Poolboy: Drowning Out the Fury

Poolboy: Drowning Out the Fury is an action-packed comedic romp released in 2011. Director Garrett Brawith and writer Ross Patterson craft an outlandish and raucous parody, creating a universe that feels like a mashup between a Tarantino film and a comic book brought to life. With an ensemble that includes a host of eclectic and magnetic performances by Kevin Sorbo, Ross Patterson, Danny Trejo, and other artists, the cinematic piece perfectly captures a blend of farcical humor, over-the-top action sequences, and amusing dialogue.

Set in an ultra-stylized vision of the 1980s, the film follows the adventures of an irate Vietnam vet turned pool cleaner, Sal Bando (also known as "Poolboy"), remarkably portrayed by Kevin Sorbo. After the events of the Vietnam War leave him traumatized, Poolboy finds solace in his mundane work of cleaning pools. However, he soon descends into a storm of chaos and mayhem as he embarks on a quest to reclaim his "rightful" position as the best pool cleaner in a world taken over by nefarious foreign nationals. Part action film, part social commentary, and part absurdist comedy, Poolboy reimagines the standard genre tropes and various cinematic clichés, creating a movie that transcends the ordinary confines of comedy.

Ross Patterson stars as St. James St. James, the pompous and narcissistic director of the mockumentary within the movie, who glorifies himself and his dubious skills as a filmmaker. The film navigates seamlessly between Poolboy's absurdist 80s reality and St. James St. James's elaborate retelling of it in his 2011 film. The interwoven narrative threads result in a meta-textual film experience, where the line between reality and filming, past and present, becomes blurred.

Adding more spice to the plot, Danny Trejo brilliantly balances drama and comedy as the ruthless and ambitious Juancho the Birdwalker. Trejo's engaging performance bolsters the ensemble, and his character is a significant catalyst in unfolding the film's storyline. Fierce confrontations, unexpected plot development, and a flair of exaggerated retro-stylistics make this eccentric character essential to the film's humor.

Poolboy: Drowning Out the Fury also features cameos and supporting roles from various veteran actors who add to the film’s offbeat charm. Among the impressive roster are Jason Mewes, Edi Patterson, Bryan Callen, and Mark Curry. The film's kitschy and outrageous tone is further amplified by its bright, over-saturated cinematography, creating an aesthetic that feels half sideshow, half kitsch art installation. The eccentric soundtrack, filled with 80s-inspired beats, complements the atmosphere and pulls you deeper into the film's unique universe.

The dialogue is riddled with catchphrases and deliberate clichés that pay tribute to the 'bad action movies' of the 80s while providing an incessant stream of laughs. The well-timed physical comedy, coupled with endlessly hilarious banter, offers a satirical look at the low-budget, high-action films that were popular during that era. While the language and content make this a film for mature audiences, there's an innocence about the humor that plays well in contrast to the blood-splattered action sequences.

In conclusion, Poolboy: Drowning Out the Fury is an unconventional film that lovingly mocks its cinematic ancestors. With its vivid 80s throwback style and an unapologetically absurd narrative, the film doesn't aim for common comedic punches. Instead, it paves its own way, proliferating a distinctive brand of humor that keeps you laughing while still delivering a sizeable share of punchy action sequences and overzealous performances that make this film a memorable viewing experience. While it might not be for everyone, individuals with a taste for the peculiar and a fondness for the 80s will definitely find Poolboy: Drowning Out the Fury to be an entertaining amusement ride that effectively drowns out the fury of mundane cinema.