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Storyline
Stuart Smalley, the Saturday Night Live character, comes to the big screen. Stuart, the disciple of the 12 step program, is challenged by lifes injustices. He loses his Public Access Cable Television Show, must beg his manipulative overbearing boss for his job back, rehabilitate his alcoholic father and drug abuser brother, and support his over-weight mother and sister in their lack of ability in handling their relationships with their husbands. Stuart is supported by his 12 step sponsors as a he regresses back to his negative behaviors each time he faces these challenges. Written by
Joel Schesser <joelsd@aol.com>
Plot Summary
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Taglines:
You'll laugh because it's not your family. You'll cry because it is.
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Did You Know?
Goofs
When Stuart gets his show on Health Cable Network, he goes to have twenty episodes shot. The time they give him to do this is four hours, which is impossible because all the shows are fifteen minutes. At least five hours would be needed, even if the cameras were never turned off.
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Quotes
[
Stuart is trying to calm his overweight sister Jodie on the phone]
Stuart Smalley:
Okay, Jodie, I would never ordinarily say this, but... is there any way you can get to a pound cake?
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Connections
Features
The Lawrence Welk Show (1955)
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Soundtracks
"May Each Day"
Written by
Mort Green &
George Wyle
Performed by
Andy Williams
Courtesy of Barnaby Productions
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Movies inspired by SNL characters seem to have a consistently bad reputation. But that reputation is usually based on the fact that the films failed at the box office. The truth is, they are good solid comedies that were never meant to be blockbusters. 'Stuart Saves His Family' is just such a film.
This film has a cast of excellent actors who portray tragedy and comedy with sublime skill. The script is heartfelt and funny. There is no mockery of recovery programs or the self-help movement. Instead, 'Stuart Saves His Family' evokes the all too real humor amid the tragedy that comes from being part of a dysfunctional family (and world).
AL Franken's deadpan deliver of Stuart's ridiculous, but charming self is the the heart of the movie. But equally good are Piper Laurie, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lesley Boone & Harris Yulin. All four play characters who could easily descend into shrill, two-dimensional background support to the wacky lead character. Thankfully, the actors all bring out the human beings inside their characters.
The message about finding your own definition of happiness and family is another of the movie's strong points.
I also recommend "Superstar", another SNL character driven movie, starring Molly Shannon. She's an excellent actress with a wicked, silly streak.