Mister America

It feels odd giving this a lukewarm review. This is actually an incredibly difficult film to critique because one feels forced to look at it from perspective of the fan as well as the outsider. And there doesn't seem to be any "casual" fans of the On Cinema at the Cinema Universe, a network of media and shows that is so deep and winding at this point, it would be futile to attempt to explain in the confines of something like this beyond saying "it's a spoof of Siskel and Ebert" (and even that feels like too much and too little).

Personally, as someone who's consumed every second of the endless nonsense that is On Cinema etc., this felt a little flat to me, like they finally drove a joke into the ground beyond recognition. Perhaps, the restraints of the mockumentary format, which beckons for legitimization by attempting to unpack that aforementioned extended universe, a seemingly impossible task for the uninitiated and redundant for the believers. That isn't to say this isn't an enjoyable film. It has some great moments and any extra time spent in the world of these characters is never a waste. Especially Gregg, who--in perhaps a setting as far removed from Movieland as ever--still brings it back to his VHS tapes and popcorn classics, imploring the filmmakers to study the 1976 Disney flick The Shaggy D.A. to better understand what's happening with Tim (but to make sure to return the cassette when they're done). It's great.

Mister America also provides closure for the best thread On Cinema has ever stitched: The Trial. And maybe that's also where it suffers. The Trial was such a special landmark; it might never be topped. But the one thing we know is that Tim and Greg and company are always gonna try. By any means (or medium) necessary.

Heidecker's satire is thin yet hilarious. Watch this if you think your mind is as elevated as Tim's

This movie is something special. The fact that a little podcast turned into hours and hours of entertainment and spawned one of the best online communities makes it such a hilarious EVENT each time a new piece of the story comes out. And this movie is the biggest event of them all! Going to an actual theater and seeing it with other people just as excited as me was so unique and fun. It has that slow burn comedy that comes from Tim & Gregg's fantastic passive aggressiveness we know and love, now with Terri Parks who fits in so well and I hope we see more of her. Somehow after the ending I was left more excited - I can't wait to see Tim's reaction and how the events of the film lead into what's next for On Cinema.

Tim has created something special here, something witty and hilarious. Mister America is a laugh out loud comedy with a purpose. The genius improvisation by Tim while interacting with real people is the shining star of this film, but the amazing story pulls it together to be a movie worth everyone's time. Even people who weren't Heidecker fans before could very much enjoy this film. It feels real, and I applaud everyone who worked on it.

Not only a hilarious satirical masterpiece, but one of the best moviegoing experiences I've ever had.