National Lampoon's Attack of the 5 Ft. 2 Women

National Lampoon's Attack of the 5 Ft. 2 Women is a 1994 American comedy film directed by Richard Berresford and co-written by legendary comedian Julie Brown. Featuring standout performances from Julie Brown, Newell Alexander, and Lisa Arch, this movie plays out as a parody of trials that dominated the early 1990s sensationalist media and pop culture.

Adhering to National Lampoon's signature blend of satire and belly laughs, Attack of the 5 Ft. 2 Women starts off with a wickedly funny premise. The film centers around two narratives inspired by real-life events, with each story presenting Julie Brown in drastically different roles. The two narratives run in parallel, showcasing a series of hilarious yet thought-provoking events.

The first story titled 'PMS: Prisoner of Society' is a playful jab at the infamous Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan incident. Julie Brown plays the character of Sandy Gallo, a disgruntled and slightly deranged figure skater, whose sole desire is to be at the pinnacle of her sport. Her intense rivalry with another skater, played by Lisa Arch, leads to a series of hilarious missteps and strategies that bear a humorous resemblance to the real-life drama.

The humor is pushed up a notch with a delightful supporting cast, including Newell Alexander, who plays a hapless detective trying to untangle the absurd skating scandal. The narrative relentlessly mocks the media hype around such incidents, pointing out how personal struggles are often exploited for public consumption.

The second story, 'Husband, Never Trust Your Wife,' is a droll spoof on the sensational tale of Lorena Bobbitt. Julie Brown conjures up a striking performance as Pauline, an oppressed wife who, after enduring years of mistreatment, plots to retaliate against her repugnant husband John, again played by Newell Alexander. The narrative humorously exaggerates and highlights the bizarre moments that were heavily scrutinized by the media, inviting the audience to recognize the absurdity of sensationalized court dramas.

Each narrative within National Lampoon's Attack of the 5 Ft. 2 Women is a gauntlet of gags, slapstick humor, and satire, underpinned by Brown’s engaging performances. Swift transitions between the narratives ensure consistent humor and laughs throughout the movie. Brown's dual roles showcase her comedic prowess, bringing to life two characters that are as memorable as they are hilarious.

Lisa Arch perfectly complements Brown with her cat-eyed innocence, used amusingly to belie the extremely competitive nature of her figure skater character. Newell Alexander gets to show off his versatility by playing two distinct and humorously flawed male characters in both narratives.

The cinematography of National Lampoon's Attack of the 5 Ft. 2 Women keeps pace with the film's comedic rhythm, offering bright and poppy visuals that enhance the film’s satirical beat. Classic of National Lampoon, the film has a quirky and ticklingly absurd soundtrack that keeps pace with the unfolding storylines.

Energetic direction by Richard Berresford ensures that despite the two separate narratives, the pacing of this 1994 comedy never falters, commanding the attention of audience members from the opening scene till the closing credits.

Despite the real-life narratives being dominated by grim and controversial themes, the film doesn't get bogged down by them. Instead, it uses parody to navigate through these subjects, allowing for moments of laughter without letting the seriousness of the situations overshadow the comedy. It manages to critique the media's fascination with personal tragedies while also serving a fast-paced comedic feast.

To summarize, National Lampoon's Attack of the 5 Ft. 2 Women is an outrageous comedy offering a sharp social commentary on the exploitative nature of media coverage. This is a movie that promises a string of laughs while engaging the audience in a whimsical reflection of true events and the sensationalism surrounding them. The film is a testament to the enduring appeal of National Lampoon's and Julie Brown's knack for knowing, approachable comedy, making it a must-watch for any fan of the comedy genre.