Watch A Mighty Wind

A Mighty Wind is a delightful comedy film from 2003, directed by Christopher Guest, who is also one of the main stars of the movie. The film is a mockumentary style picture, which follows the reunion of three folk bands from the 60s and 70s, as they prepare for a tribute concert in honor of their late manager, Irving Steinbloom. The bands are The Folksmen, The New Main Street Singers, and Mitch & Mickey, all of which have their own unique sound and style of performing.

The movie begins with the news of Steinbloom's death, which prompts his son, Jonathan Steinbloom, played by Bob Balaban, to organize the tribute concert for his father. Steinbloom was a prominent figure in the folk music scene, and the concert is supposed to bring together the biggest names of the genre to pay their respects. However, things don't seem to be going as planned, as the three bands that Jonathan contacts are all past their prime and struggling to keep up with their musical careers.

The movie takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of these three bands as they prepare for the big concert. The Folksmen, played by Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, are a trio of ageing folk singers, who haven't performed together in over two decades. They are a parody of the popular folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, known for their sing-along ballads and social activism.

The New Main Street Singers, on the other hand, are a relentlessly cheerful and upbeat group of performers, who have a more commercial sound and are led by Terry Bohner, played by John Michael Higgins. The group is a satirical take on the wholesome family bands like The Osmonds and The Partridge Family, with their matching outfits and perfect harmonies.

Mitch & Mickey, played by Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara, are the third group of performers, who were once a romantic duo and had a hit song, "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow." However, they broke up after Mickey suffered a nervous breakdown and disappeared from the music scene. Levy and O'Hara's chemistry and comedic timing are a highlight of the movie, as they revisit their past and try to overcome the issues that led to their breakup.

As the bands prepare for the concert, tensions rise, and old grudges resurface. There are hilarious moments of musical mishaps, like when The New Main Street Singers perform a patriotic song that they've been practicing for months when they realize they've forgotten the words. The Folksmen have their own struggles, with the group members squabbling over the setlist and struggling to fit into their old stage costumes, which are now a bit snug.

A Mighty Wind is a movie that pokes fun at the earnestness of the folk music scene and the nostalgia surrounding it. The film is filled with catchy tunes that are both humorous and catchy, making it difficult not to tap your feet and sing along. The performances are outstanding, with Guest, McKean, and Shearer delivering deadpan humor with impeccable timing. Levy and O'Hara bring an emotional depth to the movie, with their touching reunion and musical performances.

The film's mockumentary style is expertly executed, with the camera work and editing giving the movie a realistic look and feel. The interviews with the various band members are hilarious, as they share their memories and opinions on each other. Some of the best moments in the film come from the interactions between the different bands, as they try to one-up each other with their musical prowess.

In conclusion, A Mighty Wind is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy movie that celebrates the joy of music and the folly of nostalgia. It's a movie that can be enjoyed by anyone, whether you're a fan of folk music or not. The performances, music, and humor are all top-notch, making it a timeless classic that's sure to bring a smile to your face.

A Mighty Wind is a 2003 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 81.