It occured to me last night that TV detectives Andy Richter and Kristen Bell appeared in a movie together as father and daughter, and in making that realization, I knew I had to write about that very same movie today.That movie was Pootie Tang. It is a BAD movie.
Now there are all kinds of bad movies, but Pootie Tang exists in a very special category... that being the bad movie you have to watch every time it is on because you can't believe that someone would have the balls to make it.
And it is funny, don't get me wrong, but it is still a bad movie.
Written by Louis C.K. and starring Lance Crouther, Wanda Sykes, Robert Vaughn and Chris Rock, Pootie Tang follows the title character's life as a belt-wielding folk hero, but there is a catch of course. He doesn't speak any recognizable language. He just spouts funny sounding gibberish. It reminds me of Eddie Murphy's version of Buckwheat taken to the furthest extreme. There is a framing interview between Bob Costas and Pootie Tang that really sets the scene(as everyone acts like they understand exactly what he is saying.
He is a role model for little kids, and a much sought after advertising spokesperson, but he is also a man of principles, so he won't do ads for products that are bad for kids. But he meets his match and is forced into signing a contract with an evil CEO and he has to find a way to get his reputation and powers back. There are a lot of detours, but that is basically the jist of the movie.
The Chris Rock quips about how Pootie Tang is going to kick someone's ass are almost a precursor to those Chuck Norris/Jack Bauer "facts" so they are also worth seeing in a historical perspective:
Pootie Tang will draw you a picture of how he gonna kick your ass, then mail it to you ten days in advance. The picture gets there right? You're goin', "What the hell is this?" and then Pootie Tang knocks on your door, Promptly kicks your ass and you still won't know what happened to you!
And because Louis C.K. is a standup comedian, a lot of his peers also appear in the movie, like Dave Attell, Todd Barry, Laura Kightlinger and David Cross. Of course, Dane Cook does not make an appearance, and from my point of view, thankfully so.
It is one of those movies I know is bad, and yet I can't look away. It is still compelling every time I see it on cable. It is like I HAVE to watch it.
Don't judge me.
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