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This movie is based on the original 1936 propaganda film "Reefer Madness," a government release warning young people (through their parents) about the dangers of smoking marijuana. In the original film, pot-smoking lead to insanity, an overactivesexdrive, and homicidal tendencies. The musical version takes all this several steps further, with a wonderful sense of satire, some wonderful (and catchy) songs, and a cameo by Jesus himself (the ultimate authority on rejecting sin, hey?) The cast is great, and includes Cristian Campbell (brother of Neve) reprising his role from the off-broadway prouction. Alan Cummings is brilliant as the government man, narrator, and several other roles. Cummings brings tyhe same quiet menace to the gov't man as he did to the emcee in Caberet. Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) plays the sweetly naive girl next door to a 't'. Ana Gasteyer and Steve Weber work great together, and John Kassir as the incurable dope fiend and Amy Spanger as the Pot House slut do their best to steal any scene in which they appear. The DVD is a treat, containing cast interviews and commentary, as well as the original movie, which should definately be view before watching the musical version. All-in-all, this movie is a lot of fun to watch, the acting is wonderful, and the adaptation of the original propaganda film to a musical is very well done. Perhaps most impressive is the way the filmakers managed to simultaneously create a nostalgia piece (though nostalgia for the paranoia of our radically anti-communist past may be tough) as well as a movie that speaks to the modern day. The government man's method of bullying people into believing even the most absurd "facts" about marijuana, even after confronted with scientific evidence to the contrary, certainly has parallels in the modern day.Read full review
This musical spoof of the Original propaganda film is pure comic gold. The A List cast brings heart, humor, and fabulosity to the otherwise darkly tongue-in-cheek original. For those who have never seen the original shock film from the 1930's that was meant to demonize marijuana and scare generations into terror of the relatively harmless feel good plant; well, you are in luck, because they included it here. The original was a marijuana smear campaign released by Hollywood and the Government to make people so terrified of marijuana that they would think twice before using it. This remake however, pokes fun at the original at every turn with glorious musical and dance numbers that will have you smiling, laughing and singing along. This is a must watch for anyone who loves musicals. marijjuana, comedy or all three combined!!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Campy and soooo underrated....singing clams? C'mon...This is one of my ALL-TIME favorite musicals! I do not smoke reefer, but got no problem singing the songs belted out here! All the characters are so memorable and absolutely hilarious! The song "Mary Lane" is forever embedded into my brain as a happy, 'go to' tune, for me. Plus.... major props to Alan Cummings for his multi character roles!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
"Reefer Madness" won't win any awards for stunning song writing, choreography, or acting, but none of this holds it back from being an outstanding B-musical. If you're a Rocky Horror fan, this is a must, as this charming interpretation of the cult-followed 1936 propaganda film could easily be hailed as the "Evil Dead" of musicals. The film begins with an official-type lecturer (Alan Cumming) warning parents of the dangers from marijauna, complete with a song and dance number including zombified students and propagandist intellect. He begins the story by showing a film reel featuring two ill-fated students, Jimmy Harper (Christian Campbell) and Mary Lane (Kristen Bell). Through song and dance, the colorful yet campy characters portray their innocence and the time they live in, 1936. The train goes off the track, however, when no-gooder Jack (Steven Weber) introduces the reefer to young Jimmy. The drug lures him into a wild orgy full of grass skirts, coconut bras, ten foot bongs, and Alan Cumming dressed as a goatman. Jimmy's life becomes a trainwreck itself as he resorts to stealing from church donations, only to be met by Jesus in person for a song! I'd hate to give away more of the story, but if you're on the fence about this movie, Showtime's website offers two clips to check out. The songs are catchy and well done, the choreography fits, and everything is well rounded in this film. The slightest of problems is that the film feels like it was going to end once or twice, but it keeps on going. However, the clever jokes of 1930's brainwashing, racism, and many other things keep the film going strong. Don't miss Reefer Madness!Read full review
Now i'm not saying that i'm crazy, but I probably am. I'm not saying the case of Reefer Madness is crazy, but they probaby are. The sheer madcap hilarity that ensuses from this update to the ancient drug propaganda film of the same name is a knee-slapper of a good time. Favorite moments include the opening musical number, the heaven lounge and the devil's attempts to sway our protagonist to the dark side of the hemp. If your looking for a good laugh with some of your friends, or just want to wind down after a rough day, pop this bad boy in and have yourself a gay ol time.