A Binge too Far #55: Wayne’s World duo (1992 – 1993)

Mike Myers and Garth Algar in Wayne's World (1992)

Based on the same-titled Saturday Night Live sketch which poked fun to heavy metal, Wayne’s World (1992) became a comedy phenomenon that spawned a sequel. We take a brief look at both films.

 

Wayne's World (1992) poster

Wayne’s World (1992)

 

Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) and Garth Algar (Dana Carney) are broadcasting for free the titular television show that they make out of a basement, until they catch the attention of a major network who has a producer (Rob Lowe) offering them $5,000 dollars to join their company.

 

Focusing on the love story between Wayne and lead singer Cassandra (Tia Carrere) that is pretty much the driving force behind the entire satirical facade, acclaimed director Penelope Spheeris takes the opportunity and explores the buffoonery of the hard rock world (a cameo by Alice Cooper is priceless), but she does so with a lot of love that elevates the material from good comedy to a labour of passion.

 

Made on a $20 million budget and distributed by Paramount Pictures, this was the second film they backed on the strength of a SNL sketch [the also very musical Blues Brothers (1980) was the first], and it proved a right business decision as it grossed a stunning $183.1 million.

 

Wayne's World 2 (1993)

Wayne’s World 2 (1993)

 

Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) and Garth Algar (Dana Carney) organize a festival (in which Aerosmith will play at the top of the bill) in order to win back the former’s girlfriend (Tia Carrere) from the hands of a seedy manager (Christopher Walken).

 

With the original film’s director replaced because of personality and creative conflicts with the male lead, this was helmed by Stephen Surjik (known for his work in television, where similarly to here he offers no directing personality and lacks style of any kind) who at least gets the material tonally and offers plenty of ‘bro comedy’ jokes. The massive $30 million budget allowed for several high-profile cameos too, including by starlets such as Kim Basinger, Drew Barrymore, and Heather Locklear. It grossed $72 million.

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