Customer Reviews

Shmenges:Last Polka [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have an old blurry video copy of this film that I got twenty years ago when HBO showed this comedy masterpiece. I really need a good clean copy. If you are a John Candy fan and haven't seen this, get it. Eugene Levy and John Candy as Yosh And Stan Shmenge, put the finishing touches on the characters they played for years on SCTV. Rick Moranis reprises his role as a Litonian crooner and performs such songs as the Doors "Riders On The Storm" as a Polka. Yosh and Stan performing their Polka tribute to Michael Jackson is hilarious. Get this video if you can. You won't be disappointed.

If you liked SCTV or enjoy movie satires, this is a "must see." Eugene Levy and John Candy play two Leutonian polka-meisters who, through one ploy or another, try to climb their way to the top of the mid-western polka circuit. Their "retirement" is a last-ditch effort to overcome a disasterous concert (where they try to capitalize on Michael Jackson's "Thriller" success). Just seeing John Candy dressed up in Jackson-esque attire is worth more than a few laughs. The Last Polka features Catherine O'Hara (as one of the Lemon Twins (all three of them)) and Rick Moranis (as Lynx Minyick (sp?)) a Leutonian mix of Pepe Le-Pew and Neal Diamond. It's a movie that you have to watch several times to truly enjoy all of the subtle humor and wonderful character acting. I really wish this was back in-production, because I've worn my tape out!

The Last Polka owes much of owes a "documentary" style not only to "The Last Waltz" but also "The Compleat Beatles". However, the humor is pure SCTV and it will delight anyone unwillingly exposed to polka music and/or the Lawrence Welk show. Like everyone, I wish HBO would re-release this small gem, preferably in a DVD format. I need to hear the Lemon Twins!

I'd heard about this little gem for years and finally got my hands on a copy. Thank you, God!!! Once I got over the shock of seeing Eugene Levy and John Candy actually playing their accordian and clarinet, the even bigger shock was that they're actually playing VERY WELL! I grew up with polka-loving parents in a polka loving-town, and even though I personally don't care for polka, I know the good stuff when I hear it, and they're GOOD The Real Deal! Even better is the comedy - who else but that madcap duo from SCTV would even think of doing Michael Jackson's "Beat It" as a polka? ROTFLOL! I can't wait for the rest of the SCTV DVD's with the Schmenge's "Star Wars" polka rendition! The bit about the "raisin suprise" dough balls had the whole family doubled over in eye-watering laughter, as I have a cousin we not-so-affectionately called "Doughball." (Guess you had to be there to get the full effect!)If you appreciate great comedy, do whatever you have to to get a copy of this wildy hilarious, classic comedy masterpiece! Cabbage rolls and coffee... mmm, mmm, good!!!

If you love John Candy and Eugene Levy this is the movie for you. I am a fan of both of these guys, and this movie is a classic. It is a must own for Levy and Candy fans

I enjoy the 'ethnic' humor. I have been looking for a copy of this movie for years!! Even video stores no longer carry it. If you should come across this, rent it watch it, and you will howl!!!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Not 5, but 10 stars for this one! Just as hysterically funny today as it was in the 80's. It's a mockumentary about 2 "famous" polka musicians, and their band and associates. Rick Moranis is incredibly funny in this (as The Shmenges lead singer), as are the rest of the cast. I wish that someone would release a collection of all of The Shmenge Brothers SCTV Skits - I'd pay top dollar for that! Also there needs to be a DVD/re-release/distribution of "The Last Polka". CABBAGE ROLLS AND COFFEE, ANYONE? MMM MMM Good!

John Candy and Eugene Levy reprise and expand their roles from SCTV as Yosh and Stan - those two polka-performing geniuses, The Schmenge Brothers. This film follows the history of Yosh and Stan from the beginnings of their polka band to this last farewell tour known as The Last Polka. You'll meet their other family members and band mates and learn about the ups and downs of life in a world-class polka band. Their fans are legendary if not numerous - Mrs. Vilia Yahtsky for example, never failed to provide the cabbage rolls and coffee at the Schmenges concerts. Some classic guests appear on stage with The Schmenges from time to time, such as the beautiful blonde singing triplets known as The Lemon Twins. Lots of terrific humor in this film and in truth, some very enjoyable music. Though I had never considered myself to be a polka fan, somehow listening to the music played by Yosh and Stan (yes, John Candy and Eugene Levy actually play clarinet and accordian in this film) was a wonderful part of the humor. I Love this Film!! If you can find it, watch it, and watch it more than once to get the full effect - it'll make you feel good!!

One of my favorite movies. Candy and Levy are hilarious! A must see for any John Candy fan or any Polka fan with a sense of humor for that matter!!! HBO Video better make more copies!

It has been many years since we saw The Last Polka,however it stands out as one of the best comedies of all time! It left a lasting impression on my husband and I and to this day we refer to The Schmenges satire during certain situations. I hope to locate this classic. If you are a Second City fan you will definately enjoy the early days of John Candy and Eugene Levy in the HBO 1985 special "The Last Polka".