The Slammin’ Salmon
DVD Reviews | Apr 13th, 2010
Starring: Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Paul Soter, Steve Lemme, Erik Stolhanske, Cobie Smulders, April Bowlby, Michael Clarke Duncan, Will Forte
Written By: Broken Lizard
Directed By: Kevin Heffernan
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Buy On Amazon.com
The latest Broken Lizard movie wasn’t really played in theaters and it’s a shame. That doesn’t mean fans should stay away; in fact, The Slammin’ Salmon is one funny movie! Of course it’s somewhat flawed, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t still a funny comedy.
The Slammin’ Salmon takes places at a seafood restaurant. The restaurant is owned by Cleon Salmon (Michael Clarke Duncan), a former heavyweight boxer and he starts a contest amongst the waiters. Whoever makes the most money, wins $10,000 and the loser gets a few punches in the ribs. Ouch! Originally the contest starts out with Norah Jones tickets but then Cleon ups the ante when he needs the money (he owes the Japanese mob). The waiters do whatever it takes to get the sale. The girls flaunt their assets while the guys try other ways of getting money. Besides that, they have to deal with accidentally losing an expensive engagement ring, one of the waiters runs into his ex-co working actors like Morgan Fairchild, and some of the waiters are just dumb and drunk. That’s pretty much all you need to know as far as plot is concerned. Seafood restaurant, Broken Lizard. That’s it!
Compared to other Broken Lizard movies that I’ve seen (Super Troopers, Club Dread, Beerfest), I thought Slammin’ Salmon was right up there with the rest of ’em. I don’t know why this didn’t get a wider release because I thought they would have made at least some of their money back from their dedicated fanbase. But movie theaters, DVDs, Beta-max, doesn’t matter in the end. If a movie is funny enough, people will see it eventually. I’m not saying this movie is a comedy classic, but it certainly offers up enough laughter and sight gags for an hour and half. You have to like low-brow style comedy with sight gags, bathroom humor and crap like that. No pun intended. I like that style of humor when it’s done right and the Broken Lizard guys certainly know how to make a funny movie. I’ve pretty much enjoyed every single movie they have done so far, with the exception of Dukes of Hazzard but does that count as a Broken Lizard movie?
I didn’t have a problem with the acting among the Broken Lizard troupe. It was good to see Will Forte again, this time as a table hogging customer. I can’t wait for MacGruber! I didn’t know who April Bowlby was, but I certainly know who she is now. Very hot, including Cobie Smulders! Was I the only one that thought April still looked hot, even when her face was all messed up and scarred? I liked the cameos from various people, Will Forte being one of them, but also Jim Gaffigan and Sendhil Ramamurthy. Morgan Fairchild, Lance Henriksen and Vivica A. Fox were also in this but their characters didn’t really stand out. I was impressed with Kevin Heffernan’s direction and nice to see him in the director’s chair this time. I wonder which Broken Lizard guy will direct now? I believe a sequel to Super Troopers is coming out next?
The extras on the DVD include audio commentary and a quick featurette. The featurette is about a few of the Broken Lizard guys comparing stories working in restaurants back in the day. I didn’t get a chance to listen to the commentaries yet but I have a feeling I might want to listen to at least 1 of them sooner or later.
The Slammin’ Salmon is a funny follow-up to Beerfest and fans of the troupe will most likely dig this. I know I did!
Features:
Two Commentary Tracks Featuring The Broken Lizard Comedy Troupe
Hellish Kitchens: Art Imitates Restaurant Life
Video:
Widescreen 1.78:1 Color (Anamorphic)
Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 [CC]
Subtitles:
English, Spanish
Bottom Line: Just as funny as their other movies!
Running Time: 98 mins
Rating: R
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating:
