Pottersville

This was not like any "Christmas" movie I'veever seen - if it even qualifies as a Christmas movie. Because it was so zany, at first I thought it was really bad acting or a really dumb script. But there are some accomplished actors on here who have acting skills. So what was I missing? After pondering this (for slightly more time than the Grinch pondered why The Who's were still celebrating on Christmas morning), it occurred to me. This is purposeful "camp." Kind of like Napoleon Dynamite. But I'm guessing so few people will ever see it that it will die a slow death and end up at Dollar Tree for $1. Give it a chance and keep an open mind - it is supposed to be dumb!

12/25/17. This was actually a cute holiday-time movie that was surprisingly enjoyable to watch. I say that because I would never picture Shannon doing such a movie, and he was good! It's almost like a modern day take off on It's a Wonderful Life. Catch it!

A down on its luck mining town finds a new life when locals begin seeing a bigfoot. Before long, there are tourists in town, cash registers ringing, and a nationally syndicated television show scouring the woods for a sasquatch. It's a Christmas miracle - or is it?

My rating for Pottersville seems at odds with conventional wisdom. It's obvious that I enjoy this one much, much more than most people. For many reason, the film worked for me. The cast is brilliant - from Michael Shannon playing against character to the always enjoyable Judy Greer to the gruff but funny Ian McShane, I had a blast with the cast. The plot is a another plus for me. It's just quirky enough to keep me entertained throughout. The bits about the furries, the bigfoot sightings, and the "unique" townspeople are all interesting touches. I've read several complaints about the lack of real comedy and, while I can agree to a point, there are enough moments that made me at least smile that I didn't need to laugh out loud to find the comedy enjoyable. Overall, I had a good time with Pottersville and have no problems rating it higher than most others.

My biggest complaint with Pottersville and the thing that keeps me from rating it higher is Tom Lennon. A little Lennon goes a long way. He's given way, way too much screentime. I admit that some of his interactions with Ian McShane and the Nelson Mandela song dedicaiton were quite funny, but overall, he's annoying. Less Lennon and I might have rated Pottersville even higher.

I am puzzled that this movie has mainly bad critic reviews. It's not the best movie you will ever see, but it is entertaining.

One night, small-town shopkeeper Maynard (Michael Shannon) gets depressed and drunk, runs around in a gorilla costume, and starts a Bigfoot craze, which revives the town's failing economy. He then goes out night after night, managing to be seen by nearly everyone in town, but never caught. OK, you have to suspend disbelief a bit here - doesn't anyone suspect it's just a guy in a costume, or see him sneaking in or out of his store? Anyway, eventually a Bigfoot hunter arrives in town (Thomas Lennon) with an accent which is a horrible mash-up of Australian, New Zealander and South African(fortunately, that is played for laughs); and a Bigfoot hunts ensues.

The movie is both silly, and with a bit of heart. The ending is a bit rushed, but otherwise it was very enjoyable.

This movie will not shock you, terrify you. There are no cars flying from building to building and exploding only to have the hero survive because they did a Ninja roll. Just a story of hope and finding meaning in the most mundane of the mundane. Accidentally setting off a spree of Bigfoot sightings, one man transforms a town and leaves it forever changed. This is a rare bird for Hollywood any more. Will it change your world, maybe not, but there are a lot worse ways to spend a couple hours and the laughs that will accompany it.