Beavis and Butthead: the Next Degeneration

"South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut"
Overall Rating: ***½


There is a trend in cartoons. In the late '80s, one cultural icon was Bart Simpson: a little crude (but more rebellious), and very strange hair. In the early '90s, we had "Beavis and Butthead" with its crude drawing and cruder content. "South Park," compared to "Beavis and Butthead," is yet cruder in both animation and content. By the time digital televisions become prevalent six or seven years from now, I'm predicting that a significant number of people will shell out thousands for these advanced devices, just so they can see cussing stick figures. For now, however, those of us who enjoy these cartoons can enjoy ourselves with a movie version of "South Park."

When Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman (voices of Trey Parker for Stan, Cartman, and others; Matt Stone for Kyle, Kenny, and others; Mike Judge for a cameo voice performance for part of Kenny's role) go to see an R-rated, Canadian movie, they immediately take to imitating it. At first, this simply involves using every cuss word in the movie (and it has plenty of them) to anyone they can, including their teacher Mr. Garrison; however, things turn "serious" when--again, imitating the movie--Kenny tries to pass gas and set it on fire; Kenny sets himself ablaze and dies as a result. Outraged by her son's language and Kenny's death, Kyle's mother (voice of Mary Kay Bergman) starts a crusade against all things Canadian that just might escalate into a war. Meanwhile, Kenny--who has gone to Hell for seeing a movie on Sunday instead of going to church--learns that Satan and Saddam Hussein are planning to conquer the world using the chaos that the war between the U.S. and Canada would cause.

I have mixed feelings about a number of aspects of "South Park." Since the show has made crude animation a staple, I'm not sure whether I should praise the movie for sharper animation than ever, or complain about it. Mostly, what gives me pause about the movie are places where it simply gives in to excess. Anyone who pays attention to the movie--or the television show--knows that Trey Parker and Matt Stone rail against prejudice, but they hold the overly sensitive in greater disdain. "South Park" makes its point: people should lighten up. Having made the point--mainly by trying to push as many buttons as possible (some of the groups "targeted" include the disabled, the obese, gays, Jews, Germans, Britons, Australians, and Canadians), I'm not sure it doesn't then go overboard.

So, with a plot that barely makes sense, deliberately cheesy music and animation, and a screenplay that seems to try to offend everyone possible, why should you see "South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut"? Well, the main reason is because it's a riot. If you don't get offended, you will laugh for most of its 81 minutes. "South Park" also makes good points: racism is stupid, people are offended too easily, war is bad, bad language in movies is not the cause of all the world's evil. Personally, I agree, and I think one look at the nightly news should be enough to remind us that these messages are all too often forgotten.

"South Park" may be a cartoon, but it is not indented for children. There is pervasive violence and even more pervasive strong sexual content (complete with realistically animated nudity). Though always used satirically, there are plenty of ethnic comments that would be offensive taken out of context. Without the standard compliment of cuss words, "South Park" would almost be a silent movie. My advice: take the kids to "Tarzan" or "Star Wars;" "South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" may be a good choice for adults who think like children, but the prospect of real children emulating Eric Cartman is frightening.

While I'm giving advice, I'll add this: if you see "South Park," stay to the end of the credits; there's a scene that follows.

If you dislike the "South Park" television show, you probably should skip this one. I expected to enjoy "South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" since I like the TV show; the movie exceeded my expectations. If you like "South Park," or are just curious about it, this is one to see.


Title: "South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut"
Release date: June 30, 1999

MPAA rating: R
Overall rating: ***½

Aprox. run time: 81 min.
Director: Trey Parker
Writers: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Pam Brady
Stars: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman

Original URL: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Mansion/7045/S_Park.htm
Added to blog site: 8/5/09