bodil-644-474356
I watched this movie because the plot seemed like a good basis for a comedy. Unfortunately the plot was wasted with a mixture of foul language, schoolboy humour and poor slapstick being passed off as comedy. I once worked in my younger years in the catering business so am familiar with the way restaurants work, hence my liking the plot.The idea of an abusive ex-boxing boss threatening to punch and hurt staff while shouting obscenities and belittling them was not funny. Wait staff acting like retards in a (I assume) expensive restaurant was also not funny. Patrons physically and verbally abusing staff was also not funny. All the schoolboy humour and sexual references sprinkled with every swear word under the sun was not funny. I don't mind swearing but it simply wasn't funny in this movie.Overall this movie gave me a few chuckles but otherwise left me cold. The one part where the chap dining by himself and eating next to nothing gives the busboy Donnie the largest tip was a good moment but it was for sentimental reasons, not humour. Maybe with a different director and producer this movie may have faired better. I have not seen Supertroopers or Beerfest and am now reluctant to do so if this is the sort of garbage Broken Lizard portrays as comedy.
SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain
I love Broken Lizard, and I always end up watching their films multiple times. It will be no different for Slammin' Salmon. The plot is obvious, but it's simply there to set-up some jokes. Heffernan takes a shot at directing and he's talented enough to serve the script. Unlike other Broken Lizard films, the characters have an absolutely equal share of screen-time, there's no obvious protagonist. Cobie Smulders and Michael Clarke Duncan add some extra comedic chops, and it's nice to see some of the supporting regulars around. If you're looking for a strong plot or painful belly laughs, I doubt you'll be satisfied. But, if you like gentler laughs and well strung together sketches. I have a feeling this will be a grower.
radioheadrcm
The Broken Lizard team aren't one for conventional plots, and The Slammin' Salmon - set entirely in a restaurant - is no exception. In fact, almost the entire film takes place over the course of one evening, and most of the dramatic tension centers around waiters competing with one another for a bigger paycheck. It sounds implausible, but they pull it off pretty well, by making great characters, then relying on them to entertain us.If you've seen Super Troopers, Beerfest, or Club Dread, you'll know what to expect. The characters are likable, memorable, and generally well conceived. And just like all their other films, they all could generally have used some more character development. Is it just me, or do Jay Chandrasekhar's characters never get enough screen time?Unfortunately, Slammin' Salmon contains even more slapstick than their past works, and it really brings down the overall tone of the film. We're not watching you for slapstick! We want more awkward tension, more wit, and more character development.They also moved across the jokes too quickly. The writers really set up some very funny situations, and then move on without capitalizing on them. For example, they set up a humorous interracial relationship between Cleon's sister and Rich, but spent literally only a minute on it before moving on and never returning to it. Take the time to develop your jokes! Imagine the potential dialogue there, between Cleon, his sister, and Rich. We'll never know.When it comes down to it, Slammin' Salmon is funny. If you go into the movie wanting to hate it, Michael Clarke Duncan will make you laugh anyway. I just think that we could expect more out of these guys.
Arch Ecker
Listen, if you've read this far through the reviews, you already know the plot, and the stars. I won't waste your time with that stuff, let's just get to the meat and potatoes. I'm a Broken Lizard fan, like many others. I bought copies of "Super Troopers" for friends because I loved it so much. I was let down initially by "Club Dread" but it did grow on me quite a bit after a few runs. "Beerfest" was enjoyable, largely because it seemed to simultaneously mark a return to a higher level of comedy, while also showcasing even more character diversity. Which brings us to "The Slammin' Salmon".I was concerned at first over the delays and why so little "buzz" about the film. I'd heard it was being shot, followed its progress loosely, and when it didn't make a big splash I worried that it would be a "dog". When I finally got to watch it, maybe my expectations were tempered. I didn't expect it to be their funniest work, and when I found myself bursting with laughter, I was delighted. Yes, Michael Clarke Duncan is tremendous. The BL guys are their standard comedic selves, and some fresh faces in the film make it impossible to turn away from. Ignore the reviews that belittle this film. If you enjoyed Super Troopers or Beerfest, you'll enjoy this film without question. If you hated those films, well, good luck in your humorless life.