Fore Play

Fore Play is a comedic anthology film released in 1975 featuring multiple skits, each possessing its own unique plot and characters. The movie, directed by John G. Avildsen, Bruce Malmuth, and Robert McCarty, is packed full of comedy, puns, and situational humor. Some of the principal actors in the film include Irwin Corey, Pat Paulsen, and Deborah Loomis. The movie is broken up into segmented episodes: "The Sexpert", "Gerry-Can", and "Double Your Pleasure".

Fore Play shines in stringing together various comedic skits and stories, creating an engaging and entertaining viewing experience. Each story is handled distinctly, their touch of madness providing several opportunities for both physical and cerebral humor. The comic timing, comedic performances, and witty writing are some of the strengths that are very apparent throughout the film.

Irwin Corey, known for his improvisational comedy, does a fantastic job selling his role in the movie. He brings a good blend of physical comedy and slapstick humor that keeps the audience entertained. On the other hand, Pat Paulsen, known best for his deadpan comedic style and political satire, offers a delightful contrast to Corey's performance. Deborah Loomis also delivers a strong performance, handling the situations thrown her way with charm and wit.

The first segment, "The Sexpert", is an eccentric and amusing take on the discovery of a sex product that can revolutionally improve sex life for all. The zany circumstances and comical reaction of the device's operator give rise to laugh-out-loud moments, as he finds himself increasingly entangled in the unexpected consequences of his experiment.

Then comes "Gerry-Can", arguably the most physically comedic of the three stories. It revolves around the farcical journey of an unsuspecting foreign tourist who lands in America, only to wind up in an extraordinary deal gone wrong. The story hilariously plays on the theme of cultural misunderstanding and language barriers.

Finally, the "Double Your Pleasure" segment tells a wacky story of a man who finds himself in a convoluted situation after playing a board game. The game swiftly shifts from being innocuously fun to becoming utterly chaotic, ending with a ridiculously comic climax.

The film is satirical, daring, and full of unexpected laughter. It does not shy away from the humor of embarrassment or satire, often pushing the boundaries of comedy in a way that was groundbreaking for its time. The performances by the actors enhance the loose narrative structure through their impressive comedic timing and the unapologetic silliness of the entire film. Engaging, absurd, and offbeat, Fore Play manages to evoke laughter at the most unexpected moments.

Moreover, the three stories link seamlessly, enhancing the fun factor throughout the film. Although each story might stand strong on its own, their combine effect maximizes the comedy and makes the film more engaging. It is also essential to mention the director's distinctive and innovative style of storytelling that blends humor, satire, and absurdity in a manner that was ahead of its time.

Fore Play, however, is not just about over-the-top humor, it also offers subtly critical remarks on societal norms and expectations, cleverly packaged within the comedy. It remains a memorable and vigorously funny film from the '70s, managing to entertain audiences with its candid humor and charmingly absurd narrative.

In essence, Fore Play is a buffet of comedy that serves three wildly distinct yet amusing stories, each filled with entertainment and laughter. It's an odd, wildly eccentric, and humor-drenched anthology film that flows freely through an array of comedic scenarios. For those who enjoy humor and satire and have an appreciation for the eccentric and bizarre in films, this could be a promising watch, and an interesting delve into the more daring side of '70s comedy cinema.