National Lampoon's Movie Madness

National Lampoon's Movie Madness is an American comedy film by Universal Pictures released in 1982. This anthology film is sometimes referred to as National Lampoon's Goes to the Movies, a moniker that accentuates its episodic nature. With an ensemble cast that includes Peter Riegert, Diane Lane, and Candy Clark, the film takes you on a roller-coaster ride of laughter and hilarity, poking fun at several traditional movie genres.

Divided into three distinct segments, the film explores various sides of American pop culture, each fused with sharp humor that typifies National Lampoon's trademark style. The segments are “Growing Yourself”, a classic melodrama spoof, “Success Wanters," a witty parody on risque buddy films, and “Municipalians," a playful mockery of vigilante crime dramas.

"Growing Yourself," the first segment, features Peter Riegert as a disillusioned businessman seeking freedom from the clutches of his complicated life. He escapes his dreary daily routine and squabbling family to discover the true essence of life. The satirical narrative is a nod to 70's self-help, growth, and discovery films, offering plenty of humorous moments to keep the audiences engaged and entertained.

"Success Wanters," the second segment, is a toss-up between Wall Street drama and risqué sex comedy. Diane Lane, with her enchanting screen presence, flawlessly portrays the character of Dominique Corsaire, an ambitious young woman who goes to any lengths to reach her dreams. The story reflects the reality of the corporate power dynamics wrapped in a humor-filled narrative, developing a critical commentary on the pursuit of success.

The last segment, “Municipalians,” is a rollicking spoof of 1970's era crime dramas. Candy Clark is one of the central characters in this urban cop drama that plays out in a distorted reality. Police and criminal activities are portrayed through a comedic lens, their absurdity emphasized as the story unfolds. Inept cops, silly gags, and outrageous dialogues make this part of the movie a hilariously light-hearted take on traditional crime/detective films.

This movie navigates away from a linear story structure and instead, presents an assortment of cinematic caricatures, each distinct in their style, story, and genre. It showcases not only the versatility of actors like Peter Riegert, Diane Lane, and Candy Clark but also the variety in American film genres. The humor is quintessentially National Lampoon-style - irreverent, bold, and sometimes absurd, delivering belly laughs and chuckles in equal measure.

Director Henry Jaglom and Bob Giraldi, the directing duo behind this project, have done a commendable job in adopting different directorial styles for each segment, making National Lampoon's Movie Madness a veritable feast of filmmaking styles. The screenplay by Tod Carroll, Shary Flenniken, Pat Mephitis, Gerald Sussman, and Ellis Weiner is witty, sharp, and cutting edge, as they skillfully blend parody, satire, and humor.

However, it is the performances by the lead actors that truly elevate the film. Peter Riegert brings a fine touch of comic genius to his role. Diane Lane delivers her character in the most perfect way possible, adding extra layers to the caricature. Candy Clark throws herself into the absurdity of her part with aplomb, delivering a memorable and hilarious performance.

In sum, National Lampoon's Movie Madness from 1982 stands as an intriguing piece of 80's cinema, distilling popular film genres through its signature style. It experiments with form and narrative, upends cinematic conventions, and serves up a cocktail of parodies that are as entertaining as they are insightful. All these elements make National Lampoon's Movie Madness a wild comedy ride and a must-watch for those who enjoy offbeat cinema and are keen on exploring the comedic depths of genre satire.