Strange Wilderness (2008)

Strange Wilderness Poster

With the ratings dropping for a wilderness-themed TV show, two animal fans go to the Andes in search of Bigfoot.

Overview
"Strange Wilderness" is a 2008 American comedy film directed by Fred Wolf, him being commemorated as a previous author of Saturday Night Live. Produced by Adam Sandler's production business, Happy Madison, together with other significant producers, the film includes a skilled cast including Steve Zahn, Jonah Hill, Justin Long, Ashley Scott to name a few.

Plot Summary
The movie centers on Peter Gaulke (Steve Zahn) who inherits a wildlife TV show, 'Strange Wilderness,' from his daddy. Nevertheless, unlike his father who was a famed nature broadcaster, Peter runs the show into the ground, turning it into a series of less than professional and comical wildlife misadventures. With ratings decreasing and the threat of cancellation, Peter and his crew, including Fred (Allen Covert) and Junior (Justin Long), need a big scoop to save the series.

Their opportunity comes when they hear about a legendary Bigfoot animal living in Ecuador. Banding together, they embark on an enthusiastic journey to find the evasive creature, hoping that catching such a fantastic discovery on cam will conserve their show. In spite of their minimal outside skills and unusual method, they are identified to find the mythical beast.

Theme
While "Strange Wilderness" is outwardly about an unlucky wildlife TV crew seeking to catch Bigfoot, at its core it is a satire on the pursuit of popularity and success in television and the lengths some will go in order to achieve it. The comical aspect of the motion picture plays out in the team's bumbling mistakes, weird techniques for tracking Bigfoot, and the unlikely places they wind up.

Reception
As bizarre and madcap as the experiences that its protagonists undertake, "Strange Wilderness" didn't enjoy a warm reception. Critics generally mentioned its crude humor and randomness as its weakest points. The movie sports a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes but managed to gather a cult following who appreciated its lowbrow humor and ridiculous scenarios. Regardless of its rough reception, the film is filled with laughter and unanticipated turns and remains extremely entertaining for those with a taste for the unusual.

Conclusion
Overall, "Strange Wilderness" reels in the audience with its peculiar brand of humor, unforeseeable story, and an unlikely heroic journey. Behind the laughs, it satirically talks about the nature of television stardom and the desperate steps one might turn to when dealing with a risk to their income. Including an enjoyable comedic cast, this film is worth expecting those who value a good, hearty laugh peppered with ludicrous situations and comical misadventures.

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