AN EVENING WITH BEVERLY LUFF LINN (2018)

Directed By: Jim Hosking 
Written By: Jim Hosking & David Wike 
Cinematography By: Nanu Segal 
Editor: Mark Burnett & Nick Emerson 


Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Jemaine Clement, Craig Robinson, Maria Bamford, Emile Hirsch, Matt Berry, Jacob Wysocki 


Lulu Danger's unsatisfying marriage takes a turn for the worse when a mysterious man from her past comes to town to perform an event called "An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn; For One Magical Night Only."

This seems to be a comedy of manners in a totally campy universe. As this is a crazy comedy but own that is enjoyable even as you can’t exactly explain what is going on half the time.

Though I will say that it is immediately Better then Writer- Director Jim Hosking precious film THE GREASY STRANGLER. As I can’t exactly call this film Mainstream but it is more mainstream and entertaining than his previous film. As this film seeks to continued and be a cult film that already will have itself planted there. As it revolves around it’s own deadpan, campy, awkward and strange pace. That is reminiscent of 1980’s style all over the place and oddly highly visually sexual.

This film allows for a bigger name cast which might have helped and turned the material a little more understandable and less exploitive and not seeming to look for as much attention to be discovered. The film also thankfully isn’t as grotesque and out to shock.

The film seem to try to mainly make sense. Though it seems only in the mind of the filmmaker.

Oddball roles are usually where actress Aubrey Plaza shines and she doesn’t disappoint here as the protagonist femme fatale who has a past with the guru known as Beverly Luff Linn. Played by Craig Robinson who mostly grunts and only some people understand what he is saying. As she seeks a reunion with him. She brings an innocent sexiness to her role as always. Even though her character knows the danger and power of her beauty.

This film seems to want to expire it satirize suburban life and culture to degree. It almost comes off warped like an adult swim comedy with top talent. As almost every character comes off as a wacky side character. Though dirty and sometimes obscene there is enough to be a feature.

The ones who come off the most entertaining are Emile Hirsch and his coffee shop employees who seem like a three stooges act all their own. While he plays his role like a soap opera villain of sorts.

Everything in this film just appears to be off and strange like a professional man who is normal. Except he speaks in falsetto and his hair has a major lift or cowlick or Risen front that would normally be palmed down or recognized as unsightly.

It’s a film of absurdist humor as everything feels subdued, yet over the top. As it feels like you are watching a 1980’s soap opera dipped in colors. Where it seems Like all the characters are played by adults they tend to act an behave like children.

Except for some sex scenes and the rare use of language this could be an almost quaint comedy something that feels in part with NAPOLEON DYNAMITE and other films of Director Jared ages only with a dark streak and not so audience friendly. As whole one might find this film fun there are going to be others who will not like it. Maybe even hate it.

As this is a film that truly lives in it’s Own universe. Something that is always off. Even if just by a bit though original never quite organic. Luckily the comedic talents Lie in synch with the script, Tone and humor. As also the little details Are where the films Strengths lie.

This is a film that tries to follow in the footsteps of John waters, but when it comes to John waters film his characters feel real or have a certain identifiable quality. Here everything feels made up and no one can you identify with.

Deadpan romantic the film is Shocking in it’s own way. it’s universe transformed once all is revealed and love is left to it’s own devices freely and It conditionally have to give points for the film Not catering to the mainstream with individual distinctive characters and manages to make them sympathetic though they are all guilty of something distasteful and dastardly.

It’s a film that oddly makes a connection with the audience even with It’s eccentricities intact . Though not here to guide them yet not antagonizing them as much as he seemed to be doing with his first film.

Constant Frustration has the characters and these characters that find it hard to communicate. Even when it comes to the sex scenes which all take place in the doggystyle position. As to not be truly romantically intimate. It is all about less ire but never really making a meaningful connection.

It’s a nice that’s surprised me this year the most with how much I enjoyed it Considering how much I disliked the directors first film.

As if you looked at the movies poster it looks like an out of touch struggling 80’s comedy that went straight to home video.


GRADE: B