The skit show “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis” featured on the website Funny or Die is a satirical talk show hosted by Zach Galifianakis. Chances are good, the only people who would even be interested in this feature film version are people who have already seen the show online before. Galifianakis has ‘interviewed’ everyone from Bruce Willis to President Barack Obama.
The film version of the show is a mockumentary depicting how “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis” is made. After an unfortunate accident at the public access studio where his show films occurs, Galifianakis has no choice but to take his show on the road. If he can film enough episodes to make his boss Will Ferrell happy, Ferrell will give him his own legitimate talk show.
I really enjoyed this film and laughed quite a few times. Like the online skits though, the film has a very dry and at times offensive sense of humor that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I enjoyed the ‘interviews’ featured in the movie and it is also nice to see that so many celebrities with a good sense of humor about themselves and their careers.
Much of the the strength of this movie comes from the actual interviews and a lot of the plot actually serves as more of padding to make this film have a feature length run time. The film is set up a lot like the films based on “Saturday Night Live” skits from the early 2000s were. You take a funny concept and stretch it out as much as possible and hope it works. This shouldn’t be too surprising seeing as Will Ferrell is a producer and co-star of the film.
Ultimately this is a film that made me laugh several times but doesn’t break any new grounds and plays things surprisingly safe especially for Zach Galifianakis...and that’s okay. If you enjoyed the Funny or Die skits, you need to see this movie as soon as possible. If you find “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis” annoying, stay far away from this movie. Personally, I think this was a rare win for Netflix.
Grade: B-
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