Reno 911!: Miami (2007)

Starring Thomas Lennon, Carlos Alazraqui, Cedric Yarbrough, Ben Garant, Kerri Kenney, Niecy Nash, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Patton Oswalt, et al
Rated R, 84 minutes

I grew up on the MTV that aired “The State” and watched the first season and a half of “Reno 911” with attention. I know that these are some funny people, who more often than not, do funny things. I was a bit nervous going to this movie though, as the TV show it’s based on is largely improvised. Some episodes or bits will feel really forced, almost in need of a pity laugh because of the apparent effort from the players.

What I got was better than that, thankfully. The story is as such: the Reno Sheriff Department goes to a police convention in Miami, and don’t get admitted. Meanwhile, everyone inside gets poisoned, leaving the Reno men & women in charge of the entire city while an antidote is found. It takes on a dynamic much like the TV show at that point, as the guys answer calls all about the city as only they can.

Around this familiar nomenclature from the TV show is a very crass, but still funny story starring the “Reno 911” characters. Sometimes it feels like the vulgarity is forced, and the constant nudity or near-to nudity enforces this. Considering the amount of laughs though, it’s easy to overlook.

This movie’s loaded with other actors, like Danny DeVito, Patton Oswalt, Paul Rudd and Paul Reubens. Some former “State” castmates are also scattered about. Plus it was fun to see “King of the Hill” voice man extraordinaire Toby Huss in a bit part. You should be able to recognize him – he sounds just like Khan Souphanousinphone.

***½

If you’re up for some crass and/or outrageous humor, you’ll have just a good a time as I did at this film. It felt worth the money I paid, and that’s all you can hope for, really.