HMNIG Movie Review: Meatballs

The 1979 film Meatballs should be celebrated by everyone who thinks comedy is funny. Not necessarily because the film is just that good (it's just ok), but because it's the first feature film and starring role for the man who practically invented comedy, Bill Murray.
The movie takes place at a fictional summer camp, typical of all summer camp movies, like Heavyweights (a superior and much funnier movie overall). There's the usual Indian themes, idyllic lake, various sporting activities, the awkward nerds, the fatbodies, and of course, The Hot Chick. Murray stars as the head councelor, Tripper Harrison. Hijinks ensue.

This movie is Murray's first venture away from Saturday Night Live, and should be remembered as such. That's pretty much all it should be remembered for. The Funniest Man on Earth (title bestowed by me) hasn't yet developed his trademark style, with careless narcissism and clueless bewilderment. Although, there are glimpses. Murray's next well known gig, after 1980's portrayal of Hunter S. Thompson in Where the Buffalo Roam, was the ingenious and oft-quoted Carl Spackler in that immortal motion picture Caddyshack.

The Funniest Man on Earth

Meatballs is full of the usual '70s-'80s shtick, heavy on sex and drug references. Although, it is a bit more inspired than some other comedies of the era. It was directed by Ivan Reitman, who went on to direct Murray in Stripes and the two Ghostbusters movies. He also produced those three movies, and well as other classics like Animal House, Space Jam, Road Trip, and Old School. So Meatballs is at least worth something as an early effort on Murray and Reitman's part.

So check it out. Or don't. I don't really give a shit.