The Brady Bunch Movie

1995's THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE had a funny premise - what if that prototypically '70s T.V. family found themselves in the 1990s, yet still firmly, unapologetically (and cluelessly) entrenched in their polyester lifestyle? Still living in that famous home on Clinton Way with an interior reeking of faux wood paneling and wall to wall carpeting.  I thought the idea was as good as any if one had to bring The Brady Bunch to the big screen, especially at such a late date.

The project does many things right. Several of the show's "Greatest Hits" (Marcia getting hit with football in the nose, family potato sack race,  Peter's changing voice,  Marcia and Jan rivalry) are well placed.  The musical numbers are almost as groovy as the originals.  The kid cast not only resembles but manages to virtually embody the essences of the Brady brood.  The adults, eh, almost as much, and Gary Cole and Shelley Long do manage to evoke some Mike and Carolisms from time to time.  Henriette Mantel as Alice fares the least successful.  Some of the original cast members contribute cameos.

The plot (as if it mattered) involves the Bradys' efforts to raise twenty thousand dollars for back taxes owed on their beloved homestead. Meanwhile, the often referred to but never before seen neighbor/real estate developer Larry Dittmeyer is trying to get everyone on the block to sell out for plans for a new shopping mall.  One family (guess which) is not budging.  But when the tax notice is accidentally delivered to the Dittemeyers....Larry sees his big chance.

And here is the main problem I had with THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE - Michael McKean, who plays Dittmeyer.  One of the most obnoxious, unfunny comedic performances I've seen.  He nearly undermines the entire movie with his amateurishly caustic delivery.  Every time he is onscreen the film grinds to a halt.  I like McKean, and have enjoyed his work since his turn as Lenny on Laverne & Shirley, but something went terribly wrong this time.  The script (among the many writers are sitcom vets Bonnie and Terry Turner) does give him some pretty lame-o lines, but most of the blame shoulders on the actor.  Director Betty Thomas, who otherwise does a pretty good job, should've worked with him to find another way to make his contemporary character clash with the Bradys in a more amusing, far less grating fashion.

But good thing Jean Smart, who plays the eternally drunk and horny Mrs. Dittmeyer, shares several scenes with McKean.  She's quite funny and sexy.

My favorite thing about THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE : the lighting in and around the Brady household.  So artificial, so studio-like, even for outdoor scenes in the backyard. The movie recreates it perfectly.  One scene follows Cindy as she wanders from the yard down to the street.  The harsh L.A. sunlight there makes a chuckle worthy contrast, a vivid reminder of how much of a fantasy world the Brady Bunch inhabited.