NFL
By: Matt Overton
Nirvanna the Band the Show has a cult following online that I only learned about with the release of Matt Johnson’s BlackBerry. This silly Canadian avoided my radar all my life, but with that hilarious outing, he solidified an endearing spot in my heart. When my friend heard Neon was going to be distributing a feature film based on the web series, he was over the moon, and his excitement was very infectious—so much so that I skipped a 70mm print of Boogie Nights to catch this in theaters. I didn’t regret my choice for one second. NTBTSTM is one of the most uproarious and bold comedies I’ve seen in years, and I am pleading with everyone to watch this when it becomes available in your area, posthaste.
Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol play themselves in a universe where Nirvana the Band is still obsessing over getting a show at the Rivoli. My understanding of these guys pre-feature film is that they have an insatiable desire to get just one gig at the Rivoli, and in this film, they are picking up right where they left off. Matt concocts an elaborate plan that I don’t even want to spoil; so much of this film is operating on a wholly unique comedic level that to go in blind will truly enhance your experience. Suffice to say, Matt and Jay get into plenty of trouble with their other bestie, cameraman Jared. His omnipresent lens captures everything authentically, whether it is through a brand-new snazzy camera or a retro 2008 one.
Every time this film began a bit, I was in complete disbelief that it was going there. I constantly underestimated Matt and Jay’s dedication to the bit and was constantly in awe of how bold and daring they were in the execution. If I wasn’t belly laughing with tears welling up in my eyes, I was asking myself how the hell these two guys pulled all of this off. Out of context, you should know that there is parachuting, time travel, illegally scaling the CN Tower, 9/11, The Hangover, and murder. I want to pick apart every scene in this so I can clock every reference, parody, wink, and nudge.
Surely this viewing would have been enhanced had I watched any of the web series or television shows, but even lacking that background, I thought this was the perfect Comedy. The film has a very strong emotional foundation in Matt and Jay’s bromance. It could be viewed as a little more than slightly toxic, but the abundance of love they have for each other is all there on the screen. They have an excess of love for all things cinema, pop culture, for Nirvana the Band, the Rivoli, and each other. I was beaming with excitement, love, and positivity after sitting through this. Maybe Nirvanna the Band was all about audiences reaching nirvana themselves, because I was legit smiling the whole drive home, just soaking in the comedic masterpiece I had witnessed.
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie was a life-changing cinematic experience. While I might have never seen Nirvana the band, the Show, or Nirvanna the Band the Show, I was still able to fully enjoy Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie to the fullest extent. Gyrating between 100% pure cheesing at the screen, holding my stomach because it hurt from laughing, wiping the tears from my eyes, and staring with mouth agog at the boldness of it all—this is a special group of guys who made one of the funniest, coolest, and most endearing films. I will begin Nirvanna the Band the Show with the utmost haste because I need more Matt and Jay in my life.
