WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Reunions. Aren’t they grand? Taking on many forms, from the ever so common class reunions to see who has or hasn’t gone anywhere in life, to family reunions, where either everyone is happy to see third cousin twice removed Fred or otherwise find themselves wishing many in attendance would simply drop dead. But, what about when it is a simple coming together of two high school buddies who haven’t seen each other in 30 years? It holds promise–right? Taking initiative to enact the just aforementioned scenario, Mitch (Ross Munro) arranges to have his friend Dunc (Robert David Duncan) come to visit, hang out, and reminisce about the good ole days. After plenty of airport insanity involving Mitch, the two link up and head out.
Soon, however, it becomes more than apparent that Mitch has a slight issue with rambling on and on without provocation about the past and present, much to Dunc’s growing dismay and agitation. No matter where the pair might be–whether the long walk to Mitch’s junker car, the ensuing and tedious car ride itself, or at the old coffee house Mitch insists they go to–Dunc’s limited focus and aim for the evening continues to be overshadowed and potentially foiled by Mitch’s incessant grousing about any and every subject possible. Then, when Dunc sneaks in a plan for the night of his own, Mitch finds himself in a situation that becomes truly less than enjoyable, ending up in one unanticipated predicament. Can his whining save him?
Next, my Mind:
Vancouver, B.C.-based writer/director Ross Munro, who co-stars in the film as Mitch, and his company Next One Productions deliver this indie feature film that does indeed find its overall basis in the more darkly-toned comedic genre along the lines of “After Hours” or a more uncanny, dreamlike version of “The Hangover”. As such, this was honestly a mixed bag of like/dislike, as the two primary characters ended up representing the main sides of modern comedy and its content–one that is enjoyed, the other that is not. Mitch’s presence was the simple, completely over-the-top silliness, harebrained actions, and dialogue that induced consistent chuckles to outright laughter, while Dunc’s presence was the foul-mouthed, one-track minded, though humorously long-suffering, crude element that isn’t preferred by this reviewer.
Munro is a load of fun as Mitch without question. His ability to make a character be so annoying in such a hilarious way is a testament to the actual investment he placed in the role. Listening to him just whine away about anything and everything as each situation comes about is a total riot, and at least mostly devoid of constant crassness. Now, credit is also given aplenty to Duncan as Dunc, in that he does represent the perfect opposite in so many ways to Mitch. Dunc’s ongoing attempts to weather the verbal onslaught that is Mitch is very funny in itself, but somehow, this reviewer ultimately felt distracted and disengaged by the character’s more blatantly vulgar demeanor. While it might be understood why the obvious differences in the characters was needed, it’s still a dichotomy that could have been executed with less indecent language and humor perhaps?
Solid and often quite funny supporting roles abound, and therefore, overall, “A Legacy of Whining” does bring an entertaining premise and appeal to the screen that successfully presents the intended tone and direction Munro and company desired. As with so many modern comedies, it’s the preference for the style of humor that will either push you away or draw you in.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
I can’t believe that this mess would get a positive review. It was an atrocity. It was crass enough, and badly acted enough, to have been a porno of times past, except a porno has a purpose, and ends with someone being satisfied, unlike this rubbish. Funny? Not by any standards I know. As for whining, it is good cause for lots, but there’s no whining in the movie. The revolutionaries were worth watching, but, by then, my expectations were so low that I was almost impressed by anyone who could actually act, unlike the protagonist and pal. Want my time and money back.