What if Tim and Eric directed The Matrix? That is one way to look at this gloriously batshit crazy film. It is a highly general description but it puts things in easy terms and this is by no means an easy film to describe. It is satire on many levels but also has a heart of gold at its center due to the way it messes with genre norms like the handsome leading man and his impossibly beautiful female companion. For a more detailed dissection of the film please view the visual essay by critic Will Webb included in the extras.

The plot is somewhat simple as two CIA agents, Gagano and Palmer, are called to investigate a computer virus by entering the computer world via virtual reality. Once inside they appear as masked celebrities, Gagano as an older Richard Pryor and Palmer as the young Robert Redford. Their computer nemesis wears the mask of Stalin and carries a hammer and sickle. From there all bets are off as Gagano, who was ready to retire before this latest mission, cannot return from the computer world and the plot grows more and more ridiculous and complicated.

The film is a potpourri of genres with too many references to other films included for the fun. James Bond, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Shogun Assassin, Putney Swope, Tron, the 60’s Batman TV show and 8-bit video games are all referenced here as well as many other smaller references (one character is named Mister Sophistication in tribute The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie). Director Miguel Llanso has created a highly unique film by taking bits and pieces of other films and making them his own through a highly ludicrous lens for sure.

The film looks and sounds amazing and some parts are full frame while some are widescreen so don’t trip on this tripped out film. It has loads of great extras including the informative video essay and some early films by Llanso. I can’t recommend this film enough for people who love film or are looking for something cool to watch after several bong hits.