National Lampoon's The Legend of Awesomest Maximus

National Lampoon's The Legend of Awesomest Maximus is a comedy filled with eccentric humor, hilarious parodies, and delightfully outrageous performances. The film stars Will Sasso, Khary Payton, Kristanna Loken, Sophie Monk, Ian Ziering, Gary Lundy, Rip Torn, Tony Cox, Adam DeVine, Tiffany Claus, Russell Peters, and Deon Richmond. It is a spoof of historical epic films, borrowing elements from famous classical tales, and is directed by Jeff Kanew who flawlessly executes this comedy roller-coaster.

Will Sasso plays the role of Awesomest Maximus, a bumbling, lacklustre Trojan general who is far from the conventional hero. Sasso's character is loveably inept, cowardly, and amusingly uncouth, providing a comedic spin on the classic Greek hero archetype. Despite his evident incompetence, Maximus is given the daunting task of leading an army against an invading force, kick-starting a burgeoning avalanche of ridiculous, offbeat, and wholly unpredictable scenarios.

Kristanna Loken plays the role of Hottessa, the wife of Maximus and the woman whose beauty sparks a war between two kingdoms. She embodies her spoof character perfectly by offering the right mixture of exaggerated seduction and clever wit, all the while providing laughter in her interactions with Sasso’s Maximus.

Sophie Monk hilariously plays the role of Princess Ellen, the daughter of the king played by Rip Torn. Irrespective of her royalty and grace, her character falls in love with the comically flawed Maximus, further adding an amusing and unexpected layer to the film's storyline. Monk bursts onto the scene with her innate comedic timing and certain flair for hilarity, proving integral in bringing this ridiculously fun character to life.

Khary Payton and Ian Ziering shine in their respective roles. Payton plays King Erotic of Greece with potent comedic charisma while Ziering gives a spirited performance as Testiclees, delivering them with the right mix of humor and eccentricity consistent with the film’s overall tone.

Among other supporting characters, Tony Cox and Adam DeVine shine brightly. Cox plays a minor yet memorable role as an adviser and Devine effortlessly plays a pesky servant, their performances adding a range of styles and comic timing to the goofy panorama the film orchestrates.

The Legend of Awesomest Maximus effectively spoofs historical epics, culling together a variety of elements from renowned tales such as 'Hercules,' '300,' 'Gladiator,' and 'Troy,' to name a few. It combines elements of farce, slapstick, and crude humor, intentionally pushing the limits of absurdity which is what makes it so vibrant and delightful to watch. The production quality of the movie is surprisingly high for a parody film, featuring impressive sets, costumes, and props, which only enhance the humor by contrasting greatly with the outlandish nature of the plot.

The film is steeped in deliberately crass humor and embellished performances designed to match the outlandish, slapstick style essential to a spoof. While it may not appeal to all comedic tastes, this film is a testament to National Lampoon's brand of humor, pushing boundaries and breaking expectations along the way.

In conclusion, National Lampoon's The Legend of Awesomest Maximus is a laugh-out-loud parody that plays smartly on audiences' expectations, notions of heroism, and ideas of historical accuracy. The cast's commitment to their absurd characters and impeccable comic timing, combined with a fittingly ridiculous storyline, make this film an entertaining watch. For those who enjoy spoof films and are up for a good laugh, this is a must-watch. The film serves as a comedic, irreverent, and bold addition to the cinematic tradition of parody and satire.