, thinking that maybe it would get better, but it got increasingly worse.
We could have spent our money on something better......
Posted by: Billy | 05/30/2010 at 10:27 AM
This is a disgusting, badly written, badly directed and badly produced movie. I feel for Val Kilmer, who is a seasoned actor with a good reputation. I don't know what encouraged him to accept this part.
We left the theater after around thirty minutes,thoroughly disappointed. This is the worst movie I have ever seen, bar none ! I could have given my money to a charity instead of wasting it on this garbage !
Posted by: Shelley | 05/30/2010 at 10:44 AM
'MacGruber' was boring, even tedious, as a bit on SNL. With the movie 'MacGruber' bombing as a lot of us knew it would, maybe making the movie will serve the useful purpose of keeping this tired bit off SNL. (Even reruns of the worst of 'MacGyver' itself would be more entertaining.)
Posted by: Terry Pelle | 05/30/2010 at 12:06 PM