Adventures of Serial Buddies (2011) Reviews

• Wacky and Dark with a Big, Goofy Heart, Serial Buddies is a Real Killer Comedy

  chadwycke-169-375162011-09-25

  I was at the sneak preview at the Boston Film Festival and it was a BLAST. Here's a quick review: I'd call "Serial Buddies" a "lightly dark" comedy. It shares some cinematic DNA with modern absurdist comedies like "Napoleon Dynamite" (a bizarre cast of characters and a snappy pace). But where "Dynamite" affects a "too cool for school" attitude, "Serial Buddies" has an earnest, goofy energy, trading deadpan stares for a Woody Woodpecker-esque careening insanity. Kathie Lee Gifford was a huge surprise as a randy Sorority Mom with the hots for trophy makers(!). She plays the role with lewd relish -- and she got some of the biggest laughs of the night for her efforts. Christopher Lloyd's performance is also noteworthy. His scenes with Paul Ashton ("Gregory") as Gregory's father Dr. Von Gearheart veer from laugh-out-loud hilarious to heart-wrenching. Speaking of Ashton, he is fantastic as Gregory. He allows us to see the heart in the ridiculous character that he's playing, while keeping it funny. A great performance from an actor to watch. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the mythical Kravello (Sir Richard Wentworth). The character, a legendary trophy maker who worked himself to death, is mentioned in reverent tones for the first half of the movie, and when his flashback finally arrives in the second act it does not disappoint. I won't spoil it for anyone, but it's spectacular and outrageous. To sum up, I was really impressed. It's a unique film with many laughs -- well worth watching!

• Highly Imaginative with some Outstanding Performances

  RickV442011-09-27

  I recently got a chance to preview Serial Buddies at the Boston Film Festival. This is the second effort I've seen from Writer/Director Keven Undergaro, and I have to say, he has come a long way since "In the Land of Merry Misfits". Serial Buddies shares some of the fantastical elements of Misfits (you get a strong sense that you're not quite in the real world) but the characters in Serial Buddies are much more fleshed out, as is the storyline. Paul Ashton carries the film as the flamboyant Gregory. The subtleties of his performance filled in many blanks as the offbeat characters pursued their bloody quest. In the hands of a lesser actor the audience might have faced a few head-scratching moments, but Ashton kept the action chugging right along. I suspect many reviewers are going to point out the great narration by Henry Winkler and the cameo roles by Christopher Lloyd, Artie Lange, Maria Menounos (also the film's co-producer) and Kathy Lee Gifford (all of whom shined) but to me the highlights came in the unexpected performances by Danielle Weeks as Winter, and Sir Richard Wentworth as Kravello. Not big parts for either of them, but they were both hysterical. They gave a real boost of momentum to the second half of the film. As I left the theater, my most prominent memories were of Weeks' drunken shrieking and Sir Richard's flashback montage. Either one alone would have been worth the price of admission. Viewers hoping for a catalyst for some lively après-movie philosophical debate should be warned that Serial Buddies is not a morality play. In fact, Undergaro completely ignores the ethical implications of serial murder. Which is precisely what makes the movie funny. His comedy applies tension on the audience by not serving up the expected, obligatory antagonist. I was so pleased by the absence of the cliché cop-with-a-heart-of-gold hot to offer some banal counterpoint that murder is bad. More fun to see how it all plays out in the bizarre world of Undergaro's imagination. Well done.

• Super funny!

  ndaigel2011-09-21

  I saw this film at the Boston Film Festival on 9/20/11 and LOVED it! The cast was unbelievable and the movie was hilarious. The acting was great and I especially loved watching Paul Ashton in the role of Gregory. What an incredible talent!! The movie is full of fun surprises, including Kathie Lee Gifford who is SO SO funny. You should definitely watch - especially if you like off the wall humor (like I do). The movie takes you on a hilarious journey where surprises await you when you least expect them. That is part of what makes this film so funny. Some truly hilarious moments!Great job Keven Undergaro...we're expecting more greatness from you!!

• Quirky, Funny, and what a cast!

  fineartagent2011-09-21

  An odd-ball quirky, comedy about serial killers. Haven't see this before! The film begins by introducing us to our leads -- outcast loners who just want to be loved. One, a wanna-be priest who kills for God's glory, the other a trophy-maker who worries about trophy production problems. They become partners in a weird rampage that brings them to strange lands and ever more increasing numbers of eccentric characters. This film is a visual feast, with colors and costumes that treat the eyes. Characters surprise and delight with their peculiar world-vision. And the story is certainly one never seen before. Writer/Director Undergaro clearly possesses a rich inner life, and spending some time there, through his film, is a treat. Kinda like chocolate covered bacon -- it's strange, and you might have to think about it, but undoubtedly, you like it! With cameos from the brilliant Christopher Lloyd, hilarious Kathie Lee Gifford, and brilliantly underplayed Christopher McDonald, among MANY others, this film constantly surprises and delights. In a kooky and uncommonly wonderful way.

• Refreshingly entertaining and twisted in a good sort of way....

  mplandolfi2011-09-21

  The movie Serial Buddies was an extremely funny and entertaining movie that left you fully engaged and supportive of a strange and eclectic group of characters. I wonder where the writer drew his influence from in real life? I left the theater thinking how could I possibly attempt to explain what I just saw for the last 90 minutes in a way that someone who hadn't seen the movie could appreciate? I don't think it is possible as I have unsuccessfully tried a couple of times. I highly recommend seeing Serial Buddies with the understanding that your preconceived notions of what the film is about don't scratch the surface of what you will see!