Movie Review: A Mighty Wind
Apr 16, 2003 - Lynn Barker
Director/actor/writer Christopher Guest lampooned the rock world as part of Spinal Tap and cracked us up more recently by spoofing the world of big dog shows in Best in Show. This time he takes on the folk music era and brings his usual troupe of incredibly talented actors along for this latest effort. Teens should certainly recognize Eugene Levy from American Pie and recently Bringin' Down the House and there are plenty of other familiar faces to hold your interest.
A Mighty Wind is a fake documentary that chronicles a reunion concert featuring three once-popular folk music bands. Organized as a tribute to recently deceased music producer Irving Steinbloom by his son (Bob Balaban), the concert is headlined by three of acts from the '60s: The Folksmen, a trio (Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer) who were one hit wonders way back when. The New Main Street Singers, whose image is pure Pat Boone even though one of their members (Jane Lynch) is an ex-porn star; and Mitch & Mickey (Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara), who were once America's folk sweethearts.
Once the groups are gathered, the rivalry and personal problems threaten to cancel the PBS-televised concert.




