Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story

Originally released on dvd as a standalone film, Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story was later added to the official episode canon of Family Guy. The story is interesting enough, it's essentially an 80 minute "Road to" episode. When run in syndication, it's split up into three episodes, which makes sense.

It definitely wasnt just a cash grab, as these episodes are only available on this dvd. Therefore, if you're a dvd collector of the series, you'll be happy. All of the same sort of cutaways and gags are used here, as in the TV show, so the continuity is there. As well as the cast and crew. It makes sense though since it's actually part of the shows canon.

Having seen hell, Stewie decides to be nice but it is not long before the façade crumbles and instead he decides to spend his days drunk. Brian attempts to teach him a lesson but only succeeds in losing Peter his "normal guy complaining about trivial issues" job on the local cable station. Meanwhile Lois bemoans her lack of privacy and tries to get their kids into the opposite sex to get them out of the house more often. Distracted, they don't spot that Stewie and Brian have joined Quagmire's Cross "Cuntry" trip in a quest to find Stewie's real father.

As a fan of the series I tuned in to the film hoping for it to be the quality of the series. After a slow start I twigged that this was really three episodes woven together with some supporting material which, as someone who enjoys the series shouldn't have been a problem. All the best bits of the series are there in the target-audience film and cultural reference (the two Star Wars ones were my favourite) as well as imaginative crudity. I laughed out loud several times even though the actual plot was consistently pretty weak across the whole film. This is a valid criticism because of the length of the film.

With the episodes the asides ("like the time I") come thick and fast and easily cover the plot to the point where nobody watches for the stories, just the laughs. However with the film the hits are spread a bit thinner and as a result it does occasionally feel a bit baggy (giggly) and I remember sometimes waiting for the next laugh. So I agree with those fans that thought this was not as good as the series, not because I'm a precious fanboy with unrealistic expectations and a rose-tinted memory but because it didn't entertain me as much as I would have liked.

That said I'm glad I watched it and it did enough for me as I imagine it will do for those who enjoy the series. Viewers will rightly feel that it could have been funnier or more consistent but with a handful of great moments and a scattering of good ones it is still worth a look.

I recently saw this and I must confess it was awesome. There is heavy Stewie content, and Lois is funnier than I have ever seen; the intro. alone had me on the floor. The funniest episodes ever of family guy have been based on interactions between Brian and Stewie, which MacFarlane delivers. The movie is comparable to a few episodes of the show strung together, but will be enjoyed whether you're a fan or not. To top it off, the "cameos" of well known characters adds an ambiance that Family Guy aficionados will love (much like the first episode of the 2005 season). Although I'm a long time fan of the show, I am usually very pessimistic. However, the only criticism I can conjure up is that I wanted more when the movie ended.

I have no idea why an enormous bunch of Family Guy lovers are disappointed with this movie. The movie is just like the show. It's a bunch of one liners with the plot taking backseat to these amazingly written one liners.

Many people in the boards are saying don't put a 10 down because no movie deserves a 10. It's not about comparing it to the Godfather like some people have written, its about the value of how you view the movie in your opinion.

Why buy it? Why watch it? because you want to laugh at what Family Guy does best... roll toilet humor and super highbrow into a small plot that doesn't matter in the end.

This movie is laced with extremely funny references, and lowbrow and highbrow humor. If your looking for more of a story line, watch the simpsons, if your looking complete insanity, watch South Park.

The entire first half of the movie is the family guy you love. Fart Jokes, Random Flashbacks, and how horses are bad people. With Character appearances such as the Greased Up Deaf guy, Randy Newman, Evil Monkey, and others, why else would you not want to see it?

However, the second half is where it truly gets into Stewie's story, no spoilers here, but you'll notice towards the end that a lot of loose ends are left...loose. Also, the ending (At least when it says "The End") is slightly lackluster. But I only noticed this on my second time through.

Other than that, this movie is beautifully done and features probably the most loved character from all the shows...The Greased Up Deaf Guy.

In conclusion, one of the funniest movies out there, but plan on sharing it among friends, because you might not be watching it more than once.

Thanks Seth Macfarlane for this freakin' awesome movie!

PS: I was disappointed that Meg's sex scene was cut out. It was so tastefully done!