I love Broken Lizard, and I always end up watching their films multiple times. It will be no different for Slammin' Salmon. The plot is obvious, but it's simply there to set-up some jokes. Heffernan takes a shot at directing and he's talented enough to serve the script. Unlike other Broken Lizard films, the characters have an absolutely equal share of screen-time, there's no obvious protagonist. Cobie Smulders and Michael Clarke Duncan add some extra comedic chops, and it's nice to see some of the supporting regulars around. If you're looking for a strong plot or painful belly laughs, I doubt you'll be satisfied. But, if you like gentler laughs and well strung together sketches. I have a feeling this will be a grower.
45 Reviews
Great ensemble comedy form the brilliant Broken Lizard Crew
ampgraphicdesign27 May 2010
While people are going to INSTANTLY compare this to Super Troopers on how it doesn't reach that standard (easily the funniest and most quotable movie of their repertoire) and while it is slow in the beginning, the movie easily has you laughing with the absurdness. Each character is flushed out well enough for the movie's purposes, and each gives you the right laughs at the right moments. Quotable, outlandish, and insane. A mix of Waiting meets Glengarry Glenross meets...well...Super Troopers. However, if this STILL hasn't won you over, there is one sole reason to see this movie:
Michael F***in' Clarke Duncan.
HOLY hell did he have fun with this script. His character of the Champ has the BEST lines of the whole movie, and I almost wonder how much was scripted and how much is just him going off the chain. Best lines of the movie:
(while admiring his sister's triplets) "Look at the little babies! Hey, it's Uncle Cleon. Damn, they all look the same. What did you do, f**k a Xerox machine?"
(to Japanese translator) "How do you say 'motherf***er' in Spanish?"
and my personal favorite— "You know what ten grand feels like in your pocket? It feels like a third c*ck."
Seriously, get some beers, grab some friends, and watch this movie. It's good times.
Michael F***in' Clarke Duncan.
HOLY hell did he have fun with this script. His character of the Champ has the BEST lines of the whole movie, and I almost wonder how much was scripted and how much is just him going off the chain. Best lines of the movie:
(while admiring his sister's triplets) "Look at the little babies! Hey, it's Uncle Cleon. Damn, they all look the same. What did you do, f**k a Xerox machine?"
(to Japanese translator) "How do you say 'motherf***er' in Spanish?"
and my personal favorite— "You know what ten grand feels like in your pocket? It feels like a third c*ck."
Seriously, get some beers, grab some friends, and watch this movie. It's good times.
enjoyable, high-octane slapstick comedy
Buddy-5116 August 2010
The latest effort by the comic troupe known as Broken Lizard, "The Slammin' Salmon" is a fitfully amusing comedy set in an upscale seafood restaurant in Miami owned and operated by a flamboyant ex-boxer known as - what else? - The Slammin' Salmon (delightfully played by Michael Clarke Duncan). To pay off a gambling debt, the boss sets up a competition among his staff of waiters and waitresses to see who can bring in the most money in a 24-hour period. Chaos and mayhem ensue.
As directed by Kevin Heffernan (who also appears, alongside his fellow Broken Lizard writers and actors, as one of the waiters), "The Slammin' Salmon" is not the most sophisticated or highbrow comedy you'll ever see, but its breezy style and high-energy performances go a long way towards making something uniquely unhinged and genuinely fun out of the material. Despite all the crazy antics, the movie never has to strain too hard to get its laughs, and even when the jokes clatter to the floor - as they are wont to do from time to time - the cast is always there to pick up the pieces and run with them.
A few well-known faces - Will Forte, Vivica A. Fox and Morgan Fairchild - also stop by to add to the laughs.
As directed by Kevin Heffernan (who also appears, alongside his fellow Broken Lizard writers and actors, as one of the waiters), "The Slammin' Salmon" is not the most sophisticated or highbrow comedy you'll ever see, but its breezy style and high-energy performances go a long way towards making something uniquely unhinged and genuinely fun out of the material. Despite all the crazy antics, the movie never has to strain too hard to get its laughs, and even when the jokes clatter to the floor - as they are wont to do from time to time - the cast is always there to pick up the pieces and run with them.
A few well-known faces - Will Forte, Vivica A. Fox and Morgan Fairchild - also stop by to add to the laughs.
A better than average comedy, but it does not live up to Super Troopers.
garyvanhorn12 January 2011
I really want to like Broken Lizard's movies, Super Troopers is one of the best comedies I have ever seen, but none of their subsequent movies even comes close to matching it. In The Slammin' Salmon the waitstaff of a high end seafood restaurant compete against each other to win $10,000 for selling the most food in one night. The eccentric former heavyweight boxer turned restaurant owner (Michael Clark Duncan) is amusing throughout the movie, as are the waitstaff themselves, but only for the last 40 min or so of the film. The big problem with The Slammin' Salmon is that it takes too long to really get going. Its not until the waitstaff finally get fired up about the contest and start sabotaging each other the film becomes truly funny. It's not a bad movie, and it is pretty funny at times, but it really could have been so much better.
Not the best Broken Lizard release, but still worthy of the laughs
Shattered_Wake12 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Following up the excellent comedies 'Super Troopers,' 'Beerfest,' and 'Club Dread,' the comedy troupe of Broken Lizard finally returns after a few years' hiatus with 'The Slammin' Salmon.' The story focuses on a restaurant owned by boxing legend Cleon "Slammin'" Salmon (Michael Clarke Duncan of 'The Green Mile' fame). When he loses an expensive bet to the Yakuza, he forces his restaurant's manager Rich (Kevin Heffernan) to make up the losses with a big night at the restaurant. To do this, the staff (including all the usual Broken Lizard cast) is bribed with vacations, money, and Norah Jones tickets. As expected, chaos & hilarity ensue as the crazy crew of waiters and busboys screw up just about everything possible throughout the night.
Before anyone gets into watching 'The Slammin' Salmon,' they should first visit the other Broken Lizard productions to know what they're getting into. 'The Slammin' Salmon,' while not as funny, creative, or perverse, as the troupe's previous films, does have its fair share of comedy. This comes from what seems to be some unusually standard writing from a group that usually creates very wacky situations in their other movies. Like another similar film 'Waiting ' (with Anna Faris and Ryan Reynolds), 'The Slammin' Salmon' hits most of the typical "restaurant" jokes, but never goes as deeply crazy and hilarious as 'Beerfest' or 'Super Troopers.' This was probably the biggest issue the film had. After waiting three years for another Broken Lizard release, I thought this would be just as perversely ridiculous as their past releases, but they seemed to have tamed themselves a bit. The performances made up for the "typical" writing and dialogue with some spot-on comedic performances. Jay Chandrasekhar as Nutz/Zongo was an absolute riot and took the film to a whole new level of funny. No one, however, matched the hilarity of Michael Clarke Duncan as the Slammin' Salmon himself. His over-the-top madness was absolutely the shining element of this film and alone makes it worth watching.
Overall, the film has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments but is consistently entertaining all the way through, with the final act coming out as the highlight of the film. Fans of the other restaurant comedy 'Waiting ' along with Broken Lizard's previous releases should certainly give it a watch.
Final Verdict: 7/10.
-AP3-
Before anyone gets into watching 'The Slammin' Salmon,' they should first visit the other Broken Lizard productions to know what they're getting into. 'The Slammin' Salmon,' while not as funny, creative, or perverse, as the troupe's previous films, does have its fair share of comedy. This comes from what seems to be some unusually standard writing from a group that usually creates very wacky situations in their other movies. Like another similar film 'Waiting ' (with Anna Faris and Ryan Reynolds), 'The Slammin' Salmon' hits most of the typical "restaurant" jokes, but never goes as deeply crazy and hilarious as 'Beerfest' or 'Super Troopers.' This was probably the biggest issue the film had. After waiting three years for another Broken Lizard release, I thought this would be just as perversely ridiculous as their past releases, but they seemed to have tamed themselves a bit. The performances made up for the "typical" writing and dialogue with some spot-on comedic performances. Jay Chandrasekhar as Nutz/Zongo was an absolute riot and took the film to a whole new level of funny. No one, however, matched the hilarity of Michael Clarke Duncan as the Slammin' Salmon himself. His over-the-top madness was absolutely the shining element of this film and alone makes it worth watching.
Overall, the film has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments but is consistently entertaining all the way through, with the final act coming out as the highlight of the film. Fans of the other restaurant comedy 'Waiting ' along with Broken Lizard's previous releases should certainly give it a watch.
Final Verdict: 7/10.
-AP3-
Really funny
LordZorlac12 December 2009
I saw this last night in Dallas and Jay, Paul and Erik came to present it. I rate it just below Super Troopers but right next to Beerfest and way above that turd called Club Dread. There are a LOT of one liners that you and your friends will quote for years to come. There are some scenes where they are milking the joke for all they can and it does get a bit long. The casting is great and you will be surprised with some of the faces that are regulars and some that you know will be back in other Broken Lizard films. That said it is worth seeing even though I am a bit upset that I spent $10.00! on it but it was very good. Michael Duncan Clark is worth the admission.
Broken Lizard Does it Again!
dimarinc1 February 2012
If you're a fan of Broken Lizard (Super Troopers and Beerfest) then you will absolutely love this movie. I am one of those fans and must say that not only do the 5 members of Broken Lizard impress as always, but the other additions of Cobbie Smulder, April Bowlby and of course Michael Clark Duncan are fantastic.
The Slammin' Salmon is a restaurant owned by a former boxer (MCD) where the the wait staff leader (Farva - Heffernan) is told that if they don't make 20k, the restaurant will close. He decides to offer a prize for the top server and the competition begins.
This movie works because it clicks on many levels. It has humor that's cheesy, dirty and clever mixed in with one liners. The contrast of Jay's craziness, MCD's anger and Cobbie's innocence meshes so well it would be hard for any person who likes to laugh to hate this movie.
I would recommend this movie to everyone except for those taking their girlfriends to a romcom.
The Slammin' Salmon is a restaurant owned by a former boxer (MCD) where the the wait staff leader (Farva - Heffernan) is told that if they don't make 20k, the restaurant will close. He decides to offer a prize for the top server and the competition begins.
This movie works because it clicks on many levels. It has humor that's cheesy, dirty and clever mixed in with one liners. The contrast of Jay's craziness, MCD's anger and Cobbie's innocence meshes so well it would be hard for any person who likes to laugh to hate this movie.
I would recommend this movie to everyone except for those taking their girlfriends to a romcom.
A fan favorite
tmed-8135316 December 2020
An Uninspired Disappointment
BroJama13 April 2010
Now that I have finally seen this film I understand why there were so many issues getting it off the ground. It felt like one of those really long SNL sketches that just wasn't working - only even longer. Like most, I enjoyed Super Troopers tremendously - it's endlessly watchable and one of my favorite comedies of all-time. I even enjoyed Club Dread for what it was and feel like it got better each time I watched it. I actually felt like Beer Fest was the weakest of their three major films but I still thought it was great. The Slammin' Salmon takes a giant step back and probably should have never been released. Of course there are some great one-liners and several cheap chuckles but I have no idea why Broken Lizard thought this would be a successful film. Everybody knows what they are capable of and The Slammin' Salmon does not live up the The Broken Lizard name. I feel like this may be another one of those movies where it gets a little better on future viewings. I think I went into The Slammin' Salmon with too high of expectations and was let down by what I saw.
This wasn't a completely worthless movie - there were still a few laughs. These guys have sharp wits and I know they are capable of better. Hopefully they will redeem themselves with their next release.
This wasn't a completely worthless movie - there were still a few laughs. These guys have sharp wits and I know they are capable of better. Hopefully they will redeem themselves with their next release.
If you get their style, this is hilarious
billshattner18 April 2010
As indicated, this movie won't be for everyone; that said, few movies are, particularly in the realm of comedy.
In any case, for those of us who enjoy Broken Lizard's other films, this movie is sure to impress. Indeed, it has all their hallmarks: amusing, witty, even absurd dialogue; hilarious ensemble scenes; wonderful character/cameo performances; and an incredibly funny blooper reel during the end credits.
And, as others have indicated, Michael Clark Duncan's performance is classic -- just awesome. And to be sure, the two female leads are both great, as well (and quite easy on the eye, it must be said ;).
At any rate, as the title of this review indicates, I have no doubt that some people will criticize this film; but for me, it's classic Broken Lizard, and I think that's a great thing! Peace.
In any case, for those of us who enjoy Broken Lizard's other films, this movie is sure to impress. Indeed, it has all their hallmarks: amusing, witty, even absurd dialogue; hilarious ensemble scenes; wonderful character/cameo performances; and an incredibly funny blooper reel during the end credits.
And, as others have indicated, Michael Clark Duncan's performance is classic -- just awesome. And to be sure, the two female leads are both great, as well (and quite easy on the eye, it must be said ;).
At any rate, as the title of this review indicates, I have no doubt that some people will criticize this film; but for me, it's classic Broken Lizard, and I think that's a great thing! Peace.
very funny from start to finish
manicman8428 March 2010
The filmography of The Broken Lizard comedy troupe is very much hit-or-miss. Their latest restaurant comedy The Slammin's Salmon is one of the troupe's true wins. Kevin Heffernan directs this heated contest at a high-profile Miami restaurant whose aim is to try to earn sufficient money to save the restaurant being used to pay off a gambling debt. Obviously, The Slammin' Salmon is not going to win any awards for creativity, yet the film has what it counts the most in comedies: it's very funny from start to finish. Similarly to Super Troopers and Beerfest, the humor can be described as situational and while some set-ups result in predictable outcomes, the majority of jokes is quite clever leading to even bigger laughs by the end. The characters are diverse enough to surprise us displaying near-perfect comic timing. Michael Clarke Duncan starring as an overbearing chief is a standout. His performance is so over-the-top that virtually irresistible. I wish every comedy was so immediate and apt in delivering laughs as The Slammin' Salmon. 7.5/10 (B)
Absolute garbage
hokiekayyali16 April 2010
I've seen my fair share of movies and I RARELY hate them. I absolutely love Broken Lizard. Super Troopers, like 90% of all people in their 20's, is one of my favorite movies. Beerfest was awesome too. I bought this movie on the sheer fact, that it was a broken lizard movie. 90 painful minutes later, I returned this crap to the store. The only time I laughed was at the credits when they were doing bloopers. It had no plot, no comedy, and terrible acting. I'm not saying these fellas need to be British Victorian actors or anything, but this movie was terrible. And NO....I'm not comparing this to super troopers, like everyone does with Broken Lizard movies. I was sincerely, just flat out disappointed by this. FYI, I've never reviewed a movie online before. So this thing really hit me hard with it's crappiness........plus, I'm really bored at work.
On tonight menu: The Slammin' Salmon. Was it good? It was delicious, despite some flaws. This movie is a dumb guilty pleasure of mine.
ironhorse_iv8 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The waiters and waitresses of 'the Slammin' Salmon', one of Miami's most popular seafood restaurants can't seem to get a break. Not only do they make a mere low hourly wage, but now, their boss, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, 'Slammin' Cleon Salmon (Michael Clarke Duncan), own money to a Japanese Yakuza, and must paid the amount, in one night business or else, the restaurant will have to close. Will, the manager, Rich (Kevin Heffernan) & his crew, including the likes of: Nuts (Jay Chandresekhar), a heavily medicated man, Conner (Steve Lemme) former actor, Donnie Kinogie (Paul Soter), busboy turned waiter, Guy Metdrapedes (Eric Stolhanske), arrogant pretty-boy, Tara (Cobie Smulders), med student; and Mia (April Bowlby), ballet/beauty queen, be able to pull off, the biggest sale in their little restaurant history? Watch the movie directed by Kevin Heffernan, to find out! Without spoiling the fifth movie from the comedy troupe, Broken Lizard, too much, I found the film to be hilarious, but, not as funny, as their other works such as 2001's 'Super Troopers'. Some of the jokes did fall flat, like the nose-job subplot with Conner, Morgan Fairchild & Dick Lobo (Lance Henriksen). Other jokes, goes nowhere, such as identical twins gimmick with Donnie and Dave (Also played by Paul Soter). Furthermore, jokes like Jay Chandresekhar acting crazy, are, just recycled humor from 2006's 'Beerfest'. None of them, are particularly intelligent or memorable. However, not all the jokes were bad. Michael Clarke Duncan steals the movie, as the champ-boxer restaurant owner. Some of the best moments in the film, involved him, mispronouncing words, and threaten his staff. Who knew, that Duncan had a comedy side to him. Other characters, that I love, was Kevin Hefferman as the lovable, Rich, whom, just trying to survive the night, while, also bypassing, a wedding ring that he accidentally ate. I also, found the cameos from Will Forte, Sendhil Ramamurthy & Jim Gaffigan, equaling as funny. Nevertheless, as much as I love, those characters; the true reason, while I really like this movie is because it cover pretty much all of the stress points about working in that type of an environment, such as dealing with mean-spirited & nitpicky customers, or how there's always that party of one who sits there slowly, taking their time during dinner rush hour. It even show some of the kitchen hijinx, such as coworkers scarfing down extras in the kitchen, or people getting orders, wrong. All of these stuff actually happens in a daily basic! Yet, the movie does completely exaggerates or go over-the top, during certain stuff. Honestly, I really don't see, a waitress being able to serve food, after, third degree burns or another waiter, going around buck naked, without taking his meds. The restaurant would close down, regardless, if they make the money or not, due to violations of many health and safety codes. Also, the idea, that a restaurant would rehired a worker, after, he storm out and make a huge mess with coleslaw, seem, very not-liking to happen in real-life. Talking about unrealistic terms, the rush relationship between Tara and Donnie was also jarring. It's weird that, one day of work, would make them, into a couple. Plus, treating female characters like Tara as a prize for males, because they did good work, doesn't sound right. Another thing, I did feel the movie could work, better, if it was a little more grounded in its pacing as well. There were a little, too much, flashbacks, that wasn't really needed, such as Rich's prologue & wedding scene, which really doesn't do anything to move the main plot. The film should had, more of a one-day coverage approach, similar to other restaurant comedies such as 2005's 'Waiting' & 2006's 'Clerks II' with its timeline. Another thing, the movie could had done, is work on the editing, a little more. There was a lot of continuity problems, throughout the film. It was pretty jarring, how fast, the restaurant filled up or seeing characters, pick up same items, multiply times, during a few shots. The last thing, the movie could had done, is feature, more scenes with the other members of the staff, such as the cooks, and hostess. I felt, like those characters, was a bit, underwhelmed, as a lot of humor, could had come with them. Overall: Despite the childish amount of endless string of low brow, vulgar, profanity-filled insult-dialogues and some pointless outlandish slap-sticky scenes. This movie is not that bad. It was funny, for the most part. Just wish, it depict more of real-life workplace atmosphere than it did. Still, I highly recommended watching for anybody, hungry for a comedy. It's worth the time, digesting.
Weakest Of The Broken Lizard Films - But Still Funny.
Matt_Layden26 November 2010
I am not afraid to admit that I am a Broken Lizard fan. I dug Super Troopers , but it was Club Dread that made me a fan of the group. A perfect blend of horror and comedy. Vastly underrated, even by Broken Lizard fans. It makes me appreciate the film that much more, it's like the dark horse of the filmography. Beerfest was their next film and again, they scored high in my books. so my excitement rose when I heard there was another Broken Lizard film coming out, The Slammin' Salmon.
When the owner of a restaurant owes a Yakuza crime lord $20,000, he decides to hold a competition with the staff. The one who brings in the most money will win a prize. There was something off about this film from the get go, I couldn't put my finger on it until the credits started rolling. Jay Chandrasekhar the director of previous Broken Lizard entries was not the director. Kevin Heffernan was behind the camera. The film isn't poorly directed, just very basic. With Club Dread and Beerfest Chandrasekhar was use to being in the directing chair and would get a little bit more creative with the camera. Heffernan seems a bit timid.
The second would be the the film felt familiar. It could be that it's basically another swing at the dinning experience, one which we had earlier with Waiting. The difference being that this is an upscale restaurant, but the jokes, which we have seen before are still there. Some fall flat, others are just right up the groups alley. They also implore the use of twin characters, which we saw in Beerfest.
The film stars the usual boys, all doing a great job of course. They have their sense of timing and comedy down pat. Some people don't get or enjoy their comedic nature, but I do. The supporting players are April Bowlby, a waitress who tries to score tips based on her looks and Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) as a waitress who also is trying to become a doctor. Both are great and fit nicely into the film with the boys. The stand out character is without a doubt Michael Clarke Duncan. He has the best lines, the best mannerism and has the most fun with the character.
While it is the weakest of the Broken Lizard films (not including Puddle Cruiser) it is still a decent entry. They have yet to disappoint me and if you are a fan of these guys, this film will make you laugh.
When the owner of a restaurant owes a Yakuza crime lord $20,000, he decides to hold a competition with the staff. The one who brings in the most money will win a prize. There was something off about this film from the get go, I couldn't put my finger on it until the credits started rolling. Jay Chandrasekhar the director of previous Broken Lizard entries was not the director. Kevin Heffernan was behind the camera. The film isn't poorly directed, just very basic. With Club Dread and Beerfest Chandrasekhar was use to being in the directing chair and would get a little bit more creative with the camera. Heffernan seems a bit timid.
The second would be the the film felt familiar. It could be that it's basically another swing at the dinning experience, one which we had earlier with Waiting. The difference being that this is an upscale restaurant, but the jokes, which we have seen before are still there. Some fall flat, others are just right up the groups alley. They also implore the use of twin characters, which we saw in Beerfest.
The film stars the usual boys, all doing a great job of course. They have their sense of timing and comedy down pat. Some people don't get or enjoy their comedic nature, but I do. The supporting players are April Bowlby, a waitress who tries to score tips based on her looks and Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) as a waitress who also is trying to become a doctor. Both are great and fit nicely into the film with the boys. The stand out character is without a doubt Michael Clarke Duncan. He has the best lines, the best mannerism and has the most fun with the character.
While it is the weakest of the Broken Lizard films (not including Puddle Cruiser) it is still a decent entry. They have yet to disappoint me and if you are a fan of these guys, this film will make you laugh.
Fun movie
emceegusto10 June 2019
I stumbled across this movie on Amazon prime and was excited because I liked the cast. I was hoping for a Super Trooper type movie, but it didn't come close to that level. It started off really well; it was reminiscent of Waiting, but less profane. But about half way through the movie goes flat. It never develops into a cohesive movie.
It's worth watching though. The laughs are consistent and the cast is great.
It's worth watching though. The laughs are consistent and the cast is great.
Consistently Funny
D-Roo27 July 2009
I'll admit that I'm a huge Broken Lizard fan, I have seen all of their films and even have an appreciation for the relatively unfunny Club Dread. For me, this is just a fun-loving group of comedians that love to make their audience laugh, or at least try their damnedest. I had the pleasure of attending the Canadian premiere of the "Slammin' Salmon" in Montreal recently and the Broken Lizard troupe was there to meet and greet the fans and answer questions after the movie. They are true class acts and friendly guys. While I won't give away any specific jokes I will say that from a fan's perspective, this is their second funniest film, with Supertroopers of course being the cult favourite. So yes, it is an improvement on Beerfest; the Slammin' Salmon is just straight up funnier. As for regular movie-goers and comedy fans, I highly recommend this film. It was produced with a low budget during the writers' strike, so without a big studio production, it has the fast pacing of a stage show. The focus in this movie is on the JOKES... which is something refreshing to see in a comedy; less emphasis on character development and a complex plot, but more emphasis on keeping the audience consistently laughing. The humour is low brow at times, but is also clever and well-timed, there are many quick one-liners so pay sharp attention to this fast paced comedy, enjoy!
The Best Broken Lizard Film Since Super Troopers
gavin694224 April 2010
A team of waiters is forced to raise $20,000 in one night... and the one who gets the biggest bill will receive $10,000 as a bonus (the loser gets a punch in the ribs). As you might expect, the humor increases as they try to one-up each other! First, I have to give a shout-out to the character Tara (Cobie Smulders). By far the best character in the film -- believable, likable, and just plain wholesome. I hope to see Smulders in a lot more films soon, as she is easily a top-bill-worthy player.
I think this is the best Broken Lizard film since "Super Troopers". With "Club Dread" being a flop and "Beer Fest" being hit and miss (still a good film), this one is pretty consistent. Sure, they recycled the twin joke, and some of the ending parts are predictable... but if you've ever worked in a kitchen, you should appreciate this one. (I've seen others say "Waiting" is better. I strongly disagree.)
I think this is the best Broken Lizard film since "Super Troopers". With "Club Dread" being a flop and "Beer Fest" being hit and miss (still a good film), this one is pretty consistent. Sure, they recycled the twin joke, and some of the ending parts are predictable... but if you've ever worked in a kitchen, you should appreciate this one. (I've seen others say "Waiting" is better. I strongly disagree.)
greatest bestest most incrediblest film that has come from Bollywood.
mikevonbach10 May 2020
The filmography of The Broken Lizard comedy troupe is very much hit-or-miss. Their latest restaurant comedy The Slammin's Salmon is one of the troupe's true wins. Kevin Heffernan directs this heated contest at a high-profile Miami restaurant whose aim is to try to earn sufficient money to save the restaurant being used to pay off a gambling debt. Obviously, The Slammin' Salmon is not going to win any awards for creativity, yet the film has what it counts the most in comedies: it's very funny from start to finish. Similarly to Super Troopers and Beerfest, the humor can be described as situational and while some set-ups result in predictable outcomes, the majority of jokes is quite clever leading to even bigger laughs by the end. The characters are diverse enough to surprise us displaying near-perfect comic timing. Michael Clarke Duncan starring as an overbearing chief is a standout. His performance is so over-the-top that virtually irresistible. I wish every comedy was so immediate and apt in delivering laughs as The Slammin' Salmon. 7.5/10 (B)
Poor excuse for comedy.
bodil-644-47435615 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie because the plot seemed like a good basis for a comedy. Unfortunately the plot was wasted with a mixture of foul language, schoolboy humour and poor slapstick being passed off as comedy. I once worked in my younger years in the catering business so am familiar with the way restaurants work, hence my liking the plot.
The idea of an abusive ex-boxing boss threatening to punch and hurt staff while shouting obscenities and belittling them was not funny. Wait staff acting like retards in a (I assume) expensive restaurant was also not funny. Patrons physically and verbally abusing staff was also not funny. All the schoolboy humour and sexual references sprinkled with every swear word under the sun was not funny. I don't mind swearing but it simply wasn't funny in this movie.
Overall this movie gave me a few chuckles but otherwise left me cold. The one part where the chap dining by himself and eating next to nothing gives the busboy Donnie the largest tip was a good moment but it was for sentimental reasons, not humour. Maybe with a different director and producer this movie may have faired better. I have not seen Supertroopers or Beerfest and am now reluctant to do so if this is the sort of garbage Broken Lizard portrays as comedy.
The idea of an abusive ex-boxing boss threatening to punch and hurt staff while shouting obscenities and belittling them was not funny. Wait staff acting like retards in a (I assume) expensive restaurant was also not funny. Patrons physically and verbally abusing staff was also not funny. All the schoolboy humour and sexual references sprinkled with every swear word under the sun was not funny. I don't mind swearing but it simply wasn't funny in this movie.
Overall this movie gave me a few chuckles but otherwise left me cold. The one part where the chap dining by himself and eating next to nothing gives the busboy Donnie the largest tip was a good moment but it was for sentimental reasons, not humour. Maybe with a different director and producer this movie may have faired better. I have not seen Supertroopers or Beerfest and am now reluctant to do so if this is the sort of garbage Broken Lizard portrays as comedy.
Michael Clark Duncan is FUNNY!
acoleman-0846619 March 2020
The second best restaurant comedy ever!
CutMeUpJenny7 April 2010
The Slammin' Salmon is actually a pretty funny movie with reasonable replay value. If you like Broken Lizard (Club Dread excluded), you'll enjoy seeing all the familiar faces. I must admit that Michael Clarke Duncan bumped the movie up to a 7 from a 6. He played his role perfectly and delivered one of the funniest lines ever written. The story is simple with minor yet major twists, but enjoyable nonetheless. There are lots of great moments and "punch-lines". If you liked Waiting (the best restaurant comedy of this generation) but cried tears of disappointment when you saw Still Waiting (the poorly written and barely funny sequel), you will appreciate the strong effort Broken Lizard put into this one.
not enough laughs
SnoopyStyle10 October 2015
Former heavyweight boxer Cleon 'Slammin' Salmon (Michael Clarke Duncan) owns the Slammin' Salmon restaurant in Miami. He owes money to the Yakuza and sets up a competition among the wait staff. The top waiter gets various prizes and the lowest performer gets a beat down. The Broken Lizard crew plays the staff at the restaurant.
The movie opens with Rich (Kevin Heffernan) being berated and belittled. It feels wrong and unfunny. It jumps a year later and Rich turns into a different guy. It's probably better to forget about the opening and jump into a day in the restaurant. I'm sure Broken Lizard fans will defend this to the death. I can't quite say the same for me. The jokes don't seem so funny. Cobie Smulders doesn't get anything funny although April Bowlby is trying her best with a burnt face. There are some nice supporting comedic actors but they don't get anything funny. MCD is probably doing the funniest character. The rest of the cast should try to match him. This could have been much more wackier.
The movie opens with Rich (Kevin Heffernan) being berated and belittled. It feels wrong and unfunny. It jumps a year later and Rich turns into a different guy. It's probably better to forget about the opening and jump into a day in the restaurant. I'm sure Broken Lizard fans will defend this to the death. I can't quite say the same for me. The jokes don't seem so funny. Cobie Smulders doesn't get anything funny although April Bowlby is trying her best with a burnt face. There are some nice supporting comedic actors but they don't get anything funny. MCD is probably doing the funniest character. The rest of the cast should try to match him. This could have been much more wackier.
Funny, but doesn't meet its potential
radioheadrcm4 July 2010
The Broken Lizard team aren't one for conventional plots, and The Slammin' Salmon - set entirely in a restaurant - is no exception. In fact, almost the entire film takes place over the course of one evening, and most of the dramatic tension centers around waiters competing with one another for a bigger paycheck. It sounds implausible, but they pull it off pretty well, by making great characters, then relying on them to entertain us.
If you've seen Super Troopers, Beerfest, or Club Dread, you'll know what to expect. The characters are likable, memorable, and generally well conceived. And just like all their other films, they all could generally have used some more character development. Is it just me, or do Jay Chandrasekhar's characters never get enough screen time?
Unfortunately, Slammin' Salmon contains even more slapstick than their past works, and it really brings down the overall tone of the film. We're not watching you for slapstick! We want more awkward tension, more wit, and more character development.
They also moved across the jokes too quickly. The writers really set up some very funny situations, and then move on without capitalizing on them. For example, they set up a humorous interracial relationship between Cleon's sister and Rich, but spent literally only a minute on it before moving on and never returning to it. Take the time to develop your jokes! Imagine the potential dialogue there, between Cleon, his sister, and Rich. We'll never know.
When it comes down to it, Slammin' Salmon is funny. If you go into the movie wanting to hate it, Michael Clarke Duncan will make you laugh anyway. I just think that we could expect more out of these guys.
If you've seen Super Troopers, Beerfest, or Club Dread, you'll know what to expect. The characters are likable, memorable, and generally well conceived. And just like all their other films, they all could generally have used some more character development. Is it just me, or do Jay Chandrasekhar's characters never get enough screen time?
Unfortunately, Slammin' Salmon contains even more slapstick than their past works, and it really brings down the overall tone of the film. We're not watching you for slapstick! We want more awkward tension, more wit, and more character development.
They also moved across the jokes too quickly. The writers really set up some very funny situations, and then move on without capitalizing on them. For example, they set up a humorous interracial relationship between Cleon's sister and Rich, but spent literally only a minute on it before moving on and never returning to it. Take the time to develop your jokes! Imagine the potential dialogue there, between Cleon, his sister, and Rich. We'll never know.
When it comes down to it, Slammin' Salmon is funny. If you go into the movie wanting to hate it, Michael Clarke Duncan will make you laugh anyway. I just think that we could expect more out of these guys.
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