South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999) Review

“South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut” is a 1999 animated musical comedy film based on the popular television series “South Park.” Directed by Trey Parker and co-written by Parker, Matt Stone, and Pam Brady, the film takes the irreverent humor of the TV show to new heights. In this review, we will delve into various aspects of the movie, including its plot, characters, humor, animation, and overall impact.

Plot Summary

The film begins with the four main characters—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—sneaking into an R-rated movie featuring their Canadian idols, Terrance and Phillip. The crude humor of the film quickly influences the boys, leading to a wave of profanity and mischief in their town. This sparks outrage among the parents, who blame Canada and eventually declare war. Meanwhile, Kenny ends up in Hell after a tragic accident, where he discovers a plot by Satan and Saddam Hussein to take over the world.

Characters and Voice Acting

Main Characters

• Stan Marsh: Voiced by Trey Parker, Stan is the everyman of the group, often finding himself in the middle of the chaos.
• Kyle Broflovski: Also voiced by Parker, Kyle struggles with his overprotective mother, who leads the anti-Canada crusade.
• Eric Cartman: Voiced by Parker, Cartman’s foul mouth and selfish antics provide much of the film’s humor.
• Kenny McCormick: Voiced by Matt Stone, Kenny’s journey to Hell and back adds a unique subplot to the film.

Supporting Characters

• Terrance and Phillip: Their crude humor and flatulence jokes are the catalyst for the film’s central conflict.
• Satan and Saddam Hussein: Their bizarre relationship adds a darkly comedic layer to the film.

The voice acting is top-notch, with Parker and Stone delivering performances that are both hilarious and emotionally resonant.

Humor and Satire

The film is a biting satire on censorship, media influence, and American culture. It uses humor to tackle serious issues, often pushing the boundaries of good taste. The jokes are crude, the language is explicit, and the satire is sharp. Yet, beneath the vulgarity lies a clever commentary on society’s tendency to scapegoat and overreact.

Musical Numbers

One of the standout elements of “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut” is its musical numbers. The film features several catchy and irreverent songs, including:

• “Blame Canada”: A satirical take on scapegoating, which was even nominated for an Academy Award.
• “Uncle Fucka”: A shockingly explicit song that sets the tone for the film’s humor.
• “La Resistance”: A rousing anthem that parodies classic musical numbers.

The songs are well-composed and add a unique layer to the film, making it more than just an extended TV episode.

Animation and Visual Style

The animation style of the film stays true to the TV show’s signature cut-out look but with higher production values. The visuals are more polished, and the film takes advantage of its larger budget to include more dynamic sequences and detailed backgrounds. The animation enhances the comedic timing and overall impact of the film.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

“South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $83 million worldwide. It pushed the boundaries of what animated films could achieve and set a new standard for adult animation. The film’s success helped cement “South Park” as a cultural phenomenon and demonstrated that animated features could tackle mature themes with intelligence and humor.

Conclusion

“South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut” is a groundbreaking film that combines sharp satire, outrageous humor, and memorable musical numbers. It remains a significant work in the realm of adult animation and continues to be relevant today. Whether you’re a fan of the TV show or new to the world of “South Park,” this film offers a hilarious and thought-provoking experience.