Lovable Losers
But the resulting Wayne’s World was far from disappointing. Is it an important movie to see? Heck no but if you want something to watch on a rainy afternoon that will lighten your mood, this should do the trick. I’m not sure how much creative input Spheeris had in the final product as the two stars of the film had also created the characters, but there are signs that this was an enjoyable team effort. For instance, the conversations that Wayne and Garth have directly with the camera are actually engaging. This device is normally annoying, but Spheeris has done this before and has an eye for concentrating on subjects one by one.
Films about small-timers who suddenly make their dent in society, and receive instant fortune only to realize they rather appreciate their simple lives, are a dime a dozen in Hollywood. The trick with Wayne’s World that seems to cross age and gender in terms of enjoyment is that the characters are endearing. They lead humdrum lives, but they enjoy them enough that it’s interesting enough to watch them from one day to the next of screen time.
Wayne is the leader of the pair. Of course we know this because he’s our first image, talking directly into the camera about his slew of dumb minimum wage jobs. He makes all the decisions about where the show goes, is the driver of the car when they hang out, and gets most of the best wise cracks in. The show is also solely named after him. He’s not the most attractive or intelligent example of men, but he is charismatic and knows how to enjoy himself.
Garth, his sidekick and best pal, keeps his mouth shut most of the time while he fantasizes about “Dream Girl” (played by Donna Dixon) in the donut shop. He allows himself to be led around by Wayne, including during their show, but he does get to reach his own shining moment when left to go his own way as success has spoiled and separated them (aptly arranged by a television executive played by Rob Lowe). That’s one of my favorite moments, when Wayne is spewing multiple threats of leaving and Garth gets to consistently responding “…Go then…Go then…” etc. It’s actually almost sad, even though you know it’s going to end well. I also enjoyed the necessary scene when Wayne and Garth make their peace.
Spheeris may not
Latest Articles