Super Sucker

I just saw the Super Sucker world premiere in Ann Arbor, Michigan (where Jeff Daniels grew up and now runs Purple Rose Films) and it is absolutely hilarious. Sidestepping all the toilet-level humor and midwestern-centric culture which made Escanaba in da Moonlight a less-than-perfect success, Super Sucker is a sharp comedy for the American everyman. Daniels stars as Fred Barlow, a vacuum salesman with an life-long passion for his trade. When Johnsonville, Michigan proves not big enough for both Barlow and his arch rival salesman (Harve Presnell), their boss creates a contest in which the man with the most sales wins exclusive rights to the city. Barlow is out of luck until he discovers a drapery attachment that pleases housewives in more ways than one. But will the "American Association for the Abuse of Household Appliances" approve? And will Barlow's rival let such a gimmick steal his loyal customers? The plot twists, turns and tickles brilliantly. I must say, for an independent film, this is one marvelously professional production which easily outdoes most contemporary Hollywood comedies. Direction, cinematography, sound, editing and writing are all top notch. Not to mention the cast, a classic lineup of wacky salesmen, chock-full with comedic talent. You get to love them all. Matt Letscher especially shines as Daniels's eager and naive sales apprentice. Above everything, let's not forget Mr. Daniels. I'd go so far as to say that this film is his crowning achievement on many levels. Not only has he crafted one of his funniest roles and films ever, he's finally starred in a comedy that you're not ashamed to admit liking. I interviewed Daniels for Ann Arbor's CURRENT magazine a few weeks before the premiere and he said that if there's one thing he knows how to do, it's to make people laugh. The proof is in the pudding. You won't need a drapery attachment to get absolute pleasure from Super Sucker.

That would be a very good compliment in the Super Sucker world created by Jeff Daniels. This movie is F-U-N-N-Y and hopefully will be viewed by people other than just the cities of Jackson and Ann Arbor Michigan. I attended the second showing of the movie in Jackson on February 23rd 2002 hosted by Jeff Daniels.

In a nutshell the movie is about two rival Super Sucker distributers in the same city (Johnson City) competing for total sales rights for that city. The result, a competition. Whichever distributer sells the most Super Suckers in a month wins, and the other bows out. Fred Barlows team (Daniels) isn't doing so hot because the competition has a bit more money an resources. With a new member on the team and doing poorer than ever, Barlow begins offering a "drapery attachment" with every purchase on a Super Sucker. I don't wanna give away what the attachment does for "lonely housewives" but there's quite a bit of sexual inuendo in the film, a lot actually. Needless to say this proves to be a very smart move for the Barlow team but as usual, things start to "suck" and the plot thickens.

All in all I think this movie will appeal to a much wider audience than Escanaba in da moonlight ever did, or will, and will hopefully find a spot right up with your big hollywood summer comedies.

There was quite a lack of verbal profanity, but many sexual references which earned this movie an R rating. It was kinda slow in the very beginning with a chuckle here and there, but when the "Homemakers Little Helper" (drapery attachment) hits the masses of Johnson City, it really starts to get good. There were so many moment comparable to "There's Something About Mary", Meet The Parents", and "Dumb And Dumber" that this independent movie will just HAVE to get pick up by someone and ready for a full theatrical release. The writing is good, the plot was good, everything was very good for it being an independent movie, but don't let that fact that it's not a big time hollywood release scare you, it's very much equal to your big summer releases and I hope to see it again.

On a side note, this movie was kida special for me because my girlfriends mom had a small part as an extra in the fil as Housewife #4. During the scene where the salemen are trying to pitch the Homemakers Little helper door-to-door, Denise Weber was the first of the housewives to actually "use" the attachment excluding Fred Barlows wive in the beginning of the movie. I certainly hope all of you get to enjoy this film very soon.

Tony

Which is a compliment, if you've seen it. Its plot is puerile in nature and a base in concept, which will offend the gentle viewer. However, for those who are comfortable enough deal with the nature of the show will find themselves wanting to roll on the floor laughing.

I am particularly delighted how they put the fifties vacuum salesman into today's world, but gave the movie a fifties look and feel. The lighting, styling and many of the mannerisms of the characters had you jumping back and forth between the eras.

This movie, like Escanaba in Da Moonlight, had the strong sense of having been a play. Many of the stagings and acting parts jumped out and said this is a play stage scenario.

Go see this movie and enjoy it. Don't let your insecurity chase you away.

I was able to view this film at CineVegas 2002, and I will say it wasn't a waste of time, but I am not sure I would pay to see it again in the theaters.

Jeff Daniels plays a middle class, vacuum sales person who is losing business to his cross-town competitor. Until this point, the movie is pretty, well...boring.

At this point the movie turns to the extreme and becomes pretty funny in a "stupid movie" sort of way--you don't want to laugh but you just can't help it. I will not go any further as I do not want to ruin the film for anyone.

Daniels plays a good role and is funny in it, and if you go into this film not expecting a whole lot, you shouldn't be disappointed.

In the vein of Kingpin, Office Space and Airplane. Super Sucker isn't as funny as any of those movies but, considering it's budget, is still pretty impressive. Fans of "dumb" comedies will probably like, not love, this move.