<p>Martin and Orloff </p>
<p>A film review by Jason Pitt </p>
<p>For Critical-film.com </p>
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<p>While I haven't seen the Upright Citizens Brigade, I am certain after seeing Martin & Orloff, that they belong to the bizarre situational group of comedians. That is to say, the film drifts from sequence to sequence, along the tracks of an incredibly simple plotline. These sequences exist to amuse the viewer through their examples of absurdity. Sometimes they're funny, sometimes not, there's no denying, however, that the world needs more films like Martin & Orloff. I know I'm certainly tired of seeing films like Little Black Book and How to lose a Guy in 10 Days, released every two weeks. While I will be the first to admit that the Romantic Comedy genre certainly has a place in American, and worldwide cinema, and even I enjoy a good romantic comedy from time to time. However, we are definitely in need of more variety in our comedy. I applaud films like Martin & Orloff for their desire to defy convention, and create something truly original amongst a relatively contrived group of comedies currently being released. </p>
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<p>Martin Flam, as the film begins, has just been release from "The Loony Bin", after a botched suicide attempt. In a brilliant first sequence, he makes his way into the bathroom, to clean up what remains of his suicide attempt. This sequence firmly sets the tone of what is to follow. He eventually finds his way to a shrink, the titular Dr. Orloff, who's credentials seem to be rather questionable. The two establish sort of a bizarre friendship, and the story carries on through a number of sequences involving a number of penis jokes, both large and small, a giant sparerib costume, and the death of what I believe to be the world's first egg roll mascot. These are some of the bizarre situations you can expect from Martin & Orloff. </p>
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<p>The humor is not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but those willing to try something different, will be rewarded by a number of hilarious set-pieces. However, they can't all be gems, as the jokes fall flat nearly as often as they succeed. A lot of scenes are what one may consider toilet humor, (in one ongoing joke, that could be taken literally) and I have never been a huge fan of dick and fart jokes. The former provides the basis for the films most recurring joke, regarding the lack of size of our leads, and the more than abundant size of secondary character Jimbo. These jokes get tiresome quite quickly, yet culminate in the films most pathetic and unfunny moment. A joke which has certainly been done before, and seems almost out of place in this film. Terrible. </p>
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<p>There are a number of cameos in Orloff, including SNL cast members Tina Fey, and Rachel Dratch, as well as Andy Richter, and Janeane Garofalo in an incredibly short appearance. the cameos are short, and with the exception of Richter, add nothing to the overall quality of the film. </p>
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<p>Now for the good. The sequences that are funny, are generally quite funny, my personal favourite being the negotiations between Martin's marketing agency, and their bizarre Chinese clients. Blatant homage to John Woo included. The films strongest asset is certainly the two leads. While their acting ability is questionable, their chemistry is undeniable, and the main reason the film is so enjoyable. They provide a unique pair, Orloff, who's convinced He and Martin are the best of friends, after only knowing each other for a few hours, and Martin who looks at Orloff as more of a deranged lunatic, who ends up doing more damage to his life than one would expect. </p>
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<p>Overall, quite funny, but those fearful of trying something new will likely be turned off by the type of humor on show during Martin & Orloff. </p>
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<p>(3 1/2 Stars) </p>
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