Today’s quick review: Wayne’s World. Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) and Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) are a pair of dim-witted friends who run a public access show out of Wayne’s basement in Aurora, Illinois. They get an unexpected chance at stardom when Benjamin Oliver (Rob Lowe) offers to buy the rights to their show. But they’re shocked to learn that Benjamin has ulterior motives when he makes a move on Cassandra (Tia Carrere), the girl of Wayne’s dreams.
Wayne’s World is a comedy starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. Wayne’s World is a glimpse into the lives of Wayne and Garth, whose lowbrow humor and fun-loving attitude have made them local celebrities. The comedic talents of the movie’s two stars, a script that experiments with a variety of types of humor, and a serviceable plot are enough to make Wayne’s World an enjoyable watch with a fair amount of cult appeal.
Wayne’s World leans heavily on its characters. Wayne Campbell is a slacker who loves the simple things in life: rock music, partying, and beautiful women. Garth Algar is his awkward, excitable best friend and the source of the movie’s weirder humor. The characters are one-dimensional but easy to like. Their antics are the foundation of the movie, and their unique perspective on life gives Wayne’s World a very distinctive flavor.
Aside from its main characters, Wayne’s World is a comedy grab bag that reflects Mike Myers’ sense of humor. The movie loves to play with the nature of its medium, with characters talking directly to the camera, referencing the subtitles, and pushing product placement. However, the jokes don’t hit quite as hard as in some of Myers’ other work. Wayne’s World is easy to quote and shows plenty of creativity, but a few of its jokes simply peter out.
Wayne’s World is an upbeat comedy and a solid pick for anyone who enjoys Mike Myers’ sense of humor. The majority of viewers will find it to be a partial success, with a favorable ratio of memorable gags to minor missteps. For a minority of viewers, the jokes, characters, and references will strike the right chord and make Wayne’s Word an instant classic. In either case, Wayne’s World is a unique comedy that’s worth taking a chance on.
For a wilder, more earnest comedy with a similar pair of leads, try Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. For a fake documentary with a similar sense of humor, try This is Spinal Tap. For a further evolution of Mike Myers’ humor, try the Austin Powers movies. For a raunchier comedy about two slackers selling out, try BASEketball.
7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for memorable characters and an inventive sense of humor.