Sometimes, you gotta love your time in The Gutter
In The Gutter, Walt (Shameik Moore) is a young man struggling to hold on. He lives with his mom and can’t seem to get his life together. Out of cash, he takes a job at AlleyCatz, the local bowling alley. But it’s here that Walt discovers that he has an unexpected talent. When he’s approached by Skunk (D’Arcy Carden), he’s convinced to join the pro bowling league with the chance at a lucrative windfall in his future. However, the path to his dreams lies through Linda Curson, a legendary bowler who is threatened by Walt’s prowess.
The first film by Isaiah and Yassir Lester, The Gutter feels like a throwback to the brash and wild comedies of the 90s and early 2000s. With a ridiculous edge to its humour, this Gutter fits very neatly in with titles such as Happy Gilmore, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Dodgeball. This is a story that wants to abide by few rules but still has a heart beating underneath it.
It’s silly. It’s outlandish. And it’s a blast.
This is simply the type of comedy that isn’t made much anymore. It has no franchise aspirations, pushes back against modern humour and has few logical sensibilities. But that’s why it works. The Lesters work hard to emulate a style that was a product of its time, yet still established many great comedians. As a result, one can’t deny that much of the film’s success lies in the hands of its cast. Stepping out of his Spider-Verse and into the alley, Moore is more than willing to play with the goofiest of material. (Like, why does he insist on not wearing a shirt to work?) Walt is a guy who wants to keep things genuine, even if he lives his life impulsively. (“I’m real. I take pride in that,” he points out.)
But Moore is at his best when he’s paired with Carden. Carden is a genuine comedic talent that truly embraces the chaos that is Skunk. Best known for her role as the Google-esque hologram ‘Janet’ in The Good Place, Carden truly lets herself enjoy the off-the-wall nature of this world. Together, the two have genuine chemistry onscreen, even when the film is at its most non-sensical.
But, somehow, the comedic line-up stacks up even further. Featuring cameos from Adam Brody, Paul Scheer, Kim Fields, and Paul Reiser, The Gutter boasts an unbelievable cast with infinite talent. And, of course, there’s Susan Sarandon who absolutely sparkles as the villainous Linda Curson. Sarandon is also absolutely willing to play with the R-rated material and seems to be enjoying taking on the film’s ‘Shooter’ McGavin role.)
But underneath the madness, the film also wants to delve into a number of conversations. Topics like systemic racism, white privilege and struggling with poverty all undergird the madness that is The Gutter. Although the film never slips into serious monologues, these issues undergird Walt’s situation and their struggle to fight back against the system. After all, their motivation to earn the extra cash doesn’t stem from their own financial gain. They take on the challenge to save AlleyCatz itself.
Because AlleyCatz is more than just a bowling alley. It’s a pillar of the community.
AlleyCatz is a place where everyone matters, no matter where they come from. It’s a safe space for the neighbourhood and, as such, a place of hope for those who live there. For Walt, this is a fight worth taking on, even if he stands to gain from it himself along the way.
Brash and unruly, The Gutter is genuinely hilarious. For fans of early Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell, Shameik Moore provides a performance that fits neatly in that cannon. But, most importantly, the characters are likeable (even when they’re at their most unlikeable), giving this film an unexpected heart that keeps it out of the Gutter.
The Gutter is available on VOD/Digital on Friday, December 6th, 2024.
