Who's the Caboose

Who's the Caboose is a rare look back at a cast of truly gifted comedians early in their careers. The characters and comedy stand the test of time.

David Earl Waterman (Wotterman in the film) is a genius.

One of the most inspired comic miniseries that no one has ever seen, "The Pilot Season" was a terrifically fresh skewering of the television industry. Initially airing on TRIO (there's the problem right there, what's TRIO?), this show was pre-dated by the dubiously titled "Who's the Caboose?" A sly mockumentary from 1997, I was so excited to get my hands on this new DVD release. A look at two New York comedians (Sarah Silverman and Sam Seder) who travel to Los Angeles in an attempt to be hired for a network show, this movie has all the elements to be a cult hit. It's smart and astute about the industry and I was wholeheartedly invested in its ridiculousness. Unfortunately, the easy momentum of the film's first half loses its way and the film, although only 90 minutes, becomes over-repetitive on its way to the conclusion. But even if the film drags a bit, I think you still might want to take a look.

For nostalgia alone, "Who's the Caboose?" is a terrific find. In addition to Silverman and Seder, the movie boasts bit parts and supporting roles populated by names such as David Cross, Andy Dick, Laura Kightlinger, Kathy Griffin, Andy Kindler and H. Jon Benjamin. It's a veritable treasure trove of comic talent--even if not everyone has much to do. Silverman, as an aggressive ingenue, seeks success at any cost while her mild mannered boyfriend Seder becomes a more unexpected Hollywood discovery. Both find their ups and downs in the ruthless entertainment world, but it may not be a land where their romance can survive. Filmed by a fictional documentary crew, the film has the confessional style of modern reality TV and the unsuspecting videographers often become part of the inherent drama. Dick, as Silverman's manager, and Benjamin, as Seder's promoter, are both spot-on in their hysterically over-the-top (yet surprisingly believable) depictions of industry insiders.

I loved the first half of the film, as I said, but my attention did begin to wane. If you are a fan of any of these comedians, this is an easy recommendation. Despite the silly title and head-scratching DVD cover, this film is much smarter than it might appear from its marketing. I mean. really, I don't think they could have picked a more ridiculous title (and maybe that's the point) but I'm afraid it might keep people away. If you like sly satire, mockumentary style narrative, or have an interest in the business of show--check out "Who's the Caboose?" Not perfect, but an interesting comic time capsule. About 3 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 3/11.

A comparatively weak entry in the mockumentary category, 'Who's the Caboose?' tries to carry the baton passed by Christopher Guest and company with a behind-the-scenes skewering of the stand-up-comic/sitcom world for the 'Whatever' generation. The project's glib humor and sense of dispassionate self-satisfaction (evident in scenes both written and ad libbed) date it unmistakably to the mid-late '90s, the Seinfeld era, when passive-absurdist observational comedy was king, which wouldn't necessarily be a problem if it could come up with wittier gags or more interesting characters (most of the cast, while likeable enough, lack the chops to manage the heavy workload of improvisation demanded of them). Instead the whole affair just feels like a patchwork of familiar, semi-amusing notions, its storyline adrift beyond the concept stage, its lack of focus on a satiric target increasingly obvious as the cardboard plot limps along (is it really a sendup of the Tinseltown dream, or an attempt to revisit 'Swingers' documentary-style?). Though it features comedians it isn't about stand-up; though it stars Sarah Silverman it isn't really about her either, or about L.A., vapid Hollywood players or the pursuit of fleeting success in a town without pity. It wants to be about all these things-- an ambitious order-- and falls short in most respects.

Note: I viewed and reviewed WTC? on Netflix streaming, and while the picture and sound were acceptable, I can't comment on the technical quality of this DVD release.