Cabin Boy (1994)

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 4:07pm

I watched this exquisite film the other night and, while I know many critics and audiences ignored it in its initial release, I think it warrants reevaluation and respect.

Chris Elliot, as underrated a comic genius as I've ever seen, stars as a spoiled 'fancy lad' who, after a series of hijinks that are as clever and original as they are hysterical, finds himself looking for a way home on a boat populated with scurvy sailors. Along the way he finds far more than a way home, he finds his heart and soul.

It's a rollicking comedy, a high seas adventure and a multi-pronged love story all in one. Few movies aspire to cover so many genres at once, let alone handle them all so deftly. Of particular poignance is Russ Tamblyn as Chockie, the merman who loves Elliot's character. Rarely in comedic history will you find a relationship so deep and moving.

I also think that Ritch Brinkley, James Gammons, Brian Doyle Murray and Brion James provide some of the finest comedic ensemble acting ever preserved in celluloid as the sailors who accidentally take in a stray cabin boy. Gruff yet touching these men give a clinic in performing comedy with heart.

Melora Williams is enchanting as Elliot's love interest, both bold and beautiful as her characters melts, much like icebergs do, as Elliot's character grows from lad to man. She should have been considered for an Oscar for her work.

Watchful eyes will also detect green but still obviously talented stars like Andy Richter and Dave Letterman in supporting roles where they both shine.

I think the Academy waited three years too many in honoring a movie about a boy, a girl, a boat and their encounter with a fateful iceberg that threatens to tear them apart.

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 4:13pm

Perhaps, but all was not lost, as this might have been the time some Hollywood bigshots discovered that Chris Elliott scamp, without which we'd have never seen him tackle such diverse roles as the butler in Scary Movie 2 and the voice of Dogbert.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 4:16pm

I think his work in 'Snow Day' has also been grossly overlooked by film history.

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 4:18pm

Well, when you're standing next to a star as bright as Chevy Chase, it's an easy mistake to make.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 4:38pm

"Would you like to buy a monkey? "

[Enjolras77]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 4:39pm

Don't forget Elliot's amazing sitcom "Get a Life", or his brilliant star turn in "There's Something About Mary" where he played a multi-dimensional character named Woogie. Of course he can also be found in one pivotal scene in "The Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps". In the scene he is the waiter who risks his life to put out the fire ignited by Cletus farting through his lit birthday candles. Such a brilliant actor! Almost to the level of Clint Howard.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 5:24pm

Clint Howard's finest work was in the title role of 'The Ice Cream Man.' Some see it as just another piece of direct-to-video b-grade horror but I found it heart-breaking as well as thrilling.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 5:40pm

Don't forget Elliot's amazing sitcom "Get a Life"

one of my favorite series of all time......genius

[suddenlyseymour]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 7:05pm

haha I love this movie! Chris is hysterical and Melora was so freakin funny. "Dance boy dance!"

[Jon]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 8:19pm

Chris Elliot also injected a nice dose of insanity into the last 2 seasons of EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND as Robert's brother-in-law.

[Pippin]

Posted: 3/23/06 at 1:41pm

"These pipes........are CLEAN!!!!!"

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/23/06 at 1:47pm

Oscar, are you listening? You can make up for these past oversights with a special compilation tribute/lifetime achievement award next year.