MacGruber Extended Version

MacGruber Extended Version is an outrageous comedy starring Will Forte and Kristen Wiig. Released in 2010, this film is a revamped and edgier extension of the eponymous characters seen on NBC’s long-running show "Saturday Night Live". It is a parody laden with humor, encompassing everything from spy films to 80’s action blockbusters, all delivered with an overtly raucous and absurd comedic tone.

In the movie's storyline, legendary war-hero, deep-cover operative, and all-round patriotism-infused tough man, MacGruber (Will Forte), returns from retirement. Although thought to be dead, MacGruber resurfaces after a long hiatus to save the world from a dangerous international criminal. MacGruber is the classic hero, or at least he thinks he is. Forte masterfully executes the character's deluded self-perception and over-the-top bravado, giving us a protagonist who is as hilarious as he is flawed. His antics, mishaps, and improvised approaches to problem-solving compose the backbone of this comedy, and the film never shies away from poking fun at traditional action-hero tropes, which MacGruber so flamboyantly embodies.

Kristen Wiig stars as Vicki St. Elmo, MacGruber's loyal sidekick and love interest. Wiig's character possesses unique charm and balances out MacGruber's brazenness with her sweet and somewhat naive demeanor. Wiig’s comic timing and her knack for wringing laughs out of even the direst situations are on full display here. She perfectly complements Forte's character, facilitating the hilariously awkward chemistry between them, contributing to the film's undeniable comedic charm.

The action unfolds as Dieter Von Cunth (Val Kilmer), a remorseless villain with a nuclear warhead, emerges on the global stage. The government, out of options, turns to their only hope: MacGruber. Alongside his team, which includes Vicki and expert military operative Dixon Piper (Ryan Phillippe), MacGruber embarks on a mission full of high-octane actions, hair-brained schemes, and most importantly, plenty of laughs. The comedy doesn't merely stem from the film's script; it is deeply embedded in the film's action sequences, visual style, and plot developments. All embody that rare blend of absurdity and wit that has become the film's defining trait.

MacGruber Extended Version takes everything that fans loved about the original and amplifies it. With additional scenes, extended cuts, and uncensored content, this version pushes the boundaries of humor, often venturing into the domain of crass comedy, while still offering an underlying layer of clever commentary on action-movie clichés. The film's reliance on physical humor, sight gags, and slapstick comedy sets it apart within its genre, as does the exaggerated characterization, designed to mock and satirize rather than to create realism.

Undeniably, the humor is outrageous and not for the faint-hearted. However, it's also capably interspersed with moments of frenetic action and over-the-top heroics, making MacGruber both a parody and a tribute to the action genre. Some of the film's most comedic moments come from its merciless poking and prodding at action film clichés while skillfully avoiding the trap of becoming a cliché itself.

Directed by Jorma Taccone from comedy group The Lonely Island, and co-written with Forte and John Solomon – all familiar with SNL – this film is nuanced yet blatant, foolish yet intelligent, ludicrous yet sincere. It's an unusual blend that somehow works. Moreover, the extended version provides a more in-depth looks at the characters, their development, and the larger narrative – all with more laughs included. More than a string of sketch-comedy scenes joined together, MacGruber Extended Version presents a coherent story imbued with a satirical look at conventional action films.

Whether you're a fan of action films, parodies, or raucous comedy, MacGruber Extended Version offers something unique. The film is a masterful mix of outrageousness and wit, bound together by the comedic performances of its outstanding cast, and it's a testament to the brand of humor that can only come from the minds of comedy's most inventive thinkers. The result is a movie that's a hilarious ride from start to finish, making the MacGruber Extended Version a must-see for all comedy lovers.