Trailer Critic

Most movies are reviewed beforehand by professionals who watch and evaluate the entire film.

Well, not us. We are busy. Like you, we have to guess whether a flick is worth our time solely on the basis of the trailer - the preview we're bombarded with at the theater, or see on TV, or dial up on the Internet. Sometimes we get burned - either all the best bits are strung together, or the venture is made to seem unbearably enthralling when it's not.

So here goes. "The Slammin' Salmon," which opens tonight, is the fifth feature film from Broken Lizard, the five-man combo that blessed us with "Super Troopers."

These guys fall under the provisions of the Stooges Syndrome - you either love them or you find them disturbing.

(P.S. I saw their stage show last month and hung out feebly on the edge of the crowd after the show, smiling and nodding. Couldn't think of a damn thing to say.)

This is a simple, straightforward workplace comedy about a bunch of waiters who vie to sell the most in the course of the evening at the restaurant of the title. They are lorded over by the crazy ex-champion boxer owner, played by Michael Clarke Duncan of "The Green Mile" fame.

We've all worked in restaurants at one time or another (and I believe it should be compulsory, like military service in North Korea). The list of gags and characters that situation germinates is pretty much endless. Good choice, Broken Lizard!

No fancy camera moves, no overriding artistic pretensions. They want to make you laugh, and every effort is bent toward that goal. That's awesome. Sure, they're a little raunchy, but c'mon. Looks like a winner!

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