[yasr_overall_rating]
For the past 40 years, a group of comedy writers and directors has gathered every other Wednesday for lunch – and other nourishment. These are the fabled guys that made America funny.
Director Donna Kanter had an excellent idea of documenting the varied occurrences of life discussions built around 40 years of lunches attended by some of the world’s most famous comedy writers, directors and comedians. Every other Wednesday, the group which includes Carl Reiner, Hal Kanter, Monty Hall, John Rappaport, Sid Caesar and Gary Owens exchange the details of their lives over a variety of food, and an even greater range of topics. Each participant has an individual story that he relives with an approach that bares every bit or no resemblance at all to the present state of affairs in their respective areas of expertise. An open field of constructive criticism parlays the group into a sounding board, and depending on the mood of the day, the reception could be very good or very bad.
With references to “The Lost Art Of Chatting,” it was evident that the lunches have become a vital part of the coping mechanism that keeps these men alive. Writing children’s books, dealing with a spouse with Alzheimer’s, and finding ways to combat their own physical ailments seems to be yet another challenge that gives the lunch group just one more thing to add to the menu of their post-productive lives. The historic significance of these meetings is unmatched as the thought processes of these icons are being shared with the entire universe. Those who may have the potential to be as great or greater than their predecessors would be wise to take notes.
My concern though, is whether it is entertaining enough to gain the attention it deserves. While several caveats of humor are appropriately distributed throughout the film, it isn’t enough to humor me beyond the thought of a “Tuesdays With Morie” photocopy. Technically, the expectation was a little higher from a group that provided us with the most thought-provoking and timeless entertainment pieces for the greater part of our lives. Realistically, the fishing group is out to lunch and everyone should be paying more attention to who is filling in.
Available on Google Play and DVD
