If you've ever worked in a restaurant, then you probably already know that "Waiting..." was perhaps one of the best stress relievers for the job. From the rude, dehumanizing customers, to the sick-minded line-cooks, right down the melodramatic wait-staff, it covered all the bases. And most importantly, it was hilarious front to back and was good for many a repeat viewing. What you may or may not be aware of, though, is that a direct-to-DVD sequel has just been released, simply titled "Still Waiting..."
Written by Rob McKittrick, who also wrote and directed the first film, "Still Waiting..." is really just more shenanigans at the fictional "Shenaniganz" restaurant. Like your typical food-service job, the faces always change, which is convenient, because for this installment, big names like Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris and Dane Cook couldn't be pulled. Aside from a wealth of cameos and bit parts from the rest of the cast of the original flick, this one is filled with all new characters. The film walks a fine line, trying to service it's original audience by cramming as many characters from the previous film in, as well as establishing and developing a whole new cast. Unfortunately, in the case of the new cast, it doesn't pan out so well. Some of the characters work, but are under-developed, such as Tania Raymonde in the role of Amber, or even the slightly larger role of John Michael Higgins as Dennis. Elsewhere, though, the characters serve either a cheap punchline, or are otherwise recycled from the first film. It's sad that a new film with an all-new cast is only enjoyable when players from the last one drop by for a visit. This new cast of characters is, for the most part, bland, unlikeable, unfunny and just plain useless.
Thankfully, the film is still enjoyable, if not a bit redundant. Luis Guzman, Chi McBride, David Koechner, Rob Benedict, Andy Milonakis, Max Kasch and Vanessa Lengies all return, but it is Alanna Ubach -- reprising the role of the in-conquerable Naomi -- who really steals the show. Thankfully, she's a big character in the film, and if it weren't for her return, this movie wouldn't be half as great as it is. Justin Long, pops in briefly to drag down the mood, but to also take a jab at the character he played in the first film, as well as any other film he's been in. Think his character in "Zack & Miri Make A Porno" but more depressed. No doubt, the film is filled with plenty of food-service in-jokes and enough gross-out humor to satisfy, even if it drops the ball on telling an interesting story with it's new characters. Thanks to a returning cast, as well as solid direction by Jeff Balis (who served as a producer for the first film), "Still Waiting..." is a worthy refill. It's nowhere near as potent as "Waiting..." but in comparison to other DTV fair, it's worth watching, if not owning. There's still enough on the menu for those who crave a nice, nasty story revolving around a restaurant, and to that end, it holds up. Definitely in the spirit of the first one, just missing a few crucial elements to make it a classic.
