WWW Summer 2003 Trip Report
Siskel: Hi, and welcome to another editon of At The Movies. Im Gene Siskel, your co-host.
Ebert: And Im Roger Ebert. Tonight, were going to do something a little different. Rather than go thru and review all the current films, were going to focus on just one.
Its the latest in the immensely popular WWW series from Producer/Director Denny Pasternak, or DennyP as he is known to his legions of fans.
Siskel: You know Roger, the WWW series has been a phenomenally huge success with the public, and Ill admit, with most reviewers as well. I cant remember when either of us has given any WWW film a thumbs down.
Ebert: Youre right Gene. And the plot has remained pretty much the same throughout the series. For those of you who dont know the WWW series, and if you dont, I have to ask you what planet youve been living on, the films are basically about a group of people who meet online on a website that deals with an Jamaican resort called Hedonism IIthis group organizes, and decides to go down to the resort together. The films are done is a quasi-documentary style, and mostly deal with the interaction among and between the group itself. Its a very human series where you really get to know the characters themselves.
Siskel: the film were going to talk about is called WWW Summer 2003The return of Danimal. If youre a fan of the series, youll instantly recognize Danimal as one of the supporting characters of the WWW Winter films. The title refers to the fact that Danimal was not in the latest WWW Winter film, but has returned, this time playing the lead character
Ebert: I think its also significant to note that there IS a lead character in this film. DennyP has decided this time to tell the WWW story from a single perspective, rather than jumping around from character to character.
Siskel: Well, if you know anything about the WWW films, you know that the plot pretty much stays with the schedule of the resortPJ Night, Toga Night, The Talent Show, the Nude beach, the Nude pool, the nude hot tuband this latest film is no exception. In this way, you get a sense that although the plot is important, the characters are even moreso.
Ebert: A this point, I think we can dispense with any plot synopsis and get right to our highlights of the film. One of my favorite moments has to be PJ night. Danimal had planned to go to PJ night wearing a simple pair of black briefs, but in a dinner conversation with newlyweds Richard and Jackey, the two main supporting cast members, Jackey convinces Danimal to spice up his getupshe dresses him up in a Pink feather Boa, and pink bunny ears and a tail. The relatively conservative Danimal is a little nervous at being seen in this getup, but as his friends see him and laugh with him, the nervousness subsides and he begins to really loosen up.
Siskel: Roger, I think you hit the nail on the head there. This IS the first time that Danimal has done anything THIS outlandishand as hes seen in this costume, he soon realizes that everyone is laughing WITH him, not AT him.
A favorite scene of mine has got to be the nude pool body shot scene. The rest of the group are busily engaged in doing body shots, and we see Danimal sort of idly standing by, watching the goings onSuddenly someone yells YOUR TURN, DANIMAL! and he is hoisted up onto one of the in-pool tables and chocolate sauce is poured over his naked body, and is licked off by several of the WWW ladiesto me, this was a moment of real group acceptanceand the real beginning of him loosening up.
Ebert:But Gene, you cant forget the scene where HE is one of the lick-ERs not the lick-EEin this scene, one of the ladies of the group is put on the same table, and Danimal is one of the participants to lick the chocolate sauce off the womans bodythe only trouble is, Danimal is too short to reach the nipple, and constantly has to jump UP to reach itI was on the FLOOR! That had to be one of the most hilarious scenes of the whole movie
Siskel; Cant argue with your there, Roger. I think the scene that really showed Danimal living up to his nickname had to be the Men In Motion competition.
In this scene, Danimal dresses up as a Japanese tourist, complete with camera and bag, and proceeds to strip out of the costumeonly to reveal the Bunny costume from PJ night!
Ebert: Then there was Toga nightDanimal was never one for elaborate togasI loved the scene of his trying his best to remember how to tie the toga, eventually giving up, slinging the sheet over one shoulder and tying it around his waist
Siskel: The Talent show was certainly true to form, though I have to say that he seemed a lot less nervous this time than in previous performances on stageits a credit to the actor that portrayed Danimal that hed remember the character growth.
Ebert: And then theres the scene that I think NO ONE is going to forgetthe piano bar scene where Clista and Sheri get Danimal onto the piano and do a piece by piece with himin all the times that hes been at that piano bar, this was the first time he was asked to stripthat initial look of shock on his face was too priceless.
Siskel: All in all, some priceless moments from a truly priceless filmBut Rogerthis film really wasnt all about Danimallets not forget the wonderful supporting cast.
Ebert: Indeed Geneweve already mentioned Richard and JackeyThere were Gary and Chocolate Georgette, Chip and whistle Patty, Dave and Jody, Scrotum Steve and Pam, Mike and Sheri, Mark and Clista, Sweatshirt Kevin and Gina, Paul and Debbie, Bill and Glenda, Paul and Marianne, Chuck and Di, Bob and Vy, Steve and Leland, Mike and Wendy, Ken and Janet, Mac and Sylvia, Mike and Shelli, Paul and Mary, David and Tracey, and so many moreall in all, and excellent cast. Even DennyP himself made a couple of cameo shots.
Siskel: DennyPs WWW films create so many memorable characters and memorable momentsOne scene really said it all for me. During the Men in Motion competition, The ECs were handing out beersDanimal doesnt drinkClista came running over to him with a Ginger Ale. He hadnt asked for it, yet she remembered.
Ebert: When you boil it all down, its about friends, good friends, getting together and having fun with each other. Too many movies these days are about action, drama, horrorevery now and then you need a movie about friendship and respect.
Siskel: And fun.
Ebert: Right you are Gene. Well, thats all from us, and until next time.save us the aisle seats.