“The Suburbans” is a movie about a washed-up 90s band trying to regain their fame. They try to relive the good old days amidst the mundanity of suburban life. But like a deflated balloon, they struggle to find their groove again. In the end, they learn that success is not measured by fame but by the love of those around them.
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Review
The Suburbans: A Shakespearean Take
Oh, fair maidens and gallant gentlemen! Gather around and hear my tale of mirth and melancholy. For I have witnessed a most curious and delightful moving picture that dances betwixt the realms of comedy and tragedy. The Suburbans, they call it. And lo, its story doth ring with a modern-day parable worthy of old Will’s quill.
The plot unfolds thusly: Four middle-aged men who once rocked the music scene in their youth are now settled in the suburbs, each with their own domestic strife. Mitch (Will Ferrell) is stuck in a marriage without passion, Rory (Tony Guma) is a stay-at-home dad made insecure by his wife’s career success, Gil (Craig Bierko) is wrestling with his own ego after losing his record deal, and Tim (Donal Lardner Ward) is an alcoholic who has lost touch with reality.
In an attempt to reignite their former glory, they reunite as “The Suburbans” and play at a local high school dance. But their path to redemption is fraught with challenges – including an overbearing record executive (Jennifer Love Hewitt), a power-hungry DJ (Amy Brenneman), and their own personal demons.
As I watched this film unfurl before me, I could not help but be struck by its poignancy. For truly does it capture the struggles of mid-life crises – the yearning for past glory mixed with the frustration of present mediocrity. And yet, it also evokes laughter from deep within one’s belly, as these bumbling yet endearing characters stumble through their quest for relevance.
The cast themselves are to be commended for their performances. Ferrell brings his signature absurdity to Mitch, but also imbues him with a sadness that belies his comedic antics. Bierko’s portrayal of Gil is simultaneously narcissistic and vulnerable, making him both detestable and sympathetic. Hewitt is a welcome addition as the record executive with a heart, while Brenneman chews through her scenes as the conniving DJ.
But it is Lardner Ward’s turn as Tim that truly steals the show. His descent into alcoholism is depicted with heartbreaking realism, yet he never loses his wit or charm. When he sings “I Won’t Lie Down” at the climax of the film, it is truly a moment of catharsis for both his character and the audience.
And what of the production values? Well, let it be known that The Suburbans boasts a killer soundtrack featuring some classic ’90s tunes (including contributions from Blink-182 and Smash Mouth). The cinematography captures both the drudgery of suburban life and the electric energy of live music. And while there are no flashy special effects or grand set pieces, there is an understated elegance to this film that speaks to its heart.
Of course, not all will find themselves enamored with The Suburbans. Some may find its humor too broad or its message too cliched. Others may take issue with its lack of diversity or political correctness. But I would argue that such criticisms miss the point entirely. For this film is not meant to be a treatise on social justice or highbrow satire – it is simply a story about flawed human beings trying to find their place in an imperfect world.
So let us raise our glasses to The Suburbans – a film that dares to tackle heavy themes with a light touch, that revels in absurdity while never losing sight of its heart. Truly, it is a tale for our times – and one that even old Will himself would appreciate.
“Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,” he once wrote. And indeed, The Suburbans has soothed mine. May it do the same for you, fair reader.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 87
- Release : 1999-10-29
- Genre : Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Craig Bierko as Mitch, Amy Brenneman as Grace, Antonio Fargas as Magee, Will Ferrell as Gil, Tony Guma as Rory
- Crew : Jamie Kirkpatrick as Assistant Editor, Kathryn Himoff as Editor, Sheila Jaffe as Casting, Georgianne Walken as Casting, Frank Ceglia as Stunt Coordinator
- Popularity 5.706
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $11,130
- Company : TriStar Pictures, Ignite Entertainment, Motion Picture Corporation of America
- Summary : An 80s one-hit wonder band named The Suburbans reform for a special performance at one of the ex-member’s wedding. At the wedding, a young record company talent scout happens to be in the audience and decides to give the now 40-ish performers a comeback push. The film attempts to take a satirical look at the music business of the 90s and compare it to the simpler 80s scene.
- Tagline : Never before has a girl done so much with so little.
