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PREMISE:
While studying at Oxford, an American challenges the local extreme
sports club to a series of outrageous stunts after he is denied
membership in their club. COMMENTS: An energetic romp of an
American in London, MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN evokes such comedy
successes as REVENGE OF THE NERDS and ANIMAL HOUSE. The humor
combines British and American comic sensibilities to great avail.
The writing is fresh and entertaining despite what some could
consider low brow entertainment. The characters are engaging
and winsome, the story satisfactorily builds and the voice is
original. It's AUSTIN POWERS meets MONTY PYTHON. The tone is
solid throughout and the pacing never tires in its energy. The
characters are well drawn and the play of classes between the
Americans and the Brits works well here. All of the Mad Dogs
have a specific quality and talent that pays of f in the climax.
Chris's intentions are clear and motivated. When he's denied
membership into the Sports he makes their life hell and finds
love. He overcomes the aristocrats like a good American... The
use of famous "look alikes" or real people characters plays
into the farce genre and provides opportunity for cameo roles.
The stunts build in risk and extravagance, thus providing a
good background for the characters risks and conflict between
the two groups… Making the stunts less "real" gives a more distinct
point of view as to the feel and tone of the story. The twist
of Edgar being a nobleman and having a connection to the Queen
resolves the problem of Chris hijacking her car. Good line when
Chris is told "It's the most fun she's had since Disneyland."
Satisfying climax segues nicely into a potential sequel. Characters
have distinct voices and the writer has an ear for the difference
between the English and American tongue. Even the dialect difference
between the English is strong here. The writer could be a little
bit more tongue-in-cheek and could go even further with the
self-aware wit in the dialogue. A good wink at the audience
wouldn't hurt with this type of story. The writer can easily
get away with it...look how it works for the Austin Powers franchise…
Again, it's a fun romp with energetic writing and a good read.
MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN is a good, old-fashioned comedy throwback
to the prime days of Monty Python.
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