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Beer, bikinis, boobs, and Bigfoot are all featured in the first 3 minutes of this 2012 Sasquatchploitation movie from directors Jeff Murray and Ryan Ramos.
Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend will cost you $1.99 from Amazon or free form Prime Members (which means I could watch it if I wanted), but you will never get back the hour and 24 minutes of your life.
NOTE: This review was generated with an artificial intelligence language model and wow, does it ever miss the point of this movie.
“Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend”: A Cryptozoological Comedy Extravaganza
In the ever-expanding realm of cinema, there are certain genres that have always thrived, largely unaffected by the passage of time or the evolution of technology. The horror-comedy genre is undoubtedly one of those. It’s a genre that thrives on the perfect balance between laughter and fright, often melding the absurd with the eerie to create a unique cinematic experience. Enter “Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend,” a film that attempts to meld the hilarious and the supernatural by blending the mysterious world of cryptozoology with rib-tickling comedy. Directed by Tim Hines, this movie endeavors to answer a question we’ve all pondered at some point: What if Bigfoot wasn’t just a reclusive cryptid but a party animal too?
“Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend” is an ambitious attempt to break new ground in the horror-comedy genre, but does it succeed in delivering a wild and hilarious ride, or does it get lost in the forest of its own ideas? Let’s dive deep into this cryptid caper and find out.
A Cryptic Set-Up
The film opens in the picturesque town of Pine Grove, nestled deep within the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Right from the get-go, the audience is introduced to the quirky, small-town characters that are a staple of this genre. The protagonist, Jack (played by the ever-likeable Sam McCarthy), is a young and skeptical cryptozoologist who returns to his hometown to save it from becoming another faceless tourist trap. His return, though, coincides with the arrival of a reality TV show crew led by the obnoxious and over-the-top producer, Rick (played by a delightfully hammy David Koechner).
The plot kicks into high gear when Jack’s childhood friend, Sarah (the charming and underutilized Natalie Coughlin), stumbles upon what appears to be a genuine Bigfoot footprint. The town is thrown into a frenzy, and soon enough, Rick’s reality show crew is all over it, turning the whole town into a circus. Meanwhile, Jack’s mission to prove the existence of Bigfoot becomes increasingly complicated when he discovers that this particular cryptid is not quite the elusive recluse of legend but a party animal with a taste for mayhem.
Mixing Laughter with the Paranormal
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to blend humor with the paranormal. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and this is both its greatest asset and its biggest flaw. The humor is largely hit-or-miss, with some jokes landing perfectly, while others fall flat. The best comedic moments come from Bigfoot himself, played with a manic energy by a person in a rather convincing costume. Bigfoot’s escapades, from crashing a wedding to stealing a hot dog stand, are absurd and entertaining.
However, where the film falters is in its reliance on stereotypical small-town humor and reality TV satire. The town’s eccentric residents, including a conspiracy theorist who swears by the existence of Sasquatch (played with gusto by Jon Gries), are portrayed in broad strokes, and their humor often feels forced. The reality TV show crew, while amusing in their exaggerated idiocy, border on being caricatures.
Yet, amidst the erratic humor, “Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend” manages to convey an endearing message about the importance of preserving local culture and history. Jack’s passion for cryptozoology, even in the face of skepticism and ridicule, reflects the dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect the mysteries of the natural world. This theme gives the film some depth and serves as a nice counterbalance to the zany antics.
The Technical Aspects
From a technical standpoint, “Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend” is a mixed bag. The film’s cinematography, primarily capturing the lush forests and scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, is commendable. The natural beauty of the location shines through, providing a fitting backdrop for the wild and wacky events of the plot.
However, the film’s low budget is evident in its special effects. Bigfoot’s appearance is largely practical, and while it’s good enough for a low-budget production, it won’t rival the likes of Hollywood’s blockbusters. There are moments where the seams of the costume are visible, but it adds to the charm in a strange way. Moreover, the Bigfoot suit’s facial expressions, executed by a capable performer, manage to convey a surprising range of emotions, which is essential for the character’s comedic appeal.
The soundtrack is an eclectic mix of folk and rock tunes, which, while not groundbreaking, complements the movie’s rustic setting. It successfully enhances the tone and atmosphere, adding an extra layer to the film’s charm.
Performances and Characterization
Sam McCarthy’s portrayal of Jack is the film’s anchor. He brings a believable sense of skepticism and determination to his character. His interactions with Bigfoot are some of the movie’s highlights, especially as Jack transitions from disbelief to reluctant camaraderie.
David Koechner, known for his over-the-top comedic style, delivers exactly what you’d expect as Rick the reality TV producer. His performance, though occasionally grating, suits the film’s satirical take on reality TV culture. Unfortunately, the supporting cast, while talented, often feels underutilized, given the film’s focus on Jack, Bigfoot, and Rick.
The standout, of course, is the actor in the Bigfoot costume. It’s a testament to their physicality and expressiveness that they manage to breathe life into a character hidden beneath layers of fur and latex. Bigfoot’s wordless communication with the audience, through gestures and expressions, is one of the film’s most enjoyable aspects.
Finding Its Footing
One of the film’s challenges is maintaining a consistent tone. At times, it seems unsure whether it wants to be a full-on comedy, a creature feature, or a satire of reality TV. This wavering can make the viewing experience somewhat uneven, as it doesn’t fully commit to any one genre.
However, “Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend” does have moments of brilliance where it strikes the perfect balance between humor and the supernatural. These moments are largely driven by Bigfoot himself, who, despite his wild and unpredictable behavior, manages to evoke sympathy from the audience. His evolution from a mischievous party crasher to a character with depth and a sense of responsibility is an unexpected but welcome arc.
A Wild Climax
As the film hurtles toward its climax, the chaos reaches its zenith. Bigfoot, now an unlikely hero, faces off against a reality TV show producer who will stop at nothing to capture him on camera. This final confrontation is a mix of slapstick comedy and suspenseful action, and while it’s entertaining, it could have been executed with more finesse. The editing, in particular, feels rushed, with some scenes suffering from awkward transitions.
The resolution of the film offers a satisfying conclusion to the character arcs, although it’s predictable and somewhat formulaic. Nevertheless, it fits the overall tone of the movie, which is rooted in the classic tropes of the horror-comedy genre.
Conclusion
In the end, “Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend” is a movie that promises a wild and wacky ride into the world of cryptozoology but falls short of delivering a consistently entertaining experience. It’s a film with a big heart and a wild imagination, but it struggles to find its footing between humor and the supernatural.
When skeptical tabloid reporter Harlan James (Chase Carter) is given the assignment of investigating a string of encounters involving Bigfoot (portrayed by D.T. Carney, Dead Things), he sets out on an extraordinary adventure. After talking to a few witnesses, Harlan soon learns that Bigfoot isn’t a scary monster but rather a beer-drinking, panty-stealing party animal! But Harlan isn’t the only one trying to track down the world’s most elusive creature. He’ll have to compete with Chester Scroggins (Ron Blackwell, Showboys), a hillbilly hell-bent on revenge, as well as a group of rival hunters looking to claim a bounty. With the aid of a local sheriff (David Novak, Super Shark) and a beautiful television reporter (Nicole Parsneau), Harlan sets out to get to the heart of the story before it’s too late. Skewering everything from tabloid trash to small-town intrigue, Bigfoot’s Wild Weekend is a crazy off-the-wall comedy filled with beer, babes (in-and out-of their bikinis), and Bigfoot!
There is a great interview with Jeff Murray from SearchMyTrash.com which explains this whole thing a bit more.