Trailer Park Boys: The Movie

Attended the US premiere last night here in Austin, as part of the SXSW Film Festival. Got a pic taken with my Canadian wife, Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles, which should tell you what a dork I am.... :) Overall, I agree with the comments here that the movie is okay for long-time TPB fans, but is kind of a watered down version, probably meant to not snow over the initial viewer. Some good laughs, but I think I have laughed as much at some of the individual episodes, each of which are about 30% the length of this. That being said, I am sure I will add the DVD to my collection.

In the Q&A after, the question was asked, "when can we see more TPB in the States?" I think Mike Clattenburg. was there answering, didn't pay much attention to the name when he was introduced, but the answer was that there simply is too much censorship here. He referenced the one season they tried, on BBCA, and I remember that debacle. Too many bleeps to follow the dialog. But one thing that kind of amazed me is that amazon.ca was not mentioned as a source to get all of the DVDs. A lot of my fellow film-goers didn't know this either. It's not network, but it is available....

Bonus: All the attendees last night were given complementary key-chains by Mike C... Yay!!!

Trailer Park Boys: The Movie is a feature length film of the television series Trailer Park Boys. Seeing as the ads and the film's trailer give away virtually nothing that will spoil the film I have decided not to give a plot synopsis and besides fans of the television series should know what they are in for and what to expect from the film. I first started watching the television show back in the fall of 2005 and only after a few episodes I was hooked and have been watching it ever since even if the episodes are re-runs. The show itself is like a comedy soap opera. In the first couple of episodes we are introduced to the main characters and more as the series goes on. The characters go through various humorous situations and some real life problems as well. Many would dismiss the show and call it vulgar and unappealing due to the language in the series and the occasional drug use and mild violence. To me while watching this show the three main characters Ricky, Julian and Bubbles grew on me and I started to like them and there were times when they would make me laugh and times when I would feel genuinely sorry for them. The series also has some of the most interesting side characters of any series I have ever seen as well. What I like about the show so much is that it is almost always constantly funny and keeps a smile on my face even if I have seen the same episode over and over again. The show is always entertaining and intriguing and never loses steam not even for a second. Also the show has a lot of heart. Family and friends are really important to these guys and deep down they care for each other and try to take care of one another and there are some episodes that are downright touching and heart warming. I 'am pleased to say that everything I liked about the series is there in this full length movie. The same great characters and side characters are there, there is humour, there is heart and it is entertaining from start to finish and it's just like watching a full length episode of the series, so overall I was not disappointed. If you are a fan of the television show then I can see no reason why you would not like the movie. And on the other hand if you are not a fan of the series the chances are great that you will not like the movie either. If you are however interested in the movie I do suggest you watch the show first to get acquainted with the characters and all the different things they have been through. The show is still on television and if you don't get that particular station you can find the episodes on DVD. Trailer Park Boys is one of my favourite television shows on the air right now, so seeing as the movie is just like the show or maybe even better than I'm sure you can understand why I loved this movie and consider it to be one of the best films of 2006. I applaud the cast and crew for making a great series and pulling off an excellent movie as well. Good job guys you made something great and fans like me will not be disappointed by this movie and like I said earlier it is one of the best films of the year and one of the best recent comedies of the last few years as well.

I watched the "Trailer Park Boys: The Movie" Halifax Premiere on October 6 in a packed theater with the full cast in attendance. Notably in character was a bare chested Patrick Roach as "Randy". John Dunsworth as "Jim Lahey" patrolled the aisles in the theater checking to see if "anybody got a lil' drinky poo?" I know that laughter in a theater is contagious, but I really thought the movie was hilarious and I plan to purchase the movie DVD. I thought that Mike Smith as "Bubbles" probably got the biggest laughs, bringing the house down with the funniest one-liners and close-ups. Robb Wells as "Ricky" was terrific as the fast talking schemer and probably did the best acting. John Paul Tremblay as "Julian" had great screen presence as the quiet, burly, drink-toting enforcer.

The movie is all comedy, but it's a combo of slapstick, mocumentary, drama and action, and it even has its touching moments. I don't recall anything in the movie that needs to be taken seriously. The characters are at the bottom of the totem pole in life and their exceptionally poor ambition manages to exceed their ability, intelligence or education so they are unable to achieve any of their minimal goals. This cycles them between laziness, poverty and petty crime. Somehow, the characters don't really seem unhappy, since this is normal to them, and I guess that makes it feel okay for me to laugh at them.

I'm sorry to say I haven't been faithfully following the TV series, but I now am intent on working my way through the whole series on DVD to get caught up and that's something to look forward to. I know this will be a big hit in Canada, and I expect it to do very well in the USA and worldwide.

I caught the private screening hosted by Ivan Reitman on Sept 11th in Toronto. I enjoyed the movie a lot. I was mostly impressed with Rob Wells and Mike Smith, who really stepped up their performances for the big screen. Any fans of the show will surely like the movie, so be sure to check it out. It's tough to say whether the movie will gain fans outside of Canada, but let's keep in mind that Canadian movies like Porky's and Meatballs did so I wouldn't be surprised if TPB:The Movie obtains the same cult-like fan base. As a side note, I was surprised by the amount of T & A used. I could see how it was added much in the same way comedy movies from the 1980s used it to pacify the audience. I'm still undecided about whether or not it was necessary and it may have taken away from the inside- tone of the show's/movie's concept.

Just saw this tonight along with a sold out crowd (can't remember the last time I was at a movie that was sold out hours in advance). Did not disappoint at all, had everything you would want from the boys and more. The only thing I thought that could of improved the film is a bit more time fleshing out the story lines. The "Big Dirty" turns out to be a quick job that might disappoint some people. Overall a rightful standing ovation at the end of the film from the Sunnyvale hungry audience. I personally would like to have seen more Ray, as he always cracks me up but this is nit picking and I am sure that they will explore these things in future sequels (I hope). I am sure a lot of this might go over the head of American audiences once this is released there but for now I revel in this made for Canada movie with all the in jokes any Canuck would love. I plan to see it again once the crowds die down, I tell you it was a mad house atmosphere in the theater and well deserved.