Not expecting much going in, I was genuinely surprised by this delightful documentary. Funny, touching, heartwarming, and at times unbelievably hilarious, Vince and his buddies did an exceptional job traveling from state to state and making people laugh. I was actually thankful that they made it into a documentary, because I would have never heard about it otherwise. I don't know why it wasn't marketed better, or if I just missed it when it all happened. The only time I knew that Vince was traveling with a group of comedians is when I saw this trailer... except for driving by and noticing his name at the Music Box Theater in Hollywood. Good for them, and good for this documentary.
In Hollywood, California, on September 12, 2005, Vince Vaughn took the stage at the Music Box Theater playing the role of emcee. This is where the groundbreaking comedy tour -later turned documentary- similar to the old west variety shows began. With four comedians hand picked by Vince, Vince himself, and many surprise celebrities and musical guest performing stand-up, as well as, improvisational skits, came the birth of "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland." This documentary follows Vaughn and the comedians as they travel over 6,000 miles and perform 30 shows in 30 consecutive nights in cities all across the United States. However, the documentary goes way beyond the stand-ups, and focuses as much on the behind the scenes ordeals that these "not so well known" comedians must face. Their challenges and life altering experiences after each show are mesmerizing. These comedians live and die for comedy. Comedy is what unites these four on more than just a professional level. Guest stars such as Justin Long (Dodgeball), Keir O'Donnell (Wedding Crashers), Vince's best friend Peter Billingsley (come on, who doesn't know Ralphie Parker from "A Christmas Story"), and Dwight Yoakam all play their part in making this documentary unforgettable for the people on the tour, as well as, those watching.
Here is where I give credit to where credit is due. I didn't really know much -if any- about any of these four comedians in this documentary. I honestly went to see it because of Vince. Most critics said the laughs are few and far between but I don't listen much to critics. Actually, I rarely pay any attention to what anyone has to say about a movie, I have to judge for myself. Saying that, I must now mention that I thought John Caparulo, Bret Ernst, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Ahmed Ahmed all held their own. Sure, not everything they said was hysterical, but, I laughed for the majority of the movie, and sometimes rather loudly. Well done guys, well executed documentary.
Pat the Movie Critic gives "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland" --- 3 Scoops
