Dill Scallion

I laughed quite a bit at this one. It was the classic "busdriver becomes big music star, breaks his foot every day, has the two biggest singles in the United States and is washed up before his first album is released" story that we are used to seeing, but with some twists. Funny movie, I don't know what those people that gave it bad marks were on.

"Dill Scallion", with Billy Burke in the title role, tells of the rise and fall of a fictional country/western singer. Full of tongue-in-cheek humor and endless good natured spoofing of country music, this fun flick is shot as a mockumentary with the usual jiggly shoulder cams, boom mics in the shot, grainy film, etc. "DS" gets off to a slow start and it's no frills approach may turn off many viewers early on. However, those who hang in there will find some seriously clever writing and dead pan lampooning during this 1.5 hour joy ride.

This kooky and funny indie mockumentary made me chuckle. If you liked Spinal Tap then you'll enjoy Dill Scallion. Billy Burke shows us that he can not only act, as he gets deep into Dill Scallion but he can sing and probably dance too. It may go on to be remembered that this film spotlighted the many talents of this "one to watch." Dill is a likable, foilable character. You are drawn into his naive sincerity easily with this terrific performance. The supporting cast is also a who's who of a spectrum of show biz as well. The concept has been played before but Burke breathes a breath of freshness into it.

I happened upon "Dill Scallion" late one night on one of the pay channels and have never laughed so hard. To describe it in one phrase I would call it a Country Spinal Tap. It has the same mocku-mentary style. The acting was great, but most of the songs were terrible (or was that part of the joke?) I place this film up there with "Spinal Tap" and "Fear of a Black Hat"

This very funny parody follows the rise of the fictional Dill Scallion's country music career, including the genesis of his trademark wild on-stage dance, his first music video, and his big breakthrough at the Gingivitis Aid concert ("We must stop the madness of gum disease!" rails one character). The characters are all intentionally painted with very broad strokes, and the tongue in cheek humor keeps the movie going along at a great pace. Cameos by some country music superstars are also great fun...and even the movie's name is neat--Dill Scallion? Yeah, the guy in question is about as smart as a vegetable...and that's a big part of the fun.