Watch An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn

An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn is a satirical take on the Hollywood film industry, centered around a fictitious production of an action movie called Trio. The film is directed by Alan Smithee, a name used by directors who wish to distance themselves from a project due to creative differences or dissatisfaction with the final product.

The protagonist of the movie is fictional film director Alan Smithee (Eric Idle), who is hired to direct Trio, an action movie starring Sylvester Stallone (played by himself), Whoopi Goldberg (also playing herself), and Jackie Chan (again, playing himself). However, Smithee quickly realizes that he has little creative control over the project, and that the producers, played by Ryan O'Neal and Richard Jeni, are more interested in pandering to a teenage male audience and making a profit than creating good art.

As Smithee's frustrations grow, he decides to quit the project and have his name removed from the film. However, he learns that the only way to do so is to prove that the film is so bad that it warrants disowning. So, he enlists the help of a struggling screenwriter named Joe Gillis (Michael Hamilton), who is hired to rewrite the script, and a crew member named Leo (Coolio), who has a grudge against the producers.

As the Trio production spirals out of control, Smithee's quest to disown the film becomes increasingly challenging. A series of absurd events ensue as Smithee tries to sabotage the project, including a disastrous special effects mishap and an ill-fated attempt to blow up the studio lot.

The film also features a number of celebrity cameos, including Chuck D and MC Lyte, who play themselves as hip-hop artists hired to record the soundtrack, and actors like Ryan O'Neal, Jackie Chan, and Whoopi Goldberg, who play exaggerated versions of themselves.

An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn is a scathing critique of the Hollywood film industry, and the cutthroat business practices and shallow values that often prevail within it. It mocks the idea of films being made solely for commercial gain, and highlights the power imbalances that exist between filmmakers and producers.

The film's tone is deliberately satirical and over-the-top, with exaggerated characters and absurd plot points used to poke fun at the industry. At times, the film feels like it is trying to cram in as many Hollywood jokes and references as possible, which can make it feel a bit heavy-handed. However, its irreverent approach and willingness to skewer the industry make it an entertaining and thought-provoking watch for anyone interested in the inner workings of Hollywood.

Overall, An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn is a witty and biting satire that pokes fun at the Hollywood film industry and its many flaws. Its exaggerated characters and absurd plot points may not be to everyone's tastes, but those who appreciate irreverent humor and a willingness to take on powerful institutions will surely find it enjoyable.

An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn is a 1997 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.5.