Date or Disaster

Though satires on reality shows are hardly "new cinematic ground" these days, Date or Disaster is undeniably well put together and genuinely funny. If you follow Rick Elfman's work you'll no doubt be shocked to hear of this project...as it doesn't quite seem his style. But never fear, he infuses this clever spoof with enough of his sardonic, off-color wit to make it well worth your while.

I might add it was the favorite selection of the 2003 Tromadance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Screw Sundance...it was honored by Troma! Far cooler.

For those of us who have experienced horrendous first dates, "D or D" is a cathartic experience just as much as it is extremely hilarious and entertaining. I laughed like crazy even on 3rd, 4th viewing. For those of us who satisfy our sadistic need to watch public humiliation of folks on TV dating shows ("Average Joe," "Blind Date" etc) -- you will really get a kick of this movie. "D or D" parodies these dating shows (mostly Blind Date) and pokes fun at how cruel these shows are and how they make the daters look like complete goofs. I think it's also a good critique of TV dating shows and how they cater towards our basest and sensationalist instincts - watching a train wreck, watching a couple having a miserable date (with demeaning commentaries of the show host).

I especially liked the animation in "D or D" and the captions, but the acting is hilarious and the plot is both absurd and entertaining. Kudos to Richard Elfman and Daniel Schweiger, and everybody else involved. Enjoy the show. 9 stars *********