Idiocracy

February 25, 2007

Idiocracy (2006) starring Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, and Dax Shepard. The film was directed and written by “Beavis and Butthead” creator Mike Judge.

Private Joe Bauers (Wilson), the definition of "average American", is selected by the Pentagon to be the guinea pig for a top-secret hibernation program. Forgotten, he awakes 500 years in the future. He discovers a society so incredibly dumbed-down that he's easily the most intelligent person alive (ww.imdb.com).

The story of Idiocracy is some of the best science fiction and comedy I have seen in a long time. Often in science fiction movies they see the future as a bright gleaming beacon of hope with man and technology going hand and had. Or mankind has destroyed itself and it is up to the survivors to build a new world, often ending on a note of hope. Well right away at the beginning of Idiocracy writer/ director Mike Judge establishes creditability for how the world in his future sci-fi comedy will turn out. It’s scary and absolutely 100% true.

Dax Shepard plays into his role perfectly. His role as a lawyer of the future is perfect for him because often he plays the dolt, but it’s Shepard’s wide eyed look at the world that brings his simpleton character to life when he sees a little bit of how screwed up the world is and that he can help to make a difference.

Maya Rudolph who is often trapped to the confines of television is perfect as the prostitute who journeys into the future with Wilson. She perfectly balances this street trash woman who deep down has a good soul.

The film pays homage to Omega Man, Planet of the Apes, and the Fifth Element. But the comedy often plays like the best of “Saturday Night Live” and “Kids in the Hall”. So I found myself liking the film more and more and remembered what made Judge such a great writer. He knows how to reach people through the lowest common denominator.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and found its message to be very important. The stupid people are taking over and we have to start fighting back. We have to take a stand and that time is now.