A Mighty Wind

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A Mighty Wind ★★★ 2003 (PG-13)

Folk music and its aging practitioners are the targets for Guest and company's observant eye and sharp wit. When legendary folk music producer/promoter Irving Sheinbloom dies, his neurotic son Jonathan organizes a tribute concert of his father's favorite acts. They include the earnest, WASPy trio The Folksmen; nine-member, terminally perky cult/troupe New Main Street Singers; and former marrieds Mitch and Mickey. While the dead-on satire is still present, it's muted and more subtle than in Guest's previous outings, maybe because the characters are more fully-realized and engaging, maybe because Guest knows this particular genre may be running out of air. Virtually all of the excellent ensemble from “Best in Show” returns, with co-writer Levy standing out as the depressed Mitch. Too Young to remember folk? Dont worry Good satire done right is worth a look, no matter the subject. 92m/C VHS, DVD . US Bob Balaban, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins, Jane Lynch, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Michael McKean, Parker Posey, Harry Shearer, Fred Willard, Ed Begley Jr., Larry Miller, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Hitchcock; D: Christopher Guest; W: Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy; C: Arlene Donnelly Nelson; M: John Michael Higgins, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Annette O'Toole, C.J. Vanston. N.Y. Film Critics ‘03: Support. Actor (Levy).