What's the point of making a parody of an unintentionally funny movie, at least one as self-evidently specious as Reefer Madness? Not unlike hearing a really bad joke and then being subjected to an endless explanation of its underlying humor, RM: TMM riffs even more exaggeratedly on everything from the 1936 film that's been disproved by advances in science and psychology. However, the real subject of this ugly, unfunny movie is moral revisionism, i.e., pretending that our enlightened age is safe from the prejudices and errant thinking of previous generations. It's quite a snide little film, taking safe jabs at a perceived backward era without adding anything substantive to the mix. This is the height of lazy thinking and broad, liberal pandering, as if a couple of psych-major potheads screened the original film, got all indignant, and decided to decry its factual inaccuracies in musical form. Of course it screened at Sundance and of course it was heralded as a comedy gem.

This was the greatest spoof of musicals I ever saw. I am one of the few who liked Moulin Rouge because of its "Plan 9 from Outer Space" quality. The "narrator" played by Allen Cumming was like the narrator character in George of the Jungle; not just telling the facts but giving his opinions and effecting the story. In 1936 if the film had been made this way maybe more of a message would have been delivered. The original was silly and based on my times riding the school bus in High School obviously not based on actual observation of marijuana users. (NO, I AM NOT A USER AND NEVER HAVE BEEN) The film takes every stereotype of white America in the 1930's and uses it to the hilt. That poor Asian lady suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable when the "Fu Manchu" drug dealer gives Sally something for the baby was something the 1903's film makers wouldn't have even considered. One male chauvinist pig issue: Why didn't Ana Gastyer get undressed like the rest of the ladies?

...but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't hurt, either.Personally, I was quite pleased with this campy send-up of the original Thirties propaganda film, mostly because "Reefer Madness: The Musical" goes far beyond mere parody and takes off in directions of its own, much the same way Ashman and Goodman's musical, "Little Shop of Horrors," did back in the mid-Eighties. The music is good, the lyrics are clever, the book is good, production values are high (pun acknowledged), and the acting and singing are without fault. Who could ask for anything more? I haven't had this much fun discovering a new musical since I finally tumbled to "Rent" a few months ago.Original cast members include Kristen "Veronica Mars" Bell, Christian "Yes, I'm Neve's big brother, but I'm talented, too" Campbell, and John "I've done more voice work than you can shake a stick at" Kassir. They acquit themselves with all the flair and talent one would expect from actor/singers who know their stuff inside out. Outstanding support from Alan "Nightcrawler" Cumming, Ana "SNL" Gasteyer, and Steven "Wings" Weber just makes everything even better, along with appearances by Neve "I'm his little sister, you got it" Campbell, OBC alum Robert "The Drew Carey Show" Torti as a wonderfully glitzy Jesus, Stephen E. "I am one daggone busy character actor" Miller, and the luscious Christine "Step by Step" Lakin as a feisty Joan of Arc. Director Andy Fickman, who helmed the horrendous "Who's Your Daddy?" back in 2003 (yes, I actually wasted an hour or so watching it, but at least I got to see Ms. Lakin again), really got the talent required to pull this one off.What's not to like? Stoners being equated with "Night of the Living Dead" zombies, officious establishment types getting their busybody noses tweaked, Jesus getting the Tom Jones treatment, and all within the context of some choice choreography from Mary Ann "Clueless" Kellogg and her able assistants, along with superb art direction, production design, and costuming. Why, just sprinkle on some fine cinematography by Jan "Fright Night" Kiesser and careful editing by Jeff "The Craft" Freeman, and you've got a guaranteed crowd pleaser.Don't Bogart this musical; pass it on to your friends. The only thing I'd really like to know is what the heck is the significance of "420?" Is it just ten times the answer to life, the universe and everything, or is there something more arcane involved? 3.12.08 edit: Now I know. Jeez, you'd think after all this time...

I've seen many good movies and TV shows this year, found many astonishing Episodes and movies and didn't think it can get better. But in the last week of this year, I learned better. Not only a parody of "Tell your children" but also a professional made musical itself. The actors are the widely the original cast from the New York musical version and you can see it in their dancing, their performance and their singing. When you don't find a musical that suits you, because you find them dull or boring, "Reefer Madness" can be the one you'll like. It's funny, exciting and doesn't bore you if you look it several times in short time. If you like musicals, you get one, if you like parodies, you'll love it, if you want a comedy, you must see it, do you want gore, watch it to the end. Creative and amazing, don't miss it.