The Fergusons

An ok movie for what it is, but the premise is a complete rip-off of the film "Parents" with Randy Quaid. I thought that one was much better as it was so odd and surreal that you can't classify it in any genre. This one has its moments as well, but I would suggest Parents over this one.

One of the great black, black comedy crazies of the new decade. Outrageous, clever, and very, very silly. So over the top, it's coming back down again. The strange actors and dialogue add levels of absurdity rarely seen in less loony comedies, that are raunchy, but not as funny. Various dinner scenarios play out cleverly, as Director/Star Singleton and his crew play fast and loose with "normal" neighborhood life tipped upside down by the new people on the block. The other people on the block are already strange enough, but not as strange as they think they are. Post-slapstick craziness and tastefully tasteless hijinks keep the laughs coming and the film a soufflé of socially insane insight.

How Keith Singleton got the talent he did for this film on the budget he was working with is beyond me. It is a true classic of this genre. The iconic Bill Frenzer singing a reprisal of his legendary "Dead Puppies" is simply a bonus!

Now, if you're a white-bread film fan expecting huge budget mainstream stupidity- don't even bother. This is far too imaginative for you-

But if you love and respect the immense talent that goes into films of this genre, then you'll fully appreciate The Fergusons. Singleton bats it out of the park!

Suburbia hits the fan when a family with an unusual zest for life moves in next door. What's behind their zeal? They like to chow down on no- good neighbors, that's what. Wacky fun directed by Keith Singleton and starring Monique Parent as June Cleaver, but this time WITH a cleaver! (Monique Parent fans will see her nude backside only. She's Mom in this one; more characterization than sex. This may disappoint the more rabid fans, but devoted ones will appreciate her added talents on display here.)

Overall a broad satire of 1950's TV shows like Father Knows Best and Make Room For Daddy. Ed Ferguson and his tight-knit clan try to keep their culinary cravings quiet and in the closet. Nosy neighbors, naughty babysitters and bullies test the Ferguson's faith in their fellow man, and they all end up with failing grades as bodies begin to stack up like pancakes. (Hey, everyone is good for something, right?) Nothing goes to waste in this skewering of life at the end of the cul-de-sac. (Language, Semi-Nudity, some Violence, Drugs, Alcohol, Gruesome Images)

While it had some redeeming moments, most were easily foreseen. I am a big Monique Parent fan; I really wanted to enjoy this, but I didn't.

I watched it twice in case I missed something. I didn't.

Despite what I read in another review, no nudity ( her back was bare, but nothing to see that couldn't be shown on prime-time network TV ); I have no idea why this wasn't rated.

I have seen my fair share of excellently done B-movies with low budgets ( including several with Ms Parent ); this could have been much better.

Characters were over the top just to be over the top, and with little to justify the effort.

Sorry Monique.