A Mighty Wind *** (2003, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer) – Classic Movie Review 1636

Another amusing ‘mockumentary’ from Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, who gave us the hysterical This Is Spinal Tap back in 1984.

This time in 2003 they’re sending up the folk music scene, starring as members of a legendary Sixties group, The Folkmen, who are reunited with The New Main Street Singers and Mitch and Mickey for a one-night-only memorial concert in New York City’s Town Hall. It’s s a tribute to a dead music promoter, folk icon Irving Steinbloom, arranged by his loving son Jonathan (Bob Balaban).

Eugene Levy (who co-writes with Guest) and Catherine O’Hara are the standout turns, as feuding one-time partners Mitch and Mickey. Jane Lynch, Fred Willard, Jennifer Coolidge, Parker Posey, Larry Miller and Ed Begley Jr are all welcome faces too.

Even if it’s not entirely hilarious, it’s mostly funny and all very good natured, and the comedy performances, the spoof songs and the folk scene satire are all spot on. McKean and Annette O’Toole were Oscar nominated for Best Original Song for A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow. Guest, McKean and Levy won the Grammy Award for Best Song for A Mighty Wind.

Other films from these funny people include Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000) and For Your Consideration (2006).

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© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1636

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