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By Johnathan Kroncke
By Johnathan Kroncke
Welcome to Shenanigan’s where you can get hot food, friendly service and maybe a little spit in your burger.
In his latest film “Waiting,” Ryan Reynolds brings his “Van Wilder” persona to the world of waiting tables in what may be the funniest movie of the year.
Shenanigan’s, a spoof on the popular Bennigan’s restaurant chain, plays host to an entire group of offbeat yet hilarious characters as well as one very revealing game that all add that something extra to make “Waiting” the next best thing to hit theaters since “The 40 Year-Old Virgin.”
Reynolds (“Van Wilder,” “The Amityville Horror”) plays Monty, the wise-cracking, quick-witted waiter with a new trainee to break in. Although no one lets the new guys speak more than two words, Monty makes sure he is familiar with the ins and outs of the restaurant gig. Monty’s only other concern at while at work is trying to sleep with his fellow female employees, not excluding the underage hostess Natasha.
His buddy Dean, played by Justin Long (“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” “Jeepers Creepers”) is a frustrated Riverside Community College student just waiting for something to come along and change his life forever.
After learning of a former classmates’ new found success, Dean begins to question the direction his life is heading. Wanting nothing more than some meaningful change, Dean becomes conflicted when he is offered a big promotion from his boss Dan, played by David Koechner (“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Out Cold”). Dan is the typical middle-aged guy who tries to feel young by hanging out with all of his young staff members, but just comes off as really creepy.The nation’s hottest comedian Dane Cook (“Stuck on You,” “Spiral”) plays a bitter cook with sickeningly poor sanitation habits along with Luis Guzman (“Anger Management,” “Carlito’s Way”), fellow cook and innovator a juvenile contest where the men of Shenanigan’s trick each other into looking at one another’s privates.
These employees do everything their own way despite what Dan tells them and have no mercy when dealing with angry customers. For example, when one woman rudely pronounces her disgust for the food and service, Monty and the gang take it upon themselves remake her order complete with extra gravy filled with snot and just a dash of dandruff on top for added flavor.
Waiting is a must see for anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant. In fact, employees in every customer service industry will appreciate this comedy. Reynolds’ biting humor is outstanding and the day to day grind of dealing with frustrating customers and a boss breathing down your neck is presented in a way that every young adult can relate to.