‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ Review: A Canadian Mockumentary That Tests Your Patience
It’s quite a challenge to think of anyone reacting indifferently to this new time-travel comedy that is so quintessentially Canadian, one might expect to find poutine being served at the theater. The brainchild of Matt Johnson, this mockumentary has certainly attracted a devoted following. It serves as a feature-length extension of both a popular web series and a television show that found success in Canada. According to initial reviews and feedback from film festivals, a significant number of viewers have found it to be uproariously funny.
However, I must admit—no offense intended to our neighbors to the north—that I found ‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ to be as immature as its title suggests. This film pays what can only be described as lavish tribute to, if not outright copying from, classics like ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.’ The humor in this overly self-referential comedy gets hammered into submission with such relentless frequency that it feels less like a diminishing return and more akin to comedic overkill.
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
The Bottom Line: Like poutine, it’s something of an acquired taste.
Release date: Friday, February 13
Cast: Matt Johnson, Jay McCarrol, Ben Petrie, Ethan Eng, Michael Scott, Reid Janisse, Steve Hamelin, Luke Lalonde, Maddy Wilde, Mitch Derosie
Director: Matt Johnson
Screenwriters: Matt Johnson, Jay McCarrol
Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes
If you’re from Toronto, you might find this film more enjoyable, as it is packed with jokes and references that heavily relate to the city featured throughout the plot. The narrative kicks off in 2008, introducing us to best friends and musicians Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, who are desperately trying to land a gig at The Rivoli, a legendary club in Toronto (the film even includes footage from the original web series). Fast forward 17 years, and we see Matt and Jay still striving for that coveted performance, with Matt, sporting a Doc Brown-esque flair, devising a publicity stunt he believes will make their dreams come true.
This outrageous stunt involves a daring leap from the top of the iconic CN Tower, parachuting into the nearby stadium during a Blue Jays game. The plan is that the ensuing excitement from fans, following their announcement to perform later that night at The Rivoli, will force the venue to book them.
Naturally, the grand stunt goes hilariously wrong (you’ll need to watch the movie to uncover the details), which leads Jay to propose an even more absurd idea involving a makeshift time machine crafted from their old RV. In a bizarre twist, fueled by the long-defunct novelty beverage Orbitz (a reference that definitely requires some Canadian context), they somehow manage to travel back to 2008, along with their ever-present, unseen cameraman. This sets the stage for a series of inevitable jokes, including references to Bill Cosby being affectionately regarded as “America’s Dad” and, on a more Canadian note, Jian Ghomeshi still hosting his CBC radio show.
Due to reasons that are both too silly and convoluted to delve into, the friendship between the two men unravels, leading to Jay rising to fame as a solo pop star, ultimately becoming a fugitive. Surprisingly, this subplot is one of the more plausible elements in the film.
Johnson, who received accolades for his 2023 film ‘BlackBerry,’ showcases considerable technical skill in this project, blending old and new footage seamlessly. The sequence where the pair leaps off the CN Tower is quite convincing, and several improvised interactions with unsuspecting civilians add a layer of humor reminiscent of Sacha Baron Cohen’s style. However, despite their aspirations to replicate the charm of Bill and Ted, this duo lacks the endearing quality that made Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter’s characters so lovable. In particular, Matt comes across as incredibly irritating, making Jay’s eventual desire to distance himself from him all too relatable. Both characters prove to be so bothersome that they highlight the endless politeness typically associated with Canadians who have to engage with them.
Interestingly, some of the film’s funniest moments arise from the constant apologies and expressions of gratitude from Matt and Jay as they clumsily navigate their way through the city. Yet, even with these amusing touches, it still falls short of being truly entertaining.
