BETWEEN TWO FERNS: THE MOVIE: A Constant Stretch Of Narrative With Rich Awkward Humour

Between Two Ferns: The Movie, directed by Scott Aukerman, is the feature-length film of the infamous Funny Or Die skit series that stars Zach Galifianakis in a warped version of himself that hosts public access talk show – “Between Two Ferns”.

Between Two Ferns: The Movie finds Galifianakis and a small crew of production members played by Lauren Lapkus, Ryan Gaul, and Jiavani Linayao, all hit the road on an interview tour of ten guests at the demand of Funny Or Die owner Will Ferrell. He promised a prime time talk show with Galifianakis in the hot seat, if he succeeds in this not so difficult task.

Balances What Works with an Evolution of the Material

For what is essentially a ten-minute small segment skit on an online-only site, bizarrely, Between Two Ferns: The Movie works quite well as a full-blown feature. What is the most integral of ingredients in this recipe for success is no doubt the structure that still retains the skit element. Scott Aukerman’s film employs the age-old approach of maintaining what works but also evolving the material, and found in the end product is just the right amount of balance to serve both sides of the coin.

The interview segments are precisely the same format as they have always been. Nothing has been altered, and they remain that infamously awkward stance that the viewer can not escape from watching. The only slight negative is the fact said segments are quite limited on-screen with how the narrative needs to progress, and they occasionally drop out of nowhere without build-up. 

The Wonderfully Awkward Comedy is the Saving Grace

The central narrative that takes the focus is the road trip element. It is quintessential Dumb and Dumber-esque material that is quite farcical, and if harshly critiqued is far too thin and uninteresting to carry a feature-length film. That being said, the wonderfully awkward comedy is the films saving grace that keeps this whole thing afloat. It is awkward, gratuitous, nasty, and hilarious.

It serves numerous palettes in terms of a sense of humour, even if specific sequences including that of Brie Larson, who feels more impromptu set up than in on the act, goes a little too far in terms of supposed “humour.” 

Unfortunately, this humour is only ever bright and entertaining when Galifianakis takes centre stage, or the interview sequences are on screen. Otherwise, the film is left to the supporting cast that does not quite have a connective tissue with an audience because theirs a lacking amount of material for them to work with. 

Lauren Lapkus as Carol is the character with the second most significant amount of material to work with, but even then it is lacking and in no way sufficiently exercised, and thus the comedic moments of the character do not hit as strongly as the film would hope. However, this is no way Lapkus’ fault, as the film would rather divide its time in painfully unfunny small skits with the likes of Chrissy Teigen than add upon and delve into the prime material it already has.

Between Two Ferns: The Movie: Conclusion

Between Two Ferns: The Movie will most likely land on the “slightly divisive with audiences” parameter, but it looks increasingly clear that the performance of Galifianakis will appease most – with Scott Aukerman’s film putting the actor firmly back on track to the type of unique performance and thus humour the actor cemented himself in the industry beside a new wave of comedy.

A unique type of performance with unique humour quite crafts a unique type of film, that does slightly sway away in terms of engagement but ultimately suffices as an enjoyable ride.

Will you be watching Between Two Ferns: The Movie on your friends NETFLIX ACCOUNT? Does actor Zach Galifianakis still have an audience pull?Please let us know in the comments below!

Between Two Ferns: The Movie was released exclusively on Netflix  September 20, 2019.