The Independent Movie Review 2000

Affectionate spoof of low-budget, schlock cinema. Morty Fineman (Stiller) has directed more than 400 "B" movies, which has made him a legend in certain circles. His latest project has gone bust, leaving him facing bankruptcy once again, but he's sure he has a hit with his next idea--the rights to the life story of serial killer William Henry Ellis (Hankin). Now Morty just has to convince his exasperated, estranged daughter Paloma (Garofalo) to help him raise the cash for his new opus. Faux trailers from some of Morty's epics and interviews with various co-workers, admirers, and cast are among the inspired bits.

Distribution

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 93 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Showbiz Comedies, Behind the Scenes, Dads

Screenplay

Stephen Kessler, Mike Wilkins

Cast

Jerry Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Max Perlich, Larry Hankin, Ginger Lynn Allen, Billy Burke, Andy Dick, Fred (John F.) Dryer, Ethan (Randall) Embry, Jonathan Katz, John (Johnny Rotten) Lydon, Anne Meara

Cinematography

Amir Hamed

Director

Stephen Kessler

Music

Ben Vaughn

Other

Ben Stiller, Fred Williamson, Karen Black, Peter Bogdanovich, Nick Cassavetes, Roger Corman, Ron Howard, Ted (Edward) Demme