Capsule Reviews: The 4th of July Edition!

I'm kind of low on reviews this week. I got no submissions so I had to go it alone. That combined with working all week, I'm just glad to get these three out to you. I also think these three would make great entertainment for the whole family this weekend.


Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs, is the second straight to video film to be released since the TV shows cancellation back in 2003. The basic plot here is that the living embodiment of heaven comes through a dimensional gateway and tries to have sex with the entire universe. I know. It’s fucking weird. For those unfamiliar with the show, this is not the best jumping on point, but I can’t help that feeling most would like this entry. It’s a vast improvement over the previous film which, while entertaining for fans, still fell a little flat. If you’re looking for something bizarre and funny, look no further.

By Noah Soudrette

Tribute is a “rockumentary” directed by Kris Curry and Rich Fox and follows the lives and times of four different tribute bands. The bands that are shown here pay homage to KISS, Judas Priest, Queen, The Monkees, and the Beatles. The stories here a pretty much what you’d expect. They are all entertaining, while at the same time being sad, hilarious, pathetic, and heartbreaking. Highlights include two fan boys of the Queen and Priest groups, a black Paul Stanley impersonator, and a trip to the office supply closet Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens used to work in. On one hand, you have to like these guys for doing what they love. On the other hand, you kind of wish they’d just get a grip. Great stuff.

By Noah Soudrette

The Grand, written and directed by Zak Penn, is somewhat of a sister film to Penn’s earlier, Herzog centric mockumentary, Incident at Loch Ness. While this film follows the tenants of a mockumentary very loosely, and also employs a few high profile stars I don’t normally like (i.e. Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano), the film is still a highly entertaining comedy. There are a number of stand out performances here. Werner Herzog makes a great appearance as an insane German gambler. The other great character is portrayed by Chris Parnell, who is constantly spouting references to David Lynch’s Dune. If you’re looking for something different and a good laugh, you’ll like this.

By Noah Soudrette