A Mighty Wind [DVD] [2004] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

When a big-name manager and icon in the folk music world passes away, the son feels that the best tribute for him would be a live-broadcast reunion of the once popular folk bands that his father once represented. While they were very successful and popular in the 60's, most of them have fallen under the "where are they now?" category. There's The Folksmen, who haven't played together for years. Then, there's The New Mainstreet Singers, who always ends up playing at amusement parks. And finally, there's Mitch and Mickey, who were once a popular duo-in-love until their angry breakup long ago. All of them will be performing together again, and it's all live.

As I said in the beginning, I think this is Guest's best movie of the three he has done. Not only is it funny and entertaining, but it's also touching and has a very sincere tone to it all. The laughs that come from this movie are always from the subtlety rather than the obvious. All of the actors are a joy to watch (especially Eugene Levy, who once again steals the show). Another stand-out performance comes from Fred Willard, who proves to be ten times more animated and comical than he was in "Best of Show" (who ever thought such a thing could be possible!). Catherine O'Hara, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and everybody else does a fantastic job in their roles.

There's some mighty cool extras included on the DVD. The picture and sound quality is really great, and makes the movie what it is. Extras included are deleted scenes, commentary from Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy, the live-TV broadcast of the concert, TV appearances from the bands in the movie and more. Very cool features for a film of this magnitude.

If you're a fan of Guest's other two films, then I highly recommend that you see "A Mighty Wind." You don't even have to like folk music in order to enjoy it. This review is coming from a guy who was born the 80's, and I'm telling you that I loved every minute of this film. It's funny, witty, clever and sincere. If you're tired of the overly ordinary comedies, then you will fall in love with this one, which is anything but ordinary. A true gem to come out of 2003, without a doubt. -Michael Crane

Michael McKean and Christopher Guest play it pretty straight, so many of the choicest lines comes from the bit parts, and while it's not in the same league as 'Tap, there are some genuine gut-busters in there (one that particularly stuck for me was the pros and cons of playing in a garage band in Stockholm).

I'm a little surprised that some have found the plot lacking: There was a clear dramatic climax - "the kiss" - which was set up very early in the piece, and to my mind was handled very deftly indeed.

Definitely worth a night in.