French & Saunders: At the Movies

While featuring several movie spoofs ("Misery", "Silence of the Lambs", "Thelma and Louise", etc) that is not the only genre lampooned by these gifted writers/actors.

In addition to films, they also try their hand at spoofing music videos (their take on Guns-n-Roses "November Rain", with Jennifer Saunders taking on the Axl role and Dawn French that of Slash, is absolutely hysterical), fashion models, high-brow mini-series (Upstairs Downstairs), the Royals, etc.

Of the film spoofs, the "Thelma and Louise" and "Silence of the Lambs" parodies stands out, as does a priceless take on "Star Wars:Phantom Menace". The "Star Wars" spoof is part of the BONUS selections on this DVD.

With tongue firmly in cheek, these two woman break down the fourth wall barrier and often interact out of character with each other, with uproarius results.

Among other topics, they turn their sharp wit to comment on the obvious superiority of Princess Diana over Sarah Ferguson (the DVD is dated 1994, which explains why the "Star Wars" skit is considered BONUS material) and how supermodel Jerry Hall "has it all".

The skits and lampoons here are right on the money, with detailed sets reproductions and props (many an inside joke on props are peppered throughout). Details count with any parody and are much appreciated here - From the costumes, down to the uncanny reproduction of Sigourney Weaver's voice (as portrayed by Jennifer Saunders) in the "Aliens" parody.

Jennifer Saunders has a gift with voices. She does not impersonate so much as interpret nuance (as Clarice in "Silence of the Lambs" and as Ripley in "Aliens").

As for pure, comedy sketches? If anyone has ever been inundated with mail order catalogs, there is an absolutely laugh-out-loud skit which centers around two women who have obviously purchased every catalog item ever produced.

This is an excellent, funny collection and one that you'll enjoy watching and watching again. I think once you've experienced the comic talents of these two very funny women, you'll be looking for additional "French and Saunders" collections.

Note please that I believe this DVD contains different material than the VHS tape, as there is no spoof on "The Exorcist" as indicated in some of the other reviews.

A quick rundown of some topics covered : "Misery", commercial spoofs, "November Rain" music video, Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson, Jackie and Joan Collins, "Aliens", "American Gladiators", The Mama's and the Papa's music video, "Silence of the Lambs", catalog fans, Jerry Hall, "Thelma and Louise", "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace".

For the inside-joke fan, watch for references of Dawn French and windows or panes of glass.