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It’s hard to believe that a sketch-comedy spin-off that was shot in just 34 days could have become such a strangely iconic film. But now, more than 15 years later, it’s astonishing to rewatch this unlikely comedy classic and realize just how much of an impact it had on pop culture in the ‘90s—not to mention how many of the lines I still use in everyday conversation.
Based on a popular Saturday Night Live sketch, Wayne’s World is a quirky, head-banging comedy about a couple of long-haired metal heads on their way to fame, fortune, and (hopefully) love.
Mike Myers and Dana Carvey star as Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar, two small-time slackers with some pretty big dreams. Outspoken Wayne and timid Garth have become celebrities in the small town of Aurora, Illinois, thanks to their public access TV show (which is filmed in Wayne’s parents’ basement). Still, Wayne dreams of taking the show to the next level—and making enough money to move out of his parents’ place. So when slick businessman Benjamin Kane (Rob Lowe) offers them a contract and a fancy new studio in Chicago, they jump at the chance to move into the big time.
Once they begin preparing for the premiere of their new-and-improved show, though, Wayne and Garth discover that Benjamin might not such a nice guy after all. Not only is he trying to change their show, but he might be putting the moves on Wayne’s rocker-chick girlfriend, Cassandra (Tia Carrere), too.
Wayne’s World is a sharp and intelligent comedy, abounding in award-worthy performances. Not!
Actually, it’s a silly slacker comedy, filled with sophomoric humor and mediocre acting—yet it’s ridiculously entertaining. Myers, in his first film role, is endearingly obnoxious (a trait that, sadly, is no longer quite as endearing as it is grating). But, despite the fact that Myers was the mastermind behind the characters and their story, Carvey steals the show as awkward and geeky Garth, who would rather build a mechanical hand to strangle his new producer than gather up the courage to sit down and talk to him. He doesn’t say much, but his facial expressions alone are absolutely priceless. Why Myers is still out there making movies like The Love Guru, while Carvey has practically disappeared from the entertainment world, I have no idea.
True to its sketch comedy roots, Wayne’s World often plays out more like a series of sketches than a cohesive story. So, mixed in with the story about Wayne and Garth and their chance at stardom, there are also a number of random scenes. Wayne and Garth chat with the camera and invite viewers to come along for the ride as they hang out at a club, chill backstage with Alice Cooper, play hockey in the street, and head-bang to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s a strange smattering of scenes, but they come together surprisingly well. And, together with its endearing characters and its unforgettable lines, that makes Wayne’s World an entertaining pop-culture flashback that’s worth another look.
Blu-ray Review:
The Blu-ray release of Wayne’s World isn’t exactly crammed with extras. Aside from a trailer and a commentary track with director Penelope Spheeris, there’s just one other feature, entitled Extreme Close-Ups. Produced in 2001, this retrospective making-of feature includes a series of interviews with various members of the cast and crew, who discuss the concept, the process, and the hectic shooting schedule.
Sure, there’s just one real feature, but that one feature is filled with plenty of interesting anecdotes that make it worth checking out. More importantly, though, Wayne’s World is one of those movies that you’ll want to have handy—because it’s just the thing for those lazy Friday nights, when you’re in the mood for a brainless laugh. The disc may not be filled with hilarious extras, but the movie alone makes it a worthwhile addition to your Blu-ray collection.
