Review: Gentlemen Broncos by Jared Hess, starring Jemaine Clement

By TheLawnWrangler May 9, 2010 7 Comments

"Merv, wait, Merv! Listen... Moon Fetus; a fetus... is found on a moon base... that's the premise." 
--- 

 
Gentlemen Broncos is about Benjamin (Michael Angarano); standard nerdy, awkward teenager who aspires to be a sci-fi author.  His loving and caring mother (Jennifer Coolidge) sends him on a weekend retreat to the Cletus Festival; a writers convention/festival that will help Benjamin become a better writer, and make friends. While there he makes friends and gets to see his favorite author speak; Ronald Chevalier (Jemaine Clement). Roland gives several classes and speeches while attending, but is ultimately waiting for his agent to tell him the good news about his new novel. Sadly, Ronald's novel is not green lit, and he is stuck in a bind. Coincidentally, our friend Benjamin submitted a novel of his, Yeast Lords, into a competition that Roland is judging. Roland takes a peek at Ben's novel, and thinks it's brilliant... and then begins making some of his own additions. This leads to Chevalier becoming a superstar again with his new version of Year Lords; Brutus and Balzaak. The main character, Bronco (Sam Rockwell), was changed into a transsexual (Sam Rockwell.) On the other hand, Benjamin is dealing with life as people step all over him. His "guardian angel" is trying to get with his mother, and friends he met at Cletus Festival are making a movie based on Benjamin's novel into something that it's not. From then on, the story is about Benjamin maturing and taking action; becoming a damn man. It's quite an exciting adventure, I guess...   

I'm going to be wholly honest here; after the first viewing of Gentlemen Broncos, I sort of hated it. It's humor didn't stick with me and I just felt utterly disappointed. I took in a second viewing, and liked it slightly more, but was still very critical of it. So I began to write a review, and was basically bashing it. I started reviewing this because I noticed that a majority of my reviews were of really really good films. I decided to review a movie that I recalled being somewhat bad. This film is somewhat of a stupid comedy, like Dumb and Dumber, but in the vain of something like a little darker; maybe Me, Myself, and Irene. In my original viewings, I looked for something like a big serious and quirky, kind of like Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums but with Jared Hess' sprinkling of... "Hessness". But I was highly disappointed. I decided to go for a third try, and took the advice of other reviewers, not taking things so seriously and just enjoying it's retardedness. I did not think this would be possible, but I've actually changed my opinion on this film after repeat viewings and not being so critical after each one. My reaction after all three viewings is among the lines of, "WHAT THE F*CK." Except this time, I've found some small beauty here, believe it or not (I still can't.)
  

Some of the big issues in the film are pretty clear, while others only annoy a few viewers. Ultimately, you have to be really open and accepting when you watch Gentlemen Broncos. This film requires your full attention if you expect to enjoy it properly. I've already mentioned that the film is retarded (sorry), and I'll elaborate on that a little more. This movie is so retarded, that some people will literally not be able to stand it. I'm talking the status of using vomit as a weapon, pooping snakes, and much, much more. Remember that scene in Year One- no? Well, I don't blame you. You aren't missing much, really. Anyway, Jack Black eats a piece of sh*t in it, and a lot of the humor comes from a place like that, but to the tenth degree. Seriously messed up stuff. Not like World's Greatest Dad messed up, but just disgusting. But don't take anything too seriously. Never really does the film try and be serious, even if it does have some sort of message. That message is cleverly placed inside one of the stupidest films I've ever bothered to see. And it's awesome for what it does; the film is so stupid, that it'll actually turn people off. That's excellent. 
 
I know that Gentlemen Broncos works really well as a retarded comedy, but there were many missed points of potential here. I noted that some of the characters, like Sam Rockwell's Bronco actually reach points of using curse words, but proceed to use words like "flippin'" or "crap." Listen, the film goes as far to feature fake testicles and jars full of disgusting seminal and other fluids. Why not go the limit and actually use curse words? At least it would sound proper and add to the comedy with good timing. It just sounds childish. Another factor that disappoints me is the cutting to someone after several lines of dialogue, and they say something like, "sweet..." or "awesome..." It looks dumb and isn't even really funny. In fact, I'm sure that this is at the fault of director Jared Hess, who used such lines in his previous films. I suppose it'd be good for a trailer, but it's just an eye roller when it comes down to brass taxes. It also adds to the fact that the humor is majority hit, but often miss. And I'm not sure, but a lot of the humor comes from character/actor relationships. You can tell Jemaine Clement put a little of his own humor into his character, as well as with Sam Rockwell or even Mike White. I'm curious on how much of it was written by Hess and wife, because if a majority of that stuff is all from the actors' minds, then I call weakness on Hess' part. It's like going the Tim and Eric route; a majority of the best comedy comes from the special guest comedians like Zach Galifianakis and Patton Oswalt. Might want to work on the writing there, Hess.
 

The sh*t-storm against Hess as a filmmaker continues, as I also have beef against his work with cinematography. Jesus Christ, man, move the camera a little more. I like what Hess does with the zooming and setting up of shots with symmetry, and even here he does some work with VHS cameras, along with purposely bad editing and audio work. It's funny, and feels natural for which character it's involved with. But things outside of that and in moments that deserve some movement, it just feels so dull. Given that this film has the most action out of all three he's done, I'm truly disappointed that he barely did anything interesting or creative here; no more so than he's done in his past films. I'm just saying that there were so many scenes where it was appropriate to have some steady-cam work, or even shaky-cam stuff. And yet, it's almost nothing. Jared needs to develop as a filmmaker, or stick to films that is proper for his style of directing. And hey, Jared Hess isn't all bad, I'm just pointing out what he could've done better here. But, all these "flaws" aside, Jared Hess has managed to make a good film here, albeit a retarded one.    
 

You're probably wondering about what actions scenes I spoke of. Well, the film features live action re-enactments of scenes from both Benjamin's Yeast Lords and Chevalier's Brutus and Balzaak, both starring Sam Rockwell as the protagonist. Basically, these scenes include ridiculous futuristic technology, ideas, resources, clothing, and weird everythings. It's really strange, but a really, really intriguing world to look at, especially when you notice the small things in Benjamin's or Chevalier's worlds (real life) that fall into the fantasy sequences, like Benjamin's little cart being in his fantasy, but equipped with a turret. It's clear that the theme set up by the opening credits of "ridiculous views on sci-fi from the past" is in full effect. These scenes are truly special and fun to watch play out. 
 
The music in Gentlemen Broncos is cheery, eerie, and well picked. The score bounces back and forth between light-hearted acoustic runs that sound similar to some current pop songs,  and synth driven, atmospheric tones for the fantasy scenes. Everything fits, and helps us get engaged into the scenes even better, understanding the joy or pain Benjamin feels, or even the strange, unfamiliar tone of the fantasy sequences. The licensed soundtrack is amazingly put together. You hear from the likes of Kansas and other classic 70's rock groups, spouting power ballads. It'll put a smile on your face, and much like the original score, it compliments the scenes they're featured in. Gentlemen Broncos also, with the help of the music, sets up some unique worlds, inside and out of fantasy. I've already mentioned how special the fantasy sequences are, but even in the world of our protagonist Ben, we see some interesting things and places. Everything has this autumn feel, where you'll need a jacket outside, always. The houses, locations, and etc. just work well as a stage for our story. It's like Napoleon Dynamite, the midwest small town, but during the fall time, and a little bit toward the 90's. It feels quite good while watching, having such a setting that is pretty distinctive and easygoing, which allows the film to work it's magic with ease.  
 
Luckily, even if the film is dumb as hell, the story progresses nicely and plays out really well and smoothly. As well, the characters arcs are totally there and these characters actually change as the film progresses. I'm a little shocked that a movie like this can actually apply such factors into itself while being so stupid. I'm very proud of Jared and wife for keeping things steady with the story and characters. It's like a twinkie, with the outside shell so amazing, and the contents, which have now been injected with some sort of banana sauce, are strange at first, but after testing the waters for a little, you're used to it, and love it. Sorry; analogy ramble. 
 

This film actually has more subtlety than the last two Hess products. There are really, really small things that can be found that really go over a lot of people's heads. This is where some of the cleverness kicks in, even if it is for stupid comedic reasons. For instance, in the background of a mall, you can see a store that contains assault rifles that align the walls, as if one could just walk in a buy one like *snap* that. This also includes small things the characters do, like posing in the background or small inflictions, like Chevalier rubbing his beard against a microphone as a fan asks him a question. It's stealthily placed amongst ridiculously crass and often idiotic comedy. Hey, have I mentioned that this movie is dumb?! (I'm not kidding, this is retarded!) 
 
Even more amazing than that, they've actually written in some morals and themes here and there, which is actually very nice! There are nice messages about following dreams and success no matter what. The film goes on to deal with stuff like envy of others and failure. Others walk all over Benjamin, and we get to experience him bucking up and standing up for himself It's actually kind of sad, with them theme of people getting credit for something you did or changing up a creation of yours. In general, it's about dealing with people succeeding, when you don't. The movie tends to beat you over the head with such themes, but it still feels good to hear and see presented. It's shockingly well done here, and makes the film much better, and even more than it appears to be. 

Folks, be thankful. Without the work of Michael Angarano, who, thank God, is the protagonist, Jemaine Clement, who makes this movie his bitch, and Sam Rockwell, who does some of the most daring things he could ever do, this film would basically be nothing amazing. The ways these three handle their characters is so unique and special to their acting style that with anyone else, Gentlemen Broncos just wouldn't work. Of course, work from actors like Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge also come across as enjoyable and memorable, especially since they're characters, as well as the others are so freaking interesting. They're all funny and likable in their own, different ways; even the antagonists. They're all so crazy and have some excellent moments here and there! Again though, just overall brilliant work to the aforementioned three actors; top notch, considering their roles in this film .
 
Michael Angarano does his best impersonation of an awkward teen, which includes a huge amount of voice cracking and shyness. The kid is already a good actor, but he has indeed established himself as versatile in this role. His character Benjamin changes over the course of the film, and Michael does a really good job with acting, reacting, and just being Benjamin. He fits the character really well; I can see Michael having this big of an imagination when it comes to sci-fi novels with having stupid plots. Plus, he's the perfect shade of lovable and relatable, causing the film to become much more personal, in a good way.
 

Sam Rockwell's role is minor, and per se, he doesn't really interact with any of the main characters. Rather, he is changed by Benjamin and Jemaine Clement's character. Yes, Sam Rockwell plays Bronco, the main character of Benjamin's novel, Yeast Lords. His character of Bronco is somewhat of a redneck, and you can relate him to Patton Oswalt's impersonation of Nick Nolte. He's always angry, an action hero who has a love interest, and busts out one liners on occasion. Sam does this role justice... if it could've even been better. It's just awesome seeing Sam act like this; it's actually pretty funny for the first few times you see him, and after that it's really interesting to watch him be so dumb. It's fun. Then comes in the second version of Bronco; Brutus. Brutus is a transsexual and flaming version of Bronco. Flamboyant, humorous, and gay, Brutus is by far the most ridiculous role Sam Rockwell will probably ever take. The Brutus scenes are very strange, and only his accent, words,  and walking style are really funny. Other than that, it starts to get really, really weird, and to the point of it not being funny, but almost disturbing. Besides that, I'll be honest. Rockwell does justice here, even if it is really dumb. Like... really dumb... you have no idea what you're in for.    
  

  And now, for the hero; Flight of the Conchords' Jemiane Clement. Jemaine's character Dr. Ronald Chevalier, master novelist, is a master asshole and hypocrite. You hate this guy; he is the ultimate bad guy in here. But thank the Gods, Jemaine has made his character so hilarious, that you somewhat love Chevalier, despite his actions. His accent alone makes him hilarious, as well as his stupid ideas and whatnot put into his novels. The clever thing here is that half the time, he doesn't straight out say the things mentioned in his past novels, but references them in such inane and hilarious manners. His actions in general are just so well done and funny that it's almost all worth it just to see his character scenes. As his character progresses through the story, we pity him, hate him, and somewhat root for him in this sort of District 9 Wikus way. He does it for different reasons than we want, but it favors our protagonist as well. Sadly, he does not get a lot of screen time, as he isn't really the main character here. Yet, he's a fun character, played by an awesome comedian.  

Do you know why I found my first viewings received terrible results? It's because I judged this film on premise alone, and did not give it a chance to show off it's uniqueness. I feel insane for giving such a dumb movie a high score. Alas, there is so much fun to be had here. Just accept it's stupidity, and have fun. It's only the small annoyances that get in the way, but you shouldn't let this blur your opinion. Sure, it's riddled with flaws, but it still has some great things to show, including a nice message that rings true no matter how many times they remind you of it. Honestly, Gentlemen Broncos truly deserves this praise. I'm sorry I got emotional there; I just had a revelation about a really unique film. But still, "what the f*ck?!" 

From a 2.5/5, I give this a 4/5. Yup, a 4/5. It might take a while, but Gentlemen Broncos has a small amount of beauty amongst it's huge pile of stupidity. It has a charm... good, old, retarded charm.  

Much like the film leaves you off, I'll send off with the same song that ends Gentlemen Broncos. 

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