Watch Shooting the Warwicks

"Shooting the Warwicks" is a mockumentary-style film that takes a satirical look at the lives of reality tv stars. The film follows the Warwicks, a privileged and eccentric family who have become famous thanks to their hit show, "The Warwicks." The show follows the family's daily antics, and has quickly become a cultural phenomenon.

Filmmaker Sean McAllister (Adam Rifkin) is hired to make a behind-the-scenes documentary for the next season of "The Warwicks." McAllister captures many of the Warwicks' wild and outrageous shenanigans, including their lavish parties, minor arguments and numerous affairs. As filming continues, the lines between the family's staged antics and reality blur, resulting in some unexpected and hilarious consequences.

As the film unfolds, we see the Warwicks slowly unravel under the weight of their on-camera personas. It becomes apparent that most of the family members are miserable, even as they try to maintain the illusion of a perfect life. The patriarch of the family, patriarch, Richard Warwick (Scott Anderson), is a charismatic and controlling figure who is determined to keep his family on track, even if it means sacrificing their happiness. Meanwhile, his wife, Lorraine (Kelley Menighan), struggles to maintain a sense of normalcy in the middle of the chaos.

Despite the family's troubles, "The Warwicks" continues to thrive on TV, much to the frustration of McAllister. As the documentary maker tries to get to the truth behind the Warwicks' polished image, he finds himself drawn into their lives and their problems.

One of the strengths of "Shooting the Warwicks" is its ability to both lampoon and celebrate the genre of reality tv. The film pokes fun at the absurdity of celebrity culture, while also highlighting the human drama that often feeds into these types of shows. The Warwicks are not just caricatures, but fully realized characters with real emotions and desires.

Throughout the film, we see how the pressures of fame can warp people's perceptions of themselves and their relationships. The Warwicks are a dysfunctional family, but in many ways they are emblematic of the challenges that any family might face. By using reality tv as a lens to explore these issues, "Shooting the Warwicks" offers a fresh perspective on a genre that is often dismissed as shallow and crass.

Technically, "Shooting the Warwicks" is a well-crafted film that balances comedy and drama with ease. The mockumentary format allows for naturalistic performances and improvisation, which gives the movie an organic feel. At the same time, the film's polished cinematography and editing give it a professional sheen that keeps it from feeling too amateurish.

The movie also benefits from a strong cast, led by Anderson, Menighan and Rifkin. Anderson is particularly effective as Richard Warwick, delivering a performance that is simultaneously charming and chilling. Menighan brings a grounded and sympathetic presence to the role of Lorraine. And Rifkin, who directed the film in addition to starring in it, does an admirable job of keeping the movie's tone consistent throughout.

In the end, "Shooting the Warwicks" is a delightful satire that pays homage to a genre while also subverting its conventions. The movie asks important questions about the nature of fame, reality and human connections, while also providing plenty of laughs along the way. This is a film that will appeal to anyone who loves reality tv, as well as anyone who wants to see that genre deconstructed and reimagined.

Shooting the Warwicks is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.