Fubar: Gods of Blunder (2010)

Directed by: Michael Dowse | 85 minutes | comedy | Actors: David Lawrence, Jamil Jabril, Paul Spence, Rose Martin, Matthew Brennan, Andrew Sparacino, Lori D’Amour Heidt, Tracey Lawrence, Hanna Lawrence, Sage Lawrence, Oliver Lawrence, Vincent Forcier, David Cairns, Ken Gardner, Francis Damberger

Fubar, or Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition is an American term that is used to describe something that can no longer be repaired and is therefore broken for eternity. It is said that Sylvester Stalone and Kurt Russel gave the term definitive meaning in the film ‘Tango & Cash’ (1989). ‘Fubar: Gods of Blunder’ once again gratefully uses the abbreviation, which also serves as a mini-summary of what this film will bring us.

‘Fubar: Gods of Blunder’ starts as a fragmentary enumeration of images, reminiscent of the trailer of a fierce action film. Nothing could be further from the truth, it is the intro in which filmmaker Michael Dowse introduces us to the two American idlers, Dean and Terry, with a shocking handheld camera; two remaining fossils from the headbang era, for those who did not know them yet, from 2002. While enjoying the necessary drugs, they return to the essence of the word Fubar. Yes, nothing should remain intact.

A welcome resting point presents itself, after eight ‘grueling’ initial minutes have passed the viewer. A good moment to reflect on this special and gross spectacle. Who were the filmmakers inspired by? Or, who was inspired by this film? Why are these first minutes distantly reminiscent of ‘Beavis and Butthead’, ‘Dumb and Dumber’, ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ (the hitchhiker, the hallucinations)? But the Dutch ‘New Kids’ also has common ground. ‘Fubar: Gods of Blunder’ is above all an extension of the popular documentary ‘Anvil! The Story of Anvil’ and ‘This Is Spinal Tap!’. Probably because the basic idea continues to appeal for decades: two unemployed, very lazy friends who waste their time drinking beer, smoking weed and driving around in their favorite car. Still, Dean and Terry decide to change their lives. They go to work…

As early as 2002, director and writer Michael Dowse found two comic acting main characters in actors Paul Spence and David Lawrence. Both also starred in Dowse’s 2004 film ‘It’s al Gone Pete Tong’. So much blunt violence in this film ‘Gods of Blunder’, which also provides the black humorous base layer. But in the end it is Paul Spence and David Lawrence who actually manage to get the jokes in with a dry, silly way of acting.

‘Fubar: Gods of Blunder’ rages by like a whirlwind and is wonderfully irresponsible.