Here's a film I put into a category for achieving the lowest common denominator to appeal to it's many fans. I'd never seen SCTV's 'Great White North' segments but Bob and Doug McKenzie's fame became so ubiquitous back in the Eighties it was hard to escape their presence. Without meaning any offense to the principal players, I think their names could be aptly parodied as Rick Moronic and Dave Dumbass. There's actually some funny stuff going on in the picture but much of it comes across as forced, and I would have appreciated a story with more subtle humor. I can't imagine Max von Sydow needing a paycheck to appear here but I guess even some of the greats are allowed their career mistakes. But giving the movie credit where credit is due, there was no profanity or nudity in the picture, which only leads one to consider - how did that happen?

I never liked Shakespeare when I was a student. I found it boring and long-winded. However, after seeing this movie I realize that the Bard was a genius, as this movie is (believe it or not) a modern re-working of HAMLET! In fact, the first time I saw the movie, I didn't even realize this. It was only the second time, I began putting things together (the name "Elsinore" for the brewery as well as the basic plot when you subtract Doug and Bob from the equation).

In fact, I would say this is far BETTER than Shakepeare. Who wants to hear "alas, poor Yorik I knew him,...." or see a crazed Ophelia when instead you can see a flying dog and maniacal hockey players? Brilliant! I only wish Doug and Bob had taken on other dull literary favorites and converted them to modern Canadian classics! A must see for all weird movie buffs.

Canada's most famous hosers, Bob and Doug McKenzie, get jobs at the Elsinore Brewery, only to learn that something is rotten with the state of it.

My biggest problem with this film is the overdoing of the Canadian voice (with the "eh", "hoser" and "take off"). I know that is the joke, the exaggeration of the stereotypes, throwing in the Molson beer and the hockey (and the doughnuts are probably from Tim Horton). But it is just too much.

This film's saving grace is Max von Sydow. Such a classy guy and a great villain, I could watch anything he does in English or any other language. In fact, without him, I think this film would be forgettable rather than the cult classic it has become. It is not a bad film, but it is not much more than a good film, either.