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| Available at Amazon.com |
There are a shocking number of parallels between Eddie Murphy and Larry the Cable Guy. Both exploded onto the national comedy scene with a completely different brand of humor that helped grab a portion of an audience long forgotten. Murphy appealed to the same demographic Richard Pryor did, grabbing a more urban audience while appealing to mainstream America. Larry’s appeal is to a more Southern demographic, finding his biggest audience in a blue-collar environment. It’s only natural that Larry would find his way into films; his first big film happened to be as part of the “Redneck Comedy Tour” with Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall, mirroring Murphy’s hit standup comedy films Raw and Delirious. Whereas Murphy found himself in two of the best 80s action films, 48 Hours and Beverly Hills Cop, Larry hasn’t had the same sort of luck in finding movie parts. Delta Farce was unbearable, Health Inspector had flashes of brilliance amongst its 90 minutes of painful running time, and Witless Protection offers more of the same.
Larry stars as Detective Larry Stadler, a small town cop who stumbles into some shenanigans involving a federal witness (Ivana Melicevic) who manages to find her way into his protection. After her true protection loses her in a mishap involving some evil folks, it’s up to Larry to get her to safety. Along the way he’ll have to deal with Joe Mantegna in a role where he isn’t a scumbag and have to endure B-movie martial arts legend Eric Roberts taking a beating in a fight scene. Plus it features a no-name butchering “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, Witless Protection establishes itself early as perhaps an even bigger eyesore to cinema than either of his previous efforts as a film star.
It’s a shame, really, because Larry has a wonderful charm and charisma to him that dominates the screen whenever he’s on it. For his distinct lack of ability to pick a decent script, he has a charm and screen presence that shines through. He may appeal to a certain demographic stronger than others, but he has a charm to him that’s hard to deny as well as a unique look.
For all his charm, though, the film has minimal laughs. For all the attempted parodies of action films involving policemen, as well as several sight gags directly ripped off from Beverly Hills Cop, the film is painful in a way films shouldn’t be. It came and went quickly from theatres for a reason: no should have to watch this.
The film is garbage, obviously, but its presentation is flawless. It’s an absolute gem, as the picture is markedly clear and the colors come through wonderfully. The sound may hurt the ears but comes through terrifically as well.
Making Witless: The Cast on the Cast involves the cast talking about one another, including everyone fawning over Ivana Milicevic. It’s interesting in some parts, but the piece doesn’t have a lot of parts that aren’t the cast just discussing how wonderful everyone else was.
Larry’s Use of the Analogy is a brief piece on the unique analogies Larry comes up with throughout the film, narrated by a proper Englishman for “comedic” effect.
The Musicians of Witless Protection is about the relatively unknown bands who contributed music to the film. It’s interesting to hear these musicians discuss music and how they all got picked to have music in the film.
Also from Lionsgate includes trailers for Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, Good Luck Chuck, Delta Farce, Employee of the Month and the stand-up compilation Redneck Comedy Round Up 2.
If you are a masochist and like inflicting pain on yourself, this is the film for you. Recommendation to avoid otherwise.
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Lionsgate presents Witless Protection. Written and Directed by Charles Robert Carner. Starring Larry the Cable Guy, Jenny McCarthy, Joe Mantegna. Running time: 97 minutes. Rated PG-13. Released on DVD: June 10, 2008. Available at Amazon.com
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