I'm SO used to being disappointed by underwritten roles, songs, plot & dialogue, phoned-in performances, etc., in most of what I see in films and T.V. lately... but THIS is SUBLIME! Though it's hilarious and campy, the lyrics are witty and demand intelligence, and the music's terrific, as is every single performance. But there just isn't any actor or aspect of the show to single out as brilliant; every moment of Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical is no less than perfect! My husband, my friends and I haven't been able to stop watching it (it was on Showtime On Demand 'til Saturday), nor can we get the songs out of our heads.... Surely Showtime is going to rerun this on DVD, and (PLEASE!) release it on DVD A.S.A.P. Do yourself a favor and catch it.(And no, I'm in no way affiliated... just a film "buff"!)
80 Reviews
A vast improvement!
mstomaso8 June 2005
This film is so much better than the 1936 trash-fest that no mere comparison can do it justice. Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical is a smart, funny, and well performed parody of American paranoia, using the original Reefer Madness plot as a launching point to satirize McCarthy, fundamentalism, race, and the obsession with privilege, wealth and 'breeding' which have so sadly marred our history.
Unlike the original, nearly everything in this production is done right. The likable characters are the good ones, and the villains are truly despicable. The addition of a decent set of amusing tunes helps to keep the plot moving along (one of the biggest failures of the original film was the inconsistent and often painfully drawn out plot), and the use of some talented Broadway players (Christian Campbell and Kristen Bell are particularly fun to watch) as well as a script guided by rational thought as opposed to ignorance (as was the case in 1936), all make this film unusually entertaining and funny (the author generally dislikes straight comedies and has very high standards for musicals).
(Sorry for all the parenthetical statements) Most of you are probably aware of the plot, so I will summarize what distinguishes this from the original rather than simply summarizing the film. This version of Reefer Madness is less a paranoid right-wing attack on marijuana use than an amusing musical which compares the pot-scares that inspired the original film in 1936 to McCarthyism, fundamentalism, racism and various other ethical pathologies America has faced in its history (and today). The film does not promote marijuana use, but does play up the absurdity of the arguments that make it appear to be more harmful than, for example, cigarettes, alcohol, heroin, etc - all of which have been or were, at one time, used by the drug's most vocal enemies.
Jimmy Harper, in his voyage from an all-American high school kid to a dope-fiend, meets Satan, Jesus, Joan of Arc, the undead, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt along the way, ending up in a lot of trouble with the law. Spurning his high school sweet heart and terrifying his family, Jimmy sinks deeper and deeper into a pot-crazed state of insatiable lust, violence and - of course - jazz. Finally, this version ends differently from the 1936 film - but I won't give away the conclusion.
For me, giving a musical comedy a 7 is some of the highest praise I can give (The Wizard of Oz, Tommy and Singin in the Rain get 9s), so, if you're into this kind of thing, you really should check this one out.
Unlike the original, nearly everything in this production is done right. The likable characters are the good ones, and the villains are truly despicable. The addition of a decent set of amusing tunes helps to keep the plot moving along (one of the biggest failures of the original film was the inconsistent and often painfully drawn out plot), and the use of some talented Broadway players (Christian Campbell and Kristen Bell are particularly fun to watch) as well as a script guided by rational thought as opposed to ignorance (as was the case in 1936), all make this film unusually entertaining and funny (the author generally dislikes straight comedies and has very high standards for musicals).
(Sorry for all the parenthetical statements) Most of you are probably aware of the plot, so I will summarize what distinguishes this from the original rather than simply summarizing the film. This version of Reefer Madness is less a paranoid right-wing attack on marijuana use than an amusing musical which compares the pot-scares that inspired the original film in 1936 to McCarthyism, fundamentalism, racism and various other ethical pathologies America has faced in its history (and today). The film does not promote marijuana use, but does play up the absurdity of the arguments that make it appear to be more harmful than, for example, cigarettes, alcohol, heroin, etc - all of which have been or were, at one time, used by the drug's most vocal enemies.
Jimmy Harper, in his voyage from an all-American high school kid to a dope-fiend, meets Satan, Jesus, Joan of Arc, the undead, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt along the way, ending up in a lot of trouble with the law. Spurning his high school sweet heart and terrifying his family, Jimmy sinks deeper and deeper into a pot-crazed state of insatiable lust, violence and - of course - jazz. Finally, this version ends differently from the 1936 film - but I won't give away the conclusion.
For me, giving a musical comedy a 7 is some of the highest praise I can give (The Wizard of Oz, Tommy and Singin in the Rain get 9s), so, if you're into this kind of thing, you really should check this one out.
No, I'm not crazy; Reefer Madness is one of my favorite musicals! It's up in smoke fun!
ironhorse_iv20 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
While, personally I don't smoke the stuff, I found this movie to be very entertaining. Reefer Madness is not only one of my favorite musicals, but one of the most unheard gens in musical theater. The 2005 made-for-television Showtime musical comedy film directed Andy Fickman was an adaptation of the Off-Broadway musical of the same name based on the 1936 exploitation film also of the same name. The 1930s crusade against marijuana, with the Hollywood Hays Code and prejudice directed at racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, labor unions, gays and lesbians is just awfully stupid, so I was glad to hear a movie playing fun of it. With an all-star cast, this satire movie brings some of the best songs I have ever heard in any musical while making fun of the paranoid over-reaction and over-politicizing of the original Tell the Truth program. The production quality is great. The set actually looks decent for a TV movie. The comedy is objectively funny as well, and the 30's were quite ridiculously white-bread about legality equal morality. In a high school classroom, there is a Tell the Truth meeting going on in a black and white color scheme. The Lecturer (Alan Cumming) tells the assembly of anxious parents about the evils of marijuana. It's here, we get to hear the opening song, Reefer Madness theme song by the Steven Colbert look alike. Alan Cumming's voice is awesome! So deliciously creepy! The movie then opens in color showing a young man, Jimmy Harper (Christian Campbell) a fine upstanding youth, blessed with his love for his girlfriend Mary Lane (Kristen Bell). Both actors reprise their roles from the stage as they continue to be charming, and cute. Jimmy's got some crazy ass pipes in his lung in his singing. Kristen is an amazing singer and she can really dance. The two are so in love, they quote and sing 'Romeo and Juliet', not really knowing the ending to that story. The word play in the Romeo and Juliet song is very witty, and watching Shakespeare shaking his head was just hilarious. However, across town, the sadistic weed-pusher, Jack Stone (Steven Weber), and his cronies, neurotic whore Sally DeBanis (Amy Spanger), moll Mae Coleman (Ana Gasteyer), former college student Ralph Wiley (John Kassir), are living in the depths of depravity looking for their next victim. Steven Weber plays the over the top gangster, while Ana Gasteyers gives one hell of a performance singing the song 'The Stuff'. The stuff is a great song by Ana. She plays it over the top as well as straight. Did you know the guy who plays Ralph is the voice of The Cryptkeeper in Tales of the Crypts? John Kassir also worked on the stage version. Anyways, the drug pushers meet Jimmy at the local soda counter during the 'Down at the Ol' Five and Dime' musical number. I really don't like this song, but the dancing is great. Nothing to say about this, but a small cameo by Neve Campbell as Miss Poppy, despite getting third billing. Here's an explanation for Neve Campbell: Originally she was supposed to play Mary Jane in this film adaption but that would have been very weird what with her brother playing Jimmy, so she got recast as Miss Poppy. Also she had a little more character development in the original show as someone who was secretly working for Jack and helped him find kids to push reefer on. Here, she's just a three minute character. So John Carradine like movie. Jimmy get hook on the stuff after one hit taking him to the 'Orgy' song number. Once again, not a good song, but good dance number. I love Jimmy's face after he takes a hit. It made me laugh. So if I take a toke, I will be whisked away to a island of orgy loving barely clad men and women who smoke weed and worship a goat-demon deity named Moloch. Seems legit. The next two songs 'Lonely Pew' and "Listen to Jesus, Jimmy' are amazing. Robert Torti, who played both Jack and Jesus on-stage, portrays only the latter in the film version. I don't find this to really be sacrilegious. I mean, it's not a demeaning portrayal of Jesus; if anything, it just makes him look more awesome. And I would also like to believe that Jesus would kid around a little bit, because God obviously has a sense of humor. 'Lonely Pew' was an add song. Not in the original show. Jimmy continue to fall into madness, getting frame for murder. Only stopping to question himself with 'Mary Jane/Mary Lane'. This song is the best in the movie. Jimmy eats the brownie and immediately forgets all about Mary ("The Brownie Song"). This song is awful, but at less it's short. It's replace a song just known as the monkey song. I would have just cut both songs from the movie. Not only does Jimmy get into a mess, but Mary who plan to rescue him, but instead get hook during the 'Little Mary Sunshine' number. Mary transforms from your simple high school sweetheart into a sadistic, whip cracking dominatrix. The movie go all Macbeth with the 'Murder' number and end with semi tragedy. Overall, this was incredibly entertaining! I was choking on laughter all the way through! I could hardly breathe, it was so hysterical! My only complaint is that still the drug trade does in fact destroy lives, and the movie does make light of it. I fully acknowledge that Marijuana is just as bad as alcohol as far as addiction and incapacitation, but this movie doesn't give you a right to dumb yourself down by Mary Jane. But this is not a debate that doesn't needs not happen here, so just enjoy the movie for its silliness. Can Jimmy get out of the murder rap and save Mary from Reefer Madness? You just have to watch to find out.
Tell your children to see this movie!
mcfly8518 April 2005
Reefer Madness should give us all new hope for the return of the movie-musical genre and the sweet days of Rocky Horror-style comedy! I love it when a musical is adapted from stage to screen, and the director takes full advantage of things that can be done in a movie that cannot be realized on stage. Reefer Madness takes full advantage of its film medium while still maintaining an unfailing sense of theatricality. The direction, choreography and vocal performances are fantastic.
This awesome movie is flawlessly cast and realized. It's a must-see for any fans of musicals, intelligent comedy and, well, weed.
This awesome movie is flawlessly cast and realized. It's a must-see for any fans of musicals, intelligent comedy and, well, weed.
The funniest of Sundance
kerecsen30 January 2005
When it comes to musicals, movies like Chicago and Moulin Rouge come to mind. Most people loved one or the other (or both) of those, so Reefer Madness has to work hard to live up to expectations. While it is not as visually extravagant as Moulin Rouge, this movie is just as funny, and while the dances are smaller key than Chicago, they are perfectly choreographed and blend together well. All actors do their own singing and dancing, and they do quite well.
The film is about the negative effects of Marijuana on society, in the form of a fable. An all-out, way over the top, in no way politically correct fable. You start suspecting that the writers are not going to hold anything back as soon as Jesus appears in a single silk loincloth, surrounded by showgirls. Very few aspects of the christo-republican lifestyle are not subjected to some good old fashioned irony and black comedy, but democratic values take a bit of beating too.
Reefer Madness is based on the stage play of the same title, which was fine-tuned during its 8 year run. The effects of the long tweak-time are obvious, the movie is crammed full of jokes -- from small asides to full-on audience rollers -- and there are virtually no duds. The on-screen adaptation lives up to the material, at no point does this flick feel at all like a stage play.
The long practice shows on the performances as well, Kristen Bell and Christian Campbell -- both carrying on their roles from the stage play -- do a great job both as naive 1940's schoolchildren and as uninhabited addicts. A notable change from the play is the addition of Alan Cumming who is putting in a great and unrestrained performance as always.
I saw the movie at a Sundance screening at midnight. Not only was the theater totally sold out, but all of the audience members were wide awake and cheering, clapping, laughing and utterly enjoying themselves for the entire duration.
In case you get a chance to go to a theater-screening, do it, it deserves the big screen. Otherwise don't forget to program your DVR to record the Showtime premiere!
In case it is not obvious from the above, this movie is the definition of A+ fun and entertainment.
The film is about the negative effects of Marijuana on society, in the form of a fable. An all-out, way over the top, in no way politically correct fable. You start suspecting that the writers are not going to hold anything back as soon as Jesus appears in a single silk loincloth, surrounded by showgirls. Very few aspects of the christo-republican lifestyle are not subjected to some good old fashioned irony and black comedy, but democratic values take a bit of beating too.
Reefer Madness is based on the stage play of the same title, which was fine-tuned during its 8 year run. The effects of the long tweak-time are obvious, the movie is crammed full of jokes -- from small asides to full-on audience rollers -- and there are virtually no duds. The on-screen adaptation lives up to the material, at no point does this flick feel at all like a stage play.
The long practice shows on the performances as well, Kristen Bell and Christian Campbell -- both carrying on their roles from the stage play -- do a great job both as naive 1940's schoolchildren and as uninhabited addicts. A notable change from the play is the addition of Alan Cumming who is putting in a great and unrestrained performance as always.
I saw the movie at a Sundance screening at midnight. Not only was the theater totally sold out, but all of the audience members were wide awake and cheering, clapping, laughing and utterly enjoying themselves for the entire duration.
In case you get a chance to go to a theater-screening, do it, it deserves the big screen. Otherwise don't forget to program your DVR to record the Showtime premiere!
In case it is not obvious from the above, this movie is the definition of A+ fun and entertainment.
It's good to touch the green green grass of home......
ween-320 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER ALERT---THIS MOVIE IS ABOUT WEED..whoops, gave away the whole plot there... hot damn!...sorry, kids..............................
well, it may be missing that ONE transcendent moment like Tim Curry's "Sweet Transvestite" or Steve Martin's "Dentist", but as high camp goes, this ain't bad stuff...seriously entertaining with great choreography (who knew Neve Campbell was a Fosse girl in hiding, anyway?, fairly intelligent lyrics and some neat comic jabs at the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and his merry band of pranksters...smart direction throughout...the whole cast is a hoot, and it's particularly nice to see ana gasteyer finally getting to use those pipes that have been missing from the landscape since her "music teacher" skits with Will Ferrell on SNL...she's a helluva singer, obviously operatically trained, and somebody really oughta get busy writing her into a showcase role ala Barbra ASAP...John Kassir channeling Bobcat Goldthwaite also deserves special mention.
"Reefer"'s a keeper...smoke 'em if you got 'em, folks!
well, it may be missing that ONE transcendent moment like Tim Curry's "Sweet Transvestite" or Steve Martin's "Dentist", but as high camp goes, this ain't bad stuff...seriously entertaining with great choreography (who knew Neve Campbell was a Fosse girl in hiding, anyway?, fairly intelligent lyrics and some neat comic jabs at the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and his merry band of pranksters...smart direction throughout...the whole cast is a hoot, and it's particularly nice to see ana gasteyer finally getting to use those pipes that have been missing from the landscape since her "music teacher" skits with Will Ferrell on SNL...she's a helluva singer, obviously operatically trained, and somebody really oughta get busy writing her into a showcase role ala Barbra ASAP...John Kassir channeling Bobcat Goldthwaite also deserves special mention.
"Reefer"'s a keeper...smoke 'em if you got 'em, folks!
Genius
LOLIGAGER16 April 2005
Tonight on show time I watched the pure genius that is Reefer Madness! As musical theatre lover I appreciated the movie right at the beginning when the school play was "Green Grows The Lilacs" which is the play that the musical "Oklahoma" was based on. Not only though was this movie hysterical the whole way through, but the music was incredible and the lyrics and book were outstanding, but on top of it all IT WAS SMART! To take an old movie like Reefer Madness and turn it into a musical and a political satire was pure brilliant! All the performances were outstanding as well, but to me Ana Gyster stole the show! She is just incredible, her voice, her comedic timing, and every little nuance she adds to make that character hers! Christian Campell was also amazing! In fact there was no performance or part of this movie that was wrong...if you're smart and have a good sense of humor you'll LOVE IT! And if I could rate this movie higher than a 10 I would! P.S Rob Torti rocks my world!
No need to smoke up to enjoy this one...
MrGKB13 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
...but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't hurt, either.
Personally, I was quite pleased with this campy send-up of the original Thirties propaganda film, mostly because "Reefer Madness: The Musical" goes far beyond mere parody and takes off in directions of its own, much the same way Ashman and Goodman's musical, "Little Shop of Horrors," did back in the mid-Eighties. The music is good, the lyrics are clever, the book is good, production values are high (pun acknowledged), and the acting and singing are without fault. Who could ask for anything more? I haven't had this much fun discovering a new musical since I finally tumbled to "Rent" a few months ago.
Original cast members include Kristen "Veronica Mars" Bell, Christian "Yes, I'm Neve's big brother, but I'm talented, too" Campbell, and John "I've done more voice work than you can shake a stick at" Kassir. They acquit themselves with all the flair and talent one would expect from actor/singers who know their stuff inside out. Outstanding support from Alan "Nightcrawler" Cumming, Ana "SNL" Gasteyer, and Steven "Wings" Weber just makes everything even better, along with appearances by Neve "I'm his little sister, you got it" Campbell, OBC alum Robert "The Drew Carey Show" Torti as a wonderfully glitzy Jesus, Stephen E. "I am one daggone busy character actor" Miller, and the luscious Christine "Step by Step" Lakin as a feisty Joan of Arc. Director Andy Fickman, who helmed the horrendous "Who's Your Daddy?" back in 2003 (yes, I actually wasted an hour or so watching it, but at least I got to see Ms. Lakin again), really got the talent required to pull this one off.
What's not to like? Stoners being equated with "Night of the Living Dead" zombies, officious establishment types getting their busybody noses tweaked, Jesus getting the Tom Jones treatment, and all within the context of some choice choreography from Mary Ann "Clueless" Kellogg and her able assistants, along with superb art direction, production design, and costuming. Why, just sprinkle on some fine cinematography by Jan "Fright Night" Kiesser and careful editing by Jeff "The Craft" Freeman, and you've got a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Don't Bogart this musical; pass it on to your friends. The only thing I'd really like to know is what the heck is the significance of "420?" Is it just ten times the answer to life, the universe and everything, or is there something more arcane involved? 3.12.08 edit: Now I know. Jeez, you'd think after all this time...
Personally, I was quite pleased with this campy send-up of the original Thirties propaganda film, mostly because "Reefer Madness: The Musical" goes far beyond mere parody and takes off in directions of its own, much the same way Ashman and Goodman's musical, "Little Shop of Horrors," did back in the mid-Eighties. The music is good, the lyrics are clever, the book is good, production values are high (pun acknowledged), and the acting and singing are without fault. Who could ask for anything more? I haven't had this much fun discovering a new musical since I finally tumbled to "Rent" a few months ago.
Original cast members include Kristen "Veronica Mars" Bell, Christian "Yes, I'm Neve's big brother, but I'm talented, too" Campbell, and John "I've done more voice work than you can shake a stick at" Kassir. They acquit themselves with all the flair and talent one would expect from actor/singers who know their stuff inside out. Outstanding support from Alan "Nightcrawler" Cumming, Ana "SNL" Gasteyer, and Steven "Wings" Weber just makes everything even better, along with appearances by Neve "I'm his little sister, you got it" Campbell, OBC alum Robert "The Drew Carey Show" Torti as a wonderfully glitzy Jesus, Stephen E. "I am one daggone busy character actor" Miller, and the luscious Christine "Step by Step" Lakin as a feisty Joan of Arc. Director Andy Fickman, who helmed the horrendous "Who's Your Daddy?" back in 2003 (yes, I actually wasted an hour or so watching it, but at least I got to see Ms. Lakin again), really got the talent required to pull this one off.
What's not to like? Stoners being equated with "Night of the Living Dead" zombies, officious establishment types getting their busybody noses tweaked, Jesus getting the Tom Jones treatment, and all within the context of some choice choreography from Mary Ann "Clueless" Kellogg and her able assistants, along with superb art direction, production design, and costuming. Why, just sprinkle on some fine cinematography by Jan "Fright Night" Kiesser and careful editing by Jeff "The Craft" Freeman, and you've got a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Don't Bogart this musical; pass it on to your friends. The only thing I'd really like to know is what the heck is the significance of "420?" Is it just ten times the answer to life, the universe and everything, or is there something more arcane involved? 3.12.08 edit: Now I know. Jeez, you'd think after all this time...
The next Rocky Horror
mkiraly16 April 2005
For those of you who get Showtime, watch this show! For those who do not, cozy up to someone who has the channel, promise to bring really yummy munchies, and wheedle an invitation to watch it. This movie - think of it as South Park guys Trey and Parker given free license to create a live musical - exceeded every expectation for an "originals" picture. The songs were lively, the dance numbers way over the top. There were a couple of slow moments early in the movie but they were only there to contrast with the madness to come. This should have been released to theaters, but I suspect that someday it will be. Destined to become a cult classic, this film seems to have been made to become the replacement for the moldy Rocky Horror Picture Show for serial Saturday midnight airings. Get out your fake blood, your garish evening dresses, your tacky lingerie, your devil's horns and your Jesus robes. This movie will be around for a long, long while.
Not bad, but the original is so much more enjoyable.
planktonrules11 July 2011
I have a bit of a complaint about this and many other movies. When I got the DVD, I noticed there were no captions of any sort--and it sure would have helped since several in my household are hard of hearing. In addition, I am sure that a lot of fans of musicals would have loved to have been able to see the words and perhaps even sing along.
As for the film, "Reefer Madness: The Musical" is based, very loosely, on the original film "Reefer Madness (1936--also called "Tell Your Children"). It is a musical parody of the original--which is a bit of a problem since the original film was a comedy--though perhaps unintentionally. It's known by bad movie fans as one of the most enjoyably bad movies of the era. And, I must confess, while I liked this musical, I still would much prefer to watch the original--it is truly hilarious (though the studio's other offering, "Sex Madness", is actually even funnier).
Now if you do watch this film, be prepared to be offended. I am not talking about how it trivializes pot use but the scenes of Jesus dancing about with Satan in one song as well as the sexual nature of the film. It is NOT a film for small children or mother-in-laws! If you can look past this and decide to watch the film, be sure to watch Alan Cumming--who is absolutely awesome in the movie. I love how he made his British accent completely disappear--putting on a rugged voice and singing with a range I never thought he was capable of doing. Wow...what a voice. Also, possessing another wonderful voice is Christian Campbell--who has a knack for picking strange and edgy roles (his most icky and cool was "Pretty Dead Girl"--a definite must-see). And it didn't hurt that the songs were so gosh-darn cute.
By the way, didn't Christian Campbell remind you of the pug from the end of "Best In Show"? If you are not sure, see him at the 60 minute mark and you'll see what I mean.
As for the film, "Reefer Madness: The Musical" is based, very loosely, on the original film "Reefer Madness (1936--also called "Tell Your Children"). It is a musical parody of the original--which is a bit of a problem since the original film was a comedy--though perhaps unintentionally. It's known by bad movie fans as one of the most enjoyably bad movies of the era. And, I must confess, while I liked this musical, I still would much prefer to watch the original--it is truly hilarious (though the studio's other offering, "Sex Madness", is actually even funnier).
Now if you do watch this film, be prepared to be offended. I am not talking about how it trivializes pot use but the scenes of Jesus dancing about with Satan in one song as well as the sexual nature of the film. It is NOT a film for small children or mother-in-laws! If you can look past this and decide to watch the film, be sure to watch Alan Cumming--who is absolutely awesome in the movie. I love how he made his British accent completely disappear--putting on a rugged voice and singing with a range I never thought he was capable of doing. Wow...what a voice. Also, possessing another wonderful voice is Christian Campbell--who has a knack for picking strange and edgy roles (his most icky and cool was "Pretty Dead Girl"--a definite must-see). And it didn't hurt that the songs were so gosh-darn cute.
By the way, didn't Christian Campbell remind you of the pug from the end of "Best In Show"? If you are not sure, see him at the 60 minute mark and you'll see what I mean.
Reefer Blandness
inmemoryofdivine20 January 2006
Yawn. Really uninteresting idea, poorly executed. I worry about the state of modern musicals when something like this can rate as high as it did. The songs were everything a song shouldn't be. Lame music, lamer lyrics. It was, very much, like watching bad improv. Not campy bad, just bad. Each one an absolute turd.
Okay, enough kvetching. There were some good points. Which is why it rated 5 and not 0. Ana Gasteyer was brilliant, very funny and she has an amazing voice. The choreography was quite clever and fun. The sets and the way it was shot were also quite good. It just all sinks under the leaden songs. I had, possibly, too high hopes for this. Now I just hoped I was high while watching it. Bad joke, I know. I couldn't help myself. The thing is they should have.
Okay, enough kvetching. There were some good points. Which is why it rated 5 and not 0. Ana Gasteyer was brilliant, very funny and she has an amazing voice. The choreography was quite clever and fun. The sets and the way it was shot were also quite good. It just all sinks under the leaden songs. I had, possibly, too high hopes for this. Now I just hoped I was high while watching it. Bad joke, I know. I couldn't help myself. The thing is they should have.
madness
bluusher21 April 2005
People that didn't like this...just don't like musicals and that's fine. In this day in age where people are so ready to cast musicals off into the film industry abyss, it is great to see something like this come along. If you are turned off by the subject matter you just don't get it. See the original "instructional" short and you will, all too quickly, understand that this movie is right on the money. Big brother government + media fear = America of today and back in the 30's. Just think back to last years terror threat scenarios and you will begin to understand how our government perfers to control by fear and manipulation. Not only is this movie a riot, to me this movie captured the essence of paranoia and "quirkyness" the first one really had. It is well written and combines the best aspects of movies like "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Little Shop of Horrors", both of which are classics as I'm sure this one is destined to become.
softer than a pillow stuffed with bunnies.
butros_us24 April 2005
It's a very entertaining movie. I laughed, i cried, i felt my testicles pull upward into my gut as i realized i was watching a musical. Alan Cummings is alright - he's stranger that a pillow stuffed with bunnies, but his character calls for it. There is this one hot chick who plays Joan of Arc - she's a bombshell, a total bombshell. ...So i looked her up on IMDb and it turns out that she used to play Al on Step by Step. Now all i have to do is get my time machine working and go back to when that show was on the air, ask her out, and marry her on the 24th of April. That would be a good day. A good day for a wedding. We would have pineapple and ham pizza, bottled water, and corn chips. Corn chips and lots of dip!
Almost Perfect
gijoes4you23 April 2005
I loved it, what a wonderful interpretation of a screen classic. I loved the writing, songs, and most of the acting, but I have to speak up about Steven Weber, his singing is among the worst I have heard in a musical. I realized his character "Jack" is supposed to be a sleaze, but couldn't they have at least dubbed his singing voice? In my opinion they should have kept Robert Torti in the roll of Jack as they did on Broadway, he could have pulled off the roll of Jack & Jesus flawlessly. Other than that the movie is a classic. I just had to say what others had failed to mention. I can see this film going down as an all time favorite. I can imagine it will be a standard at pot parties all over America.
Hilarious, and brilliantly done
pyotr-316 April 2005
Christian Campbell is definitely one of America's gems. And the entire cast of this hilarious film should be honored with a statue somewhere. "Reefer Madness" is a pure joy, and in 2005 America it is shockingly TIMELY since we are overrun with moralists of the sort depicted by Alan Cummings in this film.
If you enjoy a modern satire, and if you love clever music and great choreographed song numbers, this is the film for you. If you have no sense of humor, watch something else.
Steven Weber and Alan Cummings put in great performances. Both are highly underrated actors who have brought magic to many films, and this is no exception. Alan Cummings comes close to stealing the show.
But in this film it is Christian Campbell who dazzles the most. He is hilarious almost beyond belief in his moments as the All-American Uber-Wholesome kid. That smile is so perfect and infectious. They could never have found anymore more perfect for this role: someone capable of moving from Mr. Wholesome to Mr. Ruined-by-Marijuana - and his singing and dancing talent came through perfectly in this film. Bravo Christian Campbell!
If you enjoy a modern satire, and if you love clever music and great choreographed song numbers, this is the film for you. If you have no sense of humor, watch something else.
Steven Weber and Alan Cummings put in great performances. Both are highly underrated actors who have brought magic to many films, and this is no exception. Alan Cummings comes close to stealing the show.
But in this film it is Christian Campbell who dazzles the most. He is hilarious almost beyond belief in his moments as the All-American Uber-Wholesome kid. That smile is so perfect and infectious. They could never have found anymore more perfect for this role: someone capable of moving from Mr. Wholesome to Mr. Ruined-by-Marijuana - and his singing and dancing talent came through perfectly in this film. Bravo Christian Campbell!
Reefer Madness is delightful, and Kristen Bell adorable
raventhorn8628 December 2007
Reefer Madness is fun, quirky, clever and exciting. A perfect spoof of the original Reefer Madness (also known as 'Tell Your Children').
The cast is a breath of fresh air, with Christian Campbell and Kristen Bell playing the high-school sweethearts soon to fall victim to 'reefer madness', Alan Cumming as the lecturer against the evils of the reefer (the narrator) and several other characters, and Neve Campbell playing the proprietor of the Soda shop.
Even more so than in the TV show Veronica Mars, Kristen Bell is simply adorable. Whether she is playing an angelic do-gooder, a dominatrix, or a teenage PI, you simply can not go past the star dust emanating from Kristen Bell. She has amazing vocal strength and uses it perfectly in this film.
The cast is a breath of fresh air, with Christian Campbell and Kristen Bell playing the high-school sweethearts soon to fall victim to 'reefer madness', Alan Cumming as the lecturer against the evils of the reefer (the narrator) and several other characters, and Neve Campbell playing the proprietor of the Soda shop.
Even more so than in the TV show Veronica Mars, Kristen Bell is simply adorable. Whether she is playing an angelic do-gooder, a dominatrix, or a teenage PI, you simply can not go past the star dust emanating from Kristen Bell. She has amazing vocal strength and uses it perfectly in this film.
A mix bag movie thats mostly good.
TOMNEL25 April 2006
stars: Christian Campbell, Kristin Bell, Ana Gatsayer, Steven Weber, John Kassir, Alan Cumming, Amy Spanger and Neve Campbell.
This has to be one of the most bizarre films ever. Some lowlife (Weber) shares his reefer with sweet little Jimmy (Campbell) and the party begins. It takes place in 1936 and the beginning really played off of the years. The first 30 minutes were so campy and funny and had good songs, then there's a dry patch where the songs are not only average, but over-long and it gets repetitive. The last 30 minutes get back on track and more amusing as non-stop drug use, murder and cannibalism takes place when Ralph gets the munchies. Kristin Bell is excellent as the love interest innocent school girl and Kassir is great as the hallucinating horny pal and even Ana Gatsayer is hilarious. Though there are dry patches, it still does deliver.
My rating-B minus. rated R for lotsa drug use, some sexuality and gory violence. 103 mins.
This has to be one of the most bizarre films ever. Some lowlife (Weber) shares his reefer with sweet little Jimmy (Campbell) and the party begins. It takes place in 1936 and the beginning really played off of the years. The first 30 minutes were so campy and funny and had good songs, then there's a dry patch where the songs are not only average, but over-long and it gets repetitive. The last 30 minutes get back on track and more amusing as non-stop drug use, murder and cannibalism takes place when Ralph gets the munchies. Kristin Bell is excellent as the love interest innocent school girl and Kassir is great as the hallucinating horny pal and even Ana Gatsayer is hilarious. Though there are dry patches, it still does deliver.
My rating-B minus. rated R for lotsa drug use, some sexuality and gory violence. 103 mins.
Excellent movie
xiphoid7616 April 2005
Just saw Reefer Madness tonight on Showtime and it was fantastic. I thought the score is very relevant to the politics that are going on currently and were right on target. It was interesting to hear the lyrics commenting on the political "spin" that seems to be very relevant to both political parties. Also the targeting "fear" instead of actual problems is very representative of today's political climate.
The cast was great too, especially Christian Campbell who is very talented and very good looking as well - he should be in more! I also enjoyed Steven Weber and Alan Cumming who have always been favorites of mine.
The cast was great too, especially Christian Campbell who is very talented and very good looking as well - he should be in more! I also enjoyed Steven Weber and Alan Cumming who have always been favorites of mine.
"Smoke-a-smoke-a-smoke-a-Smoke-Me?"
cchase4 September 2005
Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney sure do know their "Horrors"--as in ROCKY and LITTLE SHOP OF..., and they prove it with this quirky and fun if somewhat derivative send up of, well, musical send-ups, based on a goofy 1930's cautionary relic that has become in and of itself a cult classic, kind of the granddaddy of "gonzo cinema." What was a goofily earnest diatribe against the dangers of "wacky tobakky", has been transformed into a tuneful rant against the dangers of fascism, media manipulation and religious zealotry, while "borrowing" freely from the aforementioned musicals, (with slapdashes of everything from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, to George Romero, to John Waters for good measure!) Its Frankensteinian heart worn sewn firmly on its sleeve and seed-peppered tongue planted firmly in cheek, MADNESS charts the story of "two innocent kids," Jimmy Harper (Christian Campbell of "TRICK") and Mary Lane (Kristen Bell, who created the role in the Off-Broadway version), and their fall from the grace of Good Clean American Living once they encounter the insidious embrace of "Mary Jane," thanks to the assorted lowlifes who are already ensnared in her wicked thrall.
That includes Jack Stone (WINGS' Steven Weber), the ringleader who seduces the kids into his den of iniquity, hysterically masochistic Mae Coleman (SNL alum Ana Gasteyer), Jack's partner-in-puffing and personal punching bag, and the bong-brained second bananas Sally deBains (Amy Spanger) and Ralph Wiley (John Kassir, who looks like nothing less than a live-action, fleshier version of the character he's famous for giving life to, HBO's Cryptkeeper from "TALES FROM THE...").
Although it is one of those musicals where you can virtually trace the point of origin of each song back to its source, ("Mary Jane/Mary Lane" combines bits of LITTLE SHOP'S "Suddenly, Seymour" and "Rose Tint My World" from ROCKY), the good news is that the musical as a whole is certainly more in keeping with a linear sense of storytelling, rather than ROCKY which gets downright "Theater of the Absurd" at times, and has a deeper message than LITTLE SHOP, though in some ways it shares some of that musical's glaring anachronisms (though FDR is supposed to be the president, a calendar in one scene is for the year 1956).
However, even when the book, music and lyrics are less-than-complementary (which is not the case here), a musical can only be as entertaining as the cast who performs it, and REEFER has one of the gamest, energetic ensembles ever. Campbell and Bell have great chemistry together, and could just as easily be transposed into any of the other cult musicals with ease (Seymour/Audrey or Brad/Janet, anyone?) It's also nice to know that John Kassir can warble a twisted tune and cut a rug with the best utility character actors, while Amy Spanger, who I hadn't heard of before seeing this, certainly comes as a pleasant surprise. I had also not seen movie/TV vet Weber out of his element, although I understand he has played the Billy Flynn role in CHICAGO, and he certainly makes a good case for his casting here.
But the standouts from the ensemble would have to be three particular players worth noting. Alan Cumming as the insidious "Lecturer", who presents the "educational film" that frames the dastardly, daffy doings in REEFER (think of Riff-Raff crossed with The Criminologist by way of CABARET'S Emcee), Gasteyer who is so spot-on as Mae, that you wish some smart producers would hire her more often for more comedies, and in a hallucinatory sequence that cribs from no less than Jesus Christ SUPERSTAR, Robert Torti (the original Jack Off-Broadway), in a showstopping number, in which he plays the Son of God as a Vegas-style headliner. (And do watch for a surprise cameo from a certain sibling who shares a song-and-dance background with Christian Campbell.)
Thankfully, even if the numbers do borrow from the best, the tunes are catchy and the lyrics just as clever, (when was the last time someone actually rhymed "transubstantiation" in a musical number successfully?) and it all comes together much better than a cable-produced cult movie-musical probably has a right to.
Definitely about as PC as the time period in which the source material was set, (with references to some unpretty racial stereotypes amidst the crazed carnality, mass cannabis consumption and cannibalism), REEFER MADNESS may not appeal to those with more delicate sensibilities, (especially if you've never heard of ROCKY HORROR or LITTLE SHOP). For those of us vets who have, though, have a blast with it. In spite of yourself, you may not be able to get enough of "The Stuff."
That includes Jack Stone (WINGS' Steven Weber), the ringleader who seduces the kids into his den of iniquity, hysterically masochistic Mae Coleman (SNL alum Ana Gasteyer), Jack's partner-in-puffing and personal punching bag, and the bong-brained second bananas Sally deBains (Amy Spanger) and Ralph Wiley (John Kassir, who looks like nothing less than a live-action, fleshier version of the character he's famous for giving life to, HBO's Cryptkeeper from "TALES FROM THE...").
Although it is one of those musicals where you can virtually trace the point of origin of each song back to its source, ("Mary Jane/Mary Lane" combines bits of LITTLE SHOP'S "Suddenly, Seymour" and "Rose Tint My World" from ROCKY), the good news is that the musical as a whole is certainly more in keeping with a linear sense of storytelling, rather than ROCKY which gets downright "Theater of the Absurd" at times, and has a deeper message than LITTLE SHOP, though in some ways it shares some of that musical's glaring anachronisms (though FDR is supposed to be the president, a calendar in one scene is for the year 1956).
However, even when the book, music and lyrics are less-than-complementary (which is not the case here), a musical can only be as entertaining as the cast who performs it, and REEFER has one of the gamest, energetic ensembles ever. Campbell and Bell have great chemistry together, and could just as easily be transposed into any of the other cult musicals with ease (Seymour/Audrey or Brad/Janet, anyone?) It's also nice to know that John Kassir can warble a twisted tune and cut a rug with the best utility character actors, while Amy Spanger, who I hadn't heard of before seeing this, certainly comes as a pleasant surprise. I had also not seen movie/TV vet Weber out of his element, although I understand he has played the Billy Flynn role in CHICAGO, and he certainly makes a good case for his casting here.
But the standouts from the ensemble would have to be three particular players worth noting. Alan Cumming as the insidious "Lecturer", who presents the "educational film" that frames the dastardly, daffy doings in REEFER (think of Riff-Raff crossed with The Criminologist by way of CABARET'S Emcee), Gasteyer who is so spot-on as Mae, that you wish some smart producers would hire her more often for more comedies, and in a hallucinatory sequence that cribs from no less than Jesus Christ SUPERSTAR, Robert Torti (the original Jack Off-Broadway), in a showstopping number, in which he plays the Son of God as a Vegas-style headliner. (And do watch for a surprise cameo from a certain sibling who shares a song-and-dance background with Christian Campbell.)
Thankfully, even if the numbers do borrow from the best, the tunes are catchy and the lyrics just as clever, (when was the last time someone actually rhymed "transubstantiation" in a musical number successfully?) and it all comes together much better than a cable-produced cult movie-musical probably has a right to.
Definitely about as PC as the time period in which the source material was set, (with references to some unpretty racial stereotypes amidst the crazed carnality, mass cannabis consumption and cannibalism), REEFER MADNESS may not appeal to those with more delicate sensibilities, (especially if you've never heard of ROCKY HORROR or LITTLE SHOP). For those of us vets who have, though, have a blast with it. In spite of yourself, you may not be able to get enough of "The Stuff."
Fun,Fun,Fun
OliverGbyrne-117 April 2005
I watched it last night on show-time and i loved it , really good for a show time film.It's very different from your your typical musical,it's closer from Rocky horror picture show than Oklahomma thats for sure. Alan Cumming was perfect as the narrator of the story,his role was mysterious and fun and he did a great job with the part.Ana Gayester was my favorite actress in the film she was just brilliant,and her voice!!!what a voice,bring on the Emmy even if i doubt that a film about marijuana will get one,Ana would deserve it,her comic timing was just perfect and she was very subtle too,I watched the movie twice and had found new things to praise about her acting,really for me she was the star of the show.Kristen Bell was so very cute,I wanted to give her a big hug all trough the movie,she couldn't be more perfect for the part of Mary Jane. One person that nobody commented on yet and for me deserve praise is Robert Torti (Jesus)the part were Jesus sings against marijuana is one of my favorite part of the movie.Making Jesus looks like a cabaret singer was very funny and Robert Torti did it with so much energy and sense of fun that even if his in the movie for that scene only,he leaves a lasting impression. The songs were very good but really only two were stuck on my mind "Mary Jane,Mary Lane" and the "Refeer madness" song. Anyway great movie catch it on show Time,I sure hope that they are planning a DVD release,I'll buy it as soon as it comes out.
Poking Fun at the Ridiculous
LeonardKniffel4 May 2020
A spoof of the classic anti-marijuana propaganda film "Reefer Madness" from 1936, the musical version comes complete with a great cast and some better-than-average music. Nevertheless, the film made me wonder what is the point of satirizing something that is already a camp classic. When it was released, this film found its audience, and they have been devoted. I, on the other hand, after a couple of viewings find the carrying-on just noisy and excessive, with too few moments actually given over to music. Christian Campbell, Neve Campbell, Alan Cumming, and Ana Gasteyer are all in good voice in the lead roles, especially "The Stuff" performed by Gasteyer.
Snide & unfunny
ALauff1 April 2014
What's the point of making a parody of an unintentionally funny movie, at least one as self-evidently specious as Reefer Madness? Not unlike hearing a really bad joke and then being subjected to an endless explanation of its underlying humor, RM: TMM riffs even more exaggeratedly on everything from the 1936 film that's been disproved by advances in science and psychology. However, the real subject of this ugly, unfunny movie is moral revisionism, i.e., pretending that our enlightened age is safe from the prejudices and errant thinking of previous generations. It's quite a snide little film, taking safe jabs at a perceived backward era without adding anything substantive to the mix. This is the height of lazy thinking and broad, liberal pandering, as if a couple of psych-major potheads screened the original film, got all indignant, and decided to decry its factual inaccuracies in musical form. Of course it screened at Sundance and of course it was heralded as a comedy gem.
Most People Won't Understand This Movie...
laballatician-117 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
But I LOVED it. Kristen Bell reprises her role from the off-Broadway show, and is awesome. In fact, the entire cast was awesome. Maybe because I'm a fan of the original 1938 version (Mary Lane getting shot in the back when the gun went off nowhere near that direction was HILARIOUS), but I couldn't help but love the energy this movie had. Most people only know Kristen Bell from Veronica Mars, so it's cool to see her in something totally different. She can dance, and I loved her S&M getup. Christina Campbell is so goofy and looks exactly like his sister Neve, which is fun (even though she's barely in the thing).Ana Gasteyer can SING! People will probably look for some deep meaning, or take this too seriously and over-analyze what it is, but don't--just enjoy the crazy energy and partake in the MADNESS!
By far the worse movie ever made!!!
r-ai12 November 2005
If there were a contest for the worse music, lyrics, acting, and overall script, this movie is so terrible in every sense that it would require is own shrine. I can not believe Neve Cambel agreed to be a part of this. Please do not waste your two hours watching this, better to have root cannal without anesthesia or be repeatedly ran over by a truck. The producers and the director should all be sued and locked up in a dark basement where large scenes would constantly play back the film over and over forever... so that they could judge for themselves the horror they produced. They should never ever work again. Don't these people have a conscience? Are they mad? How could they raise the money to produce this monumental piece of poop? I am truly sorry for the actors, silly little puppets... They probably were cunned into this...
Much like "The Exorcist," it keeps getting funnier every time I see it!
unclesatan8 May 2005
Each time I watch this film, I pick up on more details I had missed on previous viewings. Wildy entertaining, with songs both tuneful and clever, "Reefer Madness" is clearly the finest film on that entire videotape. If you fail to be amused to the point of distraction, if you fail to find yourself humming or even singing those catchy ditties that fill the movie, if you fail to want to watch it over and over again, the fault must surely lie with you rather than the movie. Seek competent psychiatric help and then watch it again, you sad, mad fools!! Because as much as I hate to drop names, I have very important friends upstairs and they said anybody who doesn't enjoy this movie is clearly an enemy of all that is good and decent. Such people, they say (remember, these are not my words, but those of my friends upstairs), should be taken out behind the woodshed and tickled for forty days and forty nights. So unless you are a hell-bound enemy of democracy, I urge you, I implore you, I beg you to watch "Reefer Madness." Over and over, like crimson and clover, like Gibson and Glover. Yes, put down that joint and fire up the cable box. "reefer Madness" is about to air.
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