That's Adequate

That's Adequate is a lesser-known yet remarkably innovative mockumentary film, released in 1989, that combines an intriguing blend of humor, spoof, and satire. Directed by Harry Hurwitz, this school of comedy was not as popular in the '80s as it is today, which makes the movie a truly groundbreaking product of its time. The film has a star-studded ensemble of talented and acclaimed actors like Tony Randall, James Coco, Jerry Stiller, along with cameos from various Hollywood legends, each bringing to life characters that fuel the eccentric and hilarious narrative of the film.

The title, That's Adequate, is actually a tongue-in-cheek reference to the story's core concept. Here, the fictional "Adequate Film Studios," presumably a mockery of other overblown Hollywood studios, serves as the centerpiece of the film. The studio's chief is played by Tony Randall, who shines in his role with effortless charm and comic timing. He guides us through various faux Hollywood productions, satirically commenting on the tropes of the film industry while revealing the absurdity of the fabrications that cinema often indulges in.

The narrative unfolds through a series of episodic engagements, immersing the viewer into elaborate, though laughably unreal film productions of the invented Adequate Film Studios. Sprinkled throughout are peculiar retellings of major global events, reshot in the insouciant style a low-budget studio might use. Despite this, the film poses as a documentary, with an unbroken air of sincerity. This, of course, only accentuates the humor and irony further, producing frequent laugh-out-loud moments.

James Coco, known for his flair for deadpan humor and perfect comic timing, plays multiple roles within the movie. Each persona is deftly portrayed, showing off Coco's immense range and ability. Jerry Stiller also shines, playing a satirical version of a studio PR executive, providing sequences filled with comic gold.

One of the standout features of That's Adequate is the series of cameo appearances from esteemed Hollywood personalities such as Bruce Willis, Susan Dey, and many others. These brief but memorable appearances, along with stories like "Gone with the Wind" reimagined as a rap musical, add layers to the film's humor.

The film paints a vividly outlandish universe within the Hollywood movie-making business, presenting a hilariously distorted self-consciously goofy vision of how films are made and marketed. That's Adequate takes creative risks to lampoon both raw material and cinematic treatment in a manner that is bound to appeal to cinephiles and casual viewers alike.

The direction, courtesy of Harry Hurwitz, is commendable, as he skillfully maneuvers through different scenes with varied themes, ensuring the humor is never forced but flows naturally from the narrative. Hurwitz's penchant for black humor shines brightly, effectively satirizing the often over-the-top Hollywood world.

Visually, the film is set up expertly to resemble an actual behind-the-scenes look at an established Hollywood studio. The viewer is taken through an outrageous journey into the inner workings of a 'movie studio,' complete with farcical 'archived footages,' 'bloopers,' and purportedly serious 'interviews' that only add to the film's absurdist humor base.

Overall, That's Adequate is an underrated gem in the genre of mockumentary comedies. It delves deep into the film industry's quirks and mishaps while utilizing an all-star cast to amplify the humor. Witty, bizarre, charming, and an absolute hoot, That's Adequate is a film not afraid to laugh at itself— a tribute to the world of movie magic, which rarely fails to balance the ridiculous and the sublime.