Customer Reviews

The Sasquatch Gang

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This movie was recommended to me by a friend, who said it was one of the funniest films he's ever seen. I'm always a little sceptical when people tell me this, as I've been tricked into watching really lame movies many times. This one, however, definitely lived up to my friend's description. I was expecting something similar to Napoleon Dynamite when I put it on, which is essentially what I got. But I believe this film is even better.

The actors all have brilliant comedic delivery (especially Justin Long as the character Zerk and his friend Shirts) and the plot is interesting and unique (something unusual for a comedy). It depicts "nerds" and "losers" in a funny and sort of affectionate way. It's really refreshing to see something like this, when all other comedies out there are either terrible teen flicks or the dreaded "romantic comedy" genre.

I've already watched it four times since I bought it, which, for me, is always a sign of a good movie. I think this would appeal to just about anyone, kids and adults alike. Definitely check it out!

"Sasquatch Gang" has vital elements that must put it topmost, not only on children's and teen's lists, but those of other afficionados too. The film, while comprised mainly of teen slapstick, is incredibly funny but in an innocent way. The characters--including the adults--have an innocence that is refreshing.

I was struck by the almost timeless quality of the film. It takes place in the fictional Clackanoma County (a ribbing of Portland, Oregon's Clackamah County where the film was shot). It is an innocent world of VHS tapes copied right off the tv, "nickel-cades" with "Tron"-era video games, and no swearing.

There is absolutely no swearing: in an age when the four-letter-word barrage is common from gradeschoolers, in this film it adds to the hilarity to hear insults like "lame-wad" and "nerd". There is the use of one harsh and offensive word: "FAGGOT". And when it is uttered, it shocks us. Such is the skill the makers brought to this otherwise lovely world.

The acting is as noble as the directing. All the performers--two of them, Jeremy Sumpter and Justin Long, have a sort of dual-lead--perform to perfection. Dustin Hoffman could learn from them.

Most hilarious is the appearance of Carl Weathers as Dr. Artimus Snodgrass, a spot-on mixture of phony Bigfoot expert and David Attenborough. Though Weathers could have played the role as "himself" and been perfect, adding the Attenborough touch--complete with a British accent and snooty academic manner--was PURE GENIUS!! If you blink you'll miss this: Weathers also performs a brief scene that is a homage to one of Paul Hogan's early TV characters, a mean-spirited naturalist.

The very fun ribbing of "Sasquatch"-loving culture, naturists who know nothing about nature, and the sheer joy of seeing simple kids enjoying themselves: it's all here. The perpetually angelic but typical teen-boy Gavin Gore (Jeremy Sumpter in one of the two leads) is a delight with his ever-present tic of flipping his hair out of his eyes. One moment he can appear to be a teen sex symbol... and the next moment he's falling on his face. With a Keatonesque skill. Pure cinematic genius.

The others, who are simply too numerous to describe here, are cast/played to perfection. One could say the ensemble of "kids" consists of the usual outcasts: the angelic but eternally dorky boy; the fat boy; the little boy; the mean, bitter but well-meaning older boy; the butch-acting androgynous bully... there is too much that is rich and real in this film to restrict it to typecasting or labeling. This director proves beyond any doubt that there can be no such thing as typecasting with excellent direction, script, cast and crew.

"Napoleon Dynamite" has little to do with this particular film other than sharing its creator, and its broad-but-unusual appeal: the Unlikely Teen Heroes who triumph over all. John Hughes may have created the genre in the mid-1980s, but "The Sasquatch Gang" (which is properly titled "The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang") is something Hughes could never achieve: true and natural youthful innocence, appealing, hilarious... and apparently far beyond some people's grasp.

Do not miss this film, and do not dismiss it if you don't cotton to it at first viewing. It can take time to grow on a viewer, and there is much to miss in the first viewing that becomes clear at 2nd and 3rd viewings. The lovely Portland, Oregon location is worth it as well. But I, for one, rate this one of the best films I've ever seen... and I'm not really a great fan of "Napoleon Dynamite".

Every so often you come across a film that completely takes you by surprise! 'The Sasquatch Gang' is just such a film! While watching this film I could not help but think of 'Napoleon Dynamite'. It's got that kind of quirky charm and several cast members from "Napoleon" are in this film in small roles or cameos. This is definitely a winner and should not be overlooked! I caught this on a HD cable channel, so I'm not sure of any of the DVD features or quality.

This is one of those films that you really don't know what to expect. No surprise since it's the creation of the Napoleon Dynamite crew, this is a really quirky, laugh-out-loud funny movie. I enjoyed it immensely. It has several really unique and funny characters including Justin Long as the mulletted freak. Also his friend "Shirt" is really funny in his line delivery. I like the way they showed the sword fighting and just the overall sense of a quirky world.

This is a charming little film that will appeal to all ages.
It centers around a small group of friends somewhere in a small town who would be characterized as "misfits". They are bullied by the neighbor across the street and some local kids as well. It's a comedy but it has such a warm and tender ingredient to it that it pulls you right in. You can really identify with these kids and the cool thing about this is that it is simply kids being kids. It explores the world of adolescence and brings you back to when you were in that age. It contains some very funny moments as well as some touching scenes as well.
It reminds me of one of those ABC Afterschool Specials in the 1970's as it touches on so many subjects. I really recommend this film, it will charm the socks off of you.

I stumbled across this movie last night and at first wasn't sure if it was stupid or genius. I soon found myself laughing out loud and couldn't take my eyes away. This is one of the funniest movies I've seen. Brilliant.

This film is hilarious! I think its better than Napoleon Dynamite....the script writers are to be commended for creating interesting situations using mullets and foam weapons instead of sex or extreme violence. The overall nerdiness of the film was a plus...funny stuff!
"Now I'm the one that looks like the cue-hole!"

If you have a good sense of humor you will love this movie. It's one of those movies that makes me laugh when I think of some of the lines that jump out innocently throughout the film. A feel good funny movie.

Do not listen to the idiots who said bad things on this film. Everyone I have shown it to loved it. Notice that Kevin Spacey had a hand in it as well, so that says alot!

Really funny film with a quick wit and great performances!! If you liked Napolean Dynamite, you'll love this one!