EDtv

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfman
Director: Ron Howard
Genre: Comedy
Year: 1999
Rating: 4 / 5

Let me start by saying what this film is not: A feature-length version of MTV's Real World. A carbon copy of The Truman Show. EDtv is warm & touching (unlike the former) and downright hilarious (unlike the latter), and that allows it to continue 1999's surprising run of stellar comedies. Ron Howard, perhaps the most famous child actor of all-time, more or less grew up on television, so EDtv comes from personal experience, delivering a sharp, though not preachy, commentary on the perils of instant fame. Matthew McConaughey stars in this feel-good film, playing an everyday Joe who has to adjust to having his whole life broadcast to an entire nation of eager viewers.

EDtv is the latest program developed by True TV, a fictitious studio whose ratings apparently lag behind even those of the Gardening Channel. Desperate to develop something fresh and original, executive Cynthia Topping (Ellen DeGeneres) pitches the idea of EDtv to her boss Whitaker (Rob Reiner), an egotistical corporate bigwig. Though lacking total support from top brass, Cynthia secures the deal, and heads out on her quest for a star. While at a bar interviewing Ray Pekurney for the starring role, True TV's camera crew stumbles upon Ed (McConaughey), and a legend is born.

As we all could have guessed, fame is bound to have its advantages. Once sold on the idea by brother Ray, who merely sees this as a chance to improve his own life, Ed jumps in with both feet. From the opening screen shot of Ed "grabbing himself" on national television, America is hooked, even if the executives at True TV are not quite sold on the idea. Of course, what is better at generating ratings than a good scandal, and Ed falling for brother Ray's girlfriend Shari (Jenna Elfman) is just the thing. The revelation, combined with countless skeletons from the family closet, leads to even higher ratings, but a mounting urge to escape the madness of it all swells within Ed. But is he too late?

EDtv delivers a little something for everyone, from emotional tear-invoking scenes to over-the-top raunchy humor. Matthew McConaughey (A Time to Kill) is perfect as the lovable loser Ed, who, despite having no prospects and no future, soon becomes America's new icon. Woody Harrelson (Palmetto) provides an uncanny physical resemblance as Ed's older brother Ray, another down-and-out bum whose life seems to have little direction. I must say that I was espectially impressed by the two leading leadies of the film, as Ellen DeGeneres and Jenna Elfman deliver knockout performances. DeGeneres steals almost every scene she is in, including a side-splitting take near the film's conclusion. Elfman sparkles as the girl next door, who may not be good enough for celebrity-hungry America, but who is all that Ed has ever wanted. Ed's parents, portrayed by Sally Kirkland and Martin Landau, can grow cumbersome after the midpoint of the movie, but they do not detract from the film's overall appeal. EDtv gives us all a glimpse of one person's fifteen minutes of fame, and reminds us that it may be a little too much for most of us too handle.

Cast:

Matthew McConaughey..........	Ed Pekurny
Jenna Elfman..........	Shari
Woody Harrelson..........	Ray Pekurny
Ellen DeGeneres..........	Cynthia Topping
Rob Reiner..........	Whitaker
Martin Landau..........	Al
Sally Kirkland..........	Jeanette

Certification: Rated PG-13.
Running Time: 122 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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