Saturday Night Live has had a slew of sketches that have made the leap to the big screen, stretched to feature length with varying success.
The best example of a film that worked from SNL skitdom is The Blues Brothers, with other relatively entertaining ports including Coneheads, and MacGruber. And there have been more than a few duds, Stuart Saves His Family, and It’s Pat come to mind. My personal favorite though has to be Wayne’s World, based on the skit with Mike Myers, and Dana Carvey as 2 guys doing a basic cable access show out of Wayne’s mom’s basement.
As we start the film Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar are having fun with their cable access show being a couple of goofs, and going out on the town enjoying their local celebrity status and dreaming of bigger things.
‘It certainly does suck!’
The movie has great songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, Dream Weaver and Foxy Lady that are all used to great comedic effect. Cruising in the Mirth-Mobile while rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody in one of the films more iconic scenes
‘I will not let you go!’
When Benjamin (Rob Lowe) happens to see them, he sees a way to make them famous (and him money). Wayne jumps at the contract and off they go to make money.
‘Do you accept CASH?! Cha-Ching!’
All goes well early on until Wayne realizes that he is expected to shill his new sponsors product and he feels VERY strongly against being a ‘Corporate Sell-Out’.
‘I will not bow to Corporate Sponsors!’
Everything is looking up for Wayne, he’s got an excellent girlfriend, gets invited to visit Benjamin’s pad, and even get’s the chance to order some chinese takeout, mmmmm!
Alas, the good times don’t last. When Wayne’s show is changed completely and he is forced to sell out by having his sponsor on the show he lashes out which gets him fired, and puts his relationship with both Garth and his girl on the rocks.
The movie has a definite meta feel to it as Wayne, Garth and Ed O’Neill (for a brief psychotic moment) regularly talk to the viewer. Many of the jokes are rather obscure and you’ll either get them and like it or be left shaking your head.
‘Hi……. I’m in Delaware……..’
How will the story end? Will Wayne get the girl? Will he and Garth get their show back? Will they ever get any Grey Poupon? You’ll just have to watch and find out.
Wayne's World (1992)
Overall
Summary
One of the better Saturday Night Live Skits that was turned into a feature film has lots of laughs, stupid moments and some great music mixed in.