Watch Jiminy Glick in Lalawood

Jiminy Glick in Lalawood is a hilarious satirical comedy film from 2004, directed by Vadim Jean and starring Martin Short in the titular role of Jiminy Glick, a wildly enthusiastic and clueless television talk show host. The movie also stars Jan Hooks as Dixie Glick, Jiminy's long-suffering wife, and Linda Cardellini as Miranda Coolidge, a rising Hollywood starlet. The film is both a send-up of Hollywood and celebrity culture and a rollicking comedy adventure that combines absurdity, satire, and plenty of laughs.

The story follows Jiminy Glick, a rotund, cigar-smoking Canadian talk show host, as he travels to Hollywood to cover the Cannes Film Festival. Along for the ride is his loyal and patient wife Dixie, who is usually exasperated by Jiminy's antics but loves him nonetheless. When they arrive in Hollywood, Jiminy begins conducting interviews with various celebrities, but he quickly becomes distracted by the news that a young actress, Miranda Coolidge, has gone missing.

As Jiminy investigates the disappearance, he uncovers a web of corruption, deceit, and Hollywood intrigue that leads him into some dangerous situations. Along the way, he encounters a cast of bizarre characters, including a bombastic producer (played by Richard Belzer), a loony director (played by David Lynch), and a tipsy playboy (played by Kevin Kline). Jiminy's hilarious interactions with these characters, as well as his own antics and bumbling mistakes, drive the film's humor and provide plenty of laughs.

What sets Jiminy Glick in Lalawood apart from other comedies is Short's inspired performance as the clueless Jiminy. Short, who created the character for his own talk show in the 1990s, brings a childlike enthusiasm and uninformed ignorance to Jiminy that is both endearing and hilarious. The character is a parody of both talk show hosts and entertainment journalists, and Short's exaggerated delivery and physical comedy make Jiminy an unforgettable character. Hooks and Cardellini provide excellent support, with Hooks bringing a subtle, understated humor to Dixie, and Cardellini embodying the classic Hollywood starlet with sass and wit.

The film's satire is broad but effective, skewering celebrity culture, Hollywood excess, and the media circus that surrounds movie making. The film's target is not just Hollywood, however, but also the entertainment news industry and our culture's obsession with celebrity. This is most clearly on display in Jiminy's interviews with various celebrities, which are often hilarious parodies of real-life celebrity interviews. The film's writers, Martin Short, Paul Flaherty, and Michael Short, have a keen eye for the absurdity of Hollywood, and the film drips with humor and wit.

The film also benefits from a high-energy visual style that keeps the pace brisk and the humor flowing. Vadim Jean, the director of the film, is well versed in absurdist comedy, having directed the cult classic TV series The Comic Strip Presents... and the films Leon the Pig Farmer and One More Kiss. His experience with this type of comedy is evident in the film's non-stop energy and quick editing. The film's look and feel is also impressive, with bright, colorful sets and costumes that add to the film's humorous tone.

Overall, Jiminy Glick in Lalawood is a thoroughly entertaining comedy that will have you laughing from start to finish. Martin Short's performance as Jiminy is the highlight of the film, but the supporting cast, writing, and direction all come together to make this a rollicking, irreverent satire that skewers Hollywood and celebrity culture with wit and style. Whether you're a fan of Martin Short or just looking for a good laugh, Jiminy Glick in Lalawood is a must-see film that will leave you smiling.