Streaming allows writers to get their works in front of the eyes immediately, particularly those who have devoted fans that love to rewatch. Broken Lizard decided to go straight-to streaming on Hulu and release their film Quasi 4/20, instead of going through the theaters.
Jay Chandrasekhar said in a recent article that they were trying to reach their fans where they are.
Quasiis indeed built for small screens, as the group is not able to deliver the huge swings we would expect of a group once regarded as the answer to Monty Python in this generation.
Quasimodo is used more to introduce the film’s audience than it is for any deeper analysis of the story.
In 13th Century France “Quasi”, played by Steve Lemme, is an outcast socially with a bent back who works in King Guy’s torture chambers (Chandrasekhar).
The rack, the oldest and most famous medieval torture device, is the focus of his attention.
Kevin Heffernan (also directing), Quasi’s friend and co-worker Duchamp, is fixated on winning the lottery prize of the day, an audience at the Vatican. Duchamp gives Quasi one of the many tickets he has in his possession. Quasi wins an audience with Pope Cornelius, played by Paul Soter.
Each actor is playing multiple roles but they are all distinct, with the most extravagant costumes and accents that have been attempted.
Catherine, the most recent spouse of the King Guy (Adrianne Palaicki), is less violent and more tolerant. Catherine (Adrianne Palicki) becomes closer to Quasi as she sees the human side of her husband. She is also a clever female foil.
Quasi, a hapless man, is given shocking orders by the pope to murder the King, whom the latter also despises. Quasi, caught in the middle of the conflict, enlists Catherine, Duchamp, and others to help him fake his own death. But jealousy and unexpected discoveries alter the history.
There simply aren’t enough jokes to make Quasi feel like a Broken Lizard production. The group is known for their stand-alone humor, but the whole scenes are more like connective pieces than anything else. One could generally take any scene out of Super Troopers, or Beerfest, and make it work on its own. But perhaps the group pays too much attention to Monty Python Life of Brian, rather than focusing on what audiences want – funny quotes and hilarity built from ridiculous base concepts.
It feels like the movie is too safe to be on Hulu. Instead, it gives off an ABC Special feel. It is good to avoid some of the low hanging fruit of characters with disabilities, but there are plenty of other topics that can be explored without causing a gut-busting laugh. The best outcome is a polite laugh.
Heffernan is also able to direct without any slips. Lemme, on the other hand, is very likable and comfortable in her role as Quasi. Many of the ensemble members from Broken Lizard as well as Tacoma FC seem more comfortable going through motions than actually bringing their writing to life.
This is too Disney-like for the edgy band, leaving you to wonder if it was the final version or if a more raunchy and engaging director’s edit is floating about on Hulu.