Meet Wally Sparks (1997): Dir: Peter Baldwin / Cast: Rodney Dangerfield, David Ogden Stiers, Debi Mazar, Burt Reynolds, Cindy Williams: Misfire comedy about controversy and the media. Wally Sparks is a talk show host working as a mouth piece for issues that offend the general population. His show invites protests from the governor. A drunken incident at the governor's banquet has him shacked up faking a leg injury. Against the governor's wishes he airs a show in the mansion and overhears a scam against the governor and aims to sets things right. An interesting idea reduced to sitcom and a mindless climax. Director Peter Baldwin lends too much emphasis on close-ups and reactions. Rodney Dangerfield is the right comedian for this material with the exception of the violent climax that involves one-liners. David Ogden Stiers is wasted as the governor. It is obvious that he will see Sparks as a hero in the end. Also featuring flat performances by Debi Mazar as Wally's adviser, and Burt Reynolds whom cautions Sparks and gets nowhere. Cindy Williams also makes an appearance as the governor's wife. Potential theme reduced to formula but that is the least of the film's problems. It is as cheap as Wally's disguises when he ventures outside to see his son. Basically a vehicle for Dangerfield but even that is not enough to make anyone want to meet Wally Sparks. Score: 4 ½ / 10
Review of Meet Wally Sparks
