Mockumentaries

List creator: underdog Created on: September 17, 2003 - 11:13 AM PDT Description: Best of the many fine (and not so fine) faux-docs on DVD. Most of these are satirical, and often knee-slappingly funny, in nature; a few more serious. Still waiting for David Holzman's Diaries on DVD.

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	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Still my favorite mockumentary of all time, eminently quotable and sardonically funny. The cast is uniformly excellent. DVD is loaded with great extras; check out the audio commentary from the reunited Tap gang
	Best in Show (2000)
Woof! Although a few parts of this one irritate me and it isn't 100% satisfying, it's still extremely funny, especially for anyone who's owned a dog
	Waiting for Guffman (1996)
Still Guest's best, in my opinion. As with all of his films, a fairly easy target, but he certainly nails it. Many priceless moments.
	Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Uneven but often very amusing little beauty contest satire; a few laugh out loud moments
	Bob Roberts (1992)
As timely as ever, Tim Robbins often darkly hilarious satire only rarely goes astray. Dig those songs, too!
	Forgotten Silver (1996)			Not Rated
Peter Jackson's forgotten little gem about a forgotten (fictional) silent film pioneer is so well-crafted many people were fooled into thinking it was all real.
	Real Life (1979)
Albert Brooks' first feature is kind of dated (the parody was partly inspired by PBS' American Family series in the early 70s) and yet in some ways as timely as ever. Some great moments...
	The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)			Not Rated
Eric Idle first showed America the Rutles story in an SNL short film, this feature is equally funny. Certainly the best Beatles parody ever.
	Zelig (1983)
Dead-on, brilliantly conceived fake documentary has very believable FX and a witty script.
	A Mighty Wind (2003)
Doesn't hit as many high notes as Guest's earlier satires but enough hilarious parts and characterizations to make it worth seeing
	Fear of a Black Hat (1994)
Not unfairly dubbed a hip hop Spinal Tap, but it stands fairly well on its own (and not as consistently spot-on as Spinal Tap). Many chuckles to be had here, though.
	Lisa Picard is Famous (2000)
Acting friends seem to dig this more than "normal people" but it's pretty nice, likeable
	The Blair Witch Project (1999)
C'mon, didn't anyone else find this one really funny? Has been, itself, the subject of several parodies...You have to admit, whatever it's faults, it's exceedingly well done for such a tiny budget (and dig that marketing campaign)
	Man Bites Dog (Criterion Collection) (1991)			Not Rated
Controversial for its graphic violence and disturbing content, but also full of (very) black humor for those who are game. Interestingly, the original title translated roughly as 'You Could Be Next'
	The Big Tease (1999)
Surprised that I liked this one, a little on the "seen it before" end of the spectrum of characterizations but often very funny
	The Wicksboro Incident (2001)			Not Rated
Better than the Blair Witch project, a real sleeper...
	...And God Spoke (1994)
Admittedly haven't seen this yet but, despite its low ratings on GC, I know some people that swear by this one. Guess we should judge for ourselves.
	Hard Core Logo (1996)
Haven't seen this one yet either but reliable sources (a friend) say that it's good but not particularly funny.
	On Edge (2001)
okay, I'll come clean -- I was a production assistant on this movie, but I'll try to be honest. It's likeable, and of particular interest to ice skating fans. The cast is amusing, it looks good...just don't expect Christopher Guest-style laughs.
	Take the Money and Run (1969)
Possibly the first comic mockumentary, and, although very dated in some places, also often uproariously funny. Many memorable set pieces (my favorites include the illegible hold-up note and the cello out the window...)
	Nothing So Strange (2002)
	The Delicate Art of Parking (2003)
	In Smog & Thunder: The Great War of the Californias (2002)			Not Rated
	FUBAR (2002)
	Sweet and Lowdown (1999)
Thanks to HauAb for the reminder about this one, one of Woody's more underrated (of his recent) movies. Great music, of course, and Samantha Morton is wonderful without saying anything.