"Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" has recently been pre-released on iTunes and on-demand. The film is set to premiere in theaters on March 2, but eager viewers have the option of paying for an early viewing.
Now, let me start off by saying I am a fan of Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim's comedy. I am one of those eager early viewers. I love their show, I loved the "Chrimbus" special, and I love their humor. However, I have to admit, I did not love this movie.
That isn't to say it wasn't enjoyable; I'd say about half of the movie is full of the sort of solid Tim-and-Eric humor fans are used to. But, with the other parts … they just went too far. Or, perhaps in Tim-and-Eric terms, not far enough.
There was a good 10 straight minutes that could have been taken out completely. I literally had to close my eyes. Yes, I am usually a squeamish movie-watcher, but I don't see many people being able to sit through that much vivid poop humor. (Yes, poop.)
I won't give too much away because it hasn't hit theaters yet, but the basic plot summary involves Heidecker and Wareheim basically playing versions of themselves. The pair is given $1 billion to make a movie, but end up with only a couple of minutes of film.
The rest of the money was wasted on frivolous expenses, such as a diamond suit for character Diamond Jim, played by John Depp (no not that one) and a $500,000-a-week spiritual counselor played by Zach Galifianakis.
On the run from the angry producers who are trying to sue for their billion, the two run into a job opportunity offering the same amount – running a dilapidated shopping mall. Will Ferrell appears as the mall's owner, bringing all of the laughs one would expect from the seasoned comedian. Tim and Eric take the job, and the movie progresses as they attempt to fix up the place for a grand re-opening.
One of the major saving points of the film is the full cast of "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" regulars. The major stars return, including Jeff Goldblum as Chef Goldblum, and James Quall as himself.
John C. Reilly also returns, unfortunately not reprising his (in my opinion, best) role as Dr. Steve Brule. However, his character Tacquito – a boy who was left in the mall at a young age and raised by wolves – is a close second to our favorite health-conscious doctor.
Will Forte also appears in the movie as the owner of a sword store in the mall. For me, Forte's comedy rarely disappoints, and this character was no exception. Like Reilly, he adds an occasional dose of more familiar humor when the story line starts to wane.
The movie was good, and I don't regret watching it. But if you're new to Tim and Eric's comedy, I'd definitely suggest starting out with an episode or two of their show ("The Universe" is a personal favorite). Seasoned fans, however, just enter the experience with the usual open-mindedness this comedy calls for, and prepare for a longer, slightly more difficult episode of their show.
To be completely honest, I have a feeling a second viewing of this movie would be much more enjoyable. Like a lot of Heidecker and Wareheim's humor, it may just get funnier the more you watch it. I'm going to give this one another go, but one thing is sure to remain the same – I am closing my eyes the second I hear the word "shrim."