Film Overview"Totally Awesome" is an American comedy tv movie that aired in 2006. It was directed by Neil Brennan. The movie is a special parody of 1980s movies and includes tributes to traditional movies of that era. Its unique storyline is based upon flashbacks that are activated when Ben, played by Maher, finds an old VHS tape.
Story and CharactersThe story starts with 2 siblings, Charlie and Lori, played by Mikey Day and Dominique Swain respectively, who move from Pittsburgh to an imaginary California town. They deal with typical teen concerns widely depicted in 80s films such as bullying and adolescent pressures. Charlie, an outcast harboring imagine becoming a professional dancer, is bullied by Kipp Vanderhoff (Chris Kattan), the coolest kid in school. Lori, on the other hand, falls for an unpopular boy named Gabriel (Trevor Heins).
The movie presents other characters paired with sentimental styles from the 80s. Such consist of Darnell "Gabby" Jones, a character played by star and comedian Tracy Morgan, who adopts a "Karate Kid" persona and trains Charlie to withstand Kipp.
Comedic Parody and Classic TropesAs the plot unfolds, "Totally Awesome" stays committed to its satirical objective, using a purposefully overdone portrayal of stereotyped characters and story arcs. The movie's attention to information exceeds simply the pop-culture references and outfits. It even mirrors the design and tropes of traditional 80s films.
Examples of the film's humor consist of the overblown montages-- a hallmark of 80s teen movies-- such as the scene where Charlie finds out to break dance, or when Lori empowers herself with the aid of a female instructor, reminiscent of "Dirty Dancing".
Parody and Homage"Totally Awesome" parodies a wide range of 1980s movies, including "Dirty Dancing", "The Karate Kid", "Footloose", "Pretty in Pink", "Sixteen Candles", and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", among others. It even parodies, to a level, Michael J. Fox's traditional "Teen Wolf".
The movie manages to use a light-hearted take on heavy topics, discreetly spoofing teen alienation, body image and whitewashing, styles that were prevalent in the 80s. An example of this is when Gabby takes Charlie to the "Ghetto dojo", and trains him using non-traditional '80s approaches.
Conclusion"Totally Awesome" is an appealing throwback to 80s films, which are frequently glamorized for their lively style, groovy soundtracks, and stereotyped yet lovable characters. The movie effectively imitates the remarkable aspects of these classics, while at the same time providing an amusing commentary on their clichés and tropes. The low-budget production and nostalgic aspects have acquired "Totally Awesome" a cult following amongst fans of 80s pop culture and movies. By teasing the 80s while likewise celebrating its films, it offers entertainment with a playful twist.
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