If there’s anything harder than making a horror film, it’s probably going to be making a comedy film. Your content is going to hit or miss, and if it misses it’s going to be a disaster. While Sasq-Watch isn’t anywhere near the realm of horror and science fiction, it definitely falls into the worlds of fantasy and alternative topics due to featuring the most iconic cryptid of all time – Bigfoot. Sasq-Watch follows two friends, Nigel and Oscar, as they set out on their dream journey – capturing definitive evidence of Sasquatch. After their forest guide bails on them, they’re forced to rely on a ragtag group of outdoor enthusiasts to attempt to locate the elusive beast. With a foundation’s cash prize on the line and a bitter rival hot on their trail, Nigel and Oscar are out to prove they have the balls to catch The Foot. Paul Brittain (“Saturday Night Live”), Adam Herschman (Nurse 3D), Christine Bently (Shark Night 3D), Neil Flynn (“The Middle”), Tim Meadows (The Ladies Man, Mean Girls), Dean West, Sherri Eakin and John McConnell star in this outstanding comedy flick from writer James Weldon and director Drew Hall.
Off the bat, Sasq-Watch was coming for fire. Not only did the crew manage to book A-list actor Tim Meadows in a large supporting role, but writer James Weldon had the keen hindsight to include shots of Bigfoot right away. This, as a viewer, was enough to keep me interested in this offbeat adventure longer than 15 minutes. There’s such a huge demographic of film and television viewers who are absolutely in love with the hairy giant, and Sasq-Watch is going to capitalize on that enthusiasm and love without coming off as cheesy. I think another aspect that’s going to capture their attention is the somewhat homey, 1990’s atmosphere that Drew Hall built into the movie with the production designers. I felt like I was watching a long lost episode of “Salute Your Shorts” mixed with “Are You Afraid of the Dark” with a lot more comedy and hilarity intertwined. If you grew up in the 90’s like I did, Sasq-Watch is going to have a tremendous appeal because it’ll take you back to your childhood; all while the the main characters chase a childhood dream of their own. Metaphors!
Here’s where I need to address the actual humor and hoopla; because it should be obvious from the cast list that this movie is well acted. The fun and satire is presented through pointless theorizing and conclusions, pop culture references, dry human and subtle nods, and nerd-dom gags. It’s fluid and it isn’t overbearing and yet… I don’t think it’s as effective as they wanted it to be. I don’t see the younger demographic embracing its off-brand humor and I don’t think Sasq-Watch can survive off of high production value and strong performances alone; especially when Bigfoot does a vanishing act for the majority of the movie. In all honestly, the comedy never made me offer anything other than a butt load of smiles; no real or hearty laughs. While this story wasn’t my particular cup of tea, it was still an entertaining movie and I enjoyed the majority of my viewing. I’d also like to say that featuring a “token hot girl” to accompany the “losers” was a good idea, but then covering her up and allowing the actress (Bently) to shine as a performer was a tremendously wise writing choice.
Sasq-Watch was produced by Scott Robinson with executive producers Jarrod Murray, Allard Cantor, Ned Adams, Justin Cherry and Denny Wilkins. Jamie Urman served as cinematographer and Shane Hazen served as editor. Presented as a documentary and narrative film mash-up, this one is going to be a hidden gem to crypto fans and die-hard comedy viewers. I struggle to find the direct audience that I would recommend this to outside of that, but I can’t knock this title for anything other than not being 100% sure of its path. It never completely went there. Everything else was 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Sasq-Watch is currently available on VOD and DVD courtesy of Screen Media Films. If you’re a viewer who can embrace all types of comedy, and comedy on all levels, then check out this movie. Anyone else will probably get to the end credits and complain. I’m shrugging and rambling and capping this one off here. Rating as a comedy flick and not a horror film (because it’s not)… Final Score: 7.5 out of 10.
