A Mighty Wind

Three well-known folk groups come together for a reunion concert in New York City, singing brilliantly funny songs and producing uniquely bizarre laughs along the way. The Folksmen are an all-male trio consisting of an upright bass, a banjo, a guitar, and a whole lot of melody. Hilarious scenes of the group rehearsing casually in the kitchen, while reflecting on bygone days, are some of the most candidly funny moments in the film. Fake archival photos of the band, combined with the names of their hit songs--"Hitchin'", Singin'", "Ramblin'", "Wishin'", and "Pickin'"--generate wonderfully dry jokes. When not peering in on the Folksmen, the film spends time getting to know Mitch and Mickey, a popular duo and a great folk love story. Mitch and Mickey talk openly about the emotional torment of their breakup, though it is clearly difficult for them. However, back together again, they manage to rehearse--and perform--their famous love song that requires a dramatic kiss in the middle. Last but not least are The New Main Street Singers, a raucous group of nine--a neuftette--that wear matching outfits and sing upbeat songs. Some of the more bizarre personalities in the film come out of this group, bringing a tone to this folk odyssey that recalls moments from Guest's BEST IN SHOW and WAITING FOR GUFFMAN. A hollerin' good time, A MIGHTY WIND is yet another comic masterpiece from Guest, whose films resonate with viewers long after they're through, and easily lend themselves to repeat viewings.