Well, it wasn't exactly a red carpet opening.
But, the outgoing film director - Scott Prendergast - was on hand nonetheless to trot the film's "Mascot" out into the street amid a bit of fanfare and shake hands with filmgoers who turned up for the sneak preview of "Kabluey".
In the line up for popcorn, a fellow next to me noted that movie web reviewers at "Rotten Tomatoes" gave it an 89.
"Were they ripe or rotten tomatoes," I laughingly teased.
Obviously the former, since one of the New York dailies gave the Indie film a resounding thumbs in recent days.
Understandably.
"Kabluey" is a charming unpretentious first offering from Prendergast.
In fact, I haven't openly laughed so raucously in a movie theatre since the premiere of "The Rocker" in Las Vegas last month.
The film is based on a true story about the director's brother who was shipped off to Iraq and a sister-in-law he gave a hand to during a trouble spot that reared its ugly head in their domestic life as the soldier was stationed overseas.
To add a dimension of drama - and a much-needed emotional undercurrent to the plot - Prendergast fabricated a fictional tryst between his distant sister-in-law (played by Lisa Kudrow) and her boss into the mix.
The testy relationship between two bratty young nephews and the easygoing - but off-the-wall uncle - slathers on some additional zing to the zesty comedy as well.
But, the film really takes off comically, when Salmon (played by Prendergast) takes on a part-time job for an Internet Company that is down-sizing.
In this side-splitting scenario, Prendergast's character is forced to don a cumbersome oversize "Blue Man" suit (without any facial features or vents to facilitate breathing) and stand by the highway with flyers in hand in a bold-faced effort to lease rental space in the half-empty business complex owned by the Corporate entity.
The sight gags are hilarious.
In one scene, for instance, a four-man work crew happens by - and after taking pity on the "Blue Man" - toss a brewskie his way to cool down his jets a bit.
But, there's a dilemma, of course.
The over-sized plush toy does not have distinct fingers, so Salmon has difficulty opening the can so that he may likewise guzzle down the thirst-quenching ale.
Suddenly - "out-of-the-blue" - his hand pokes through the "rear end" of the suit and he snatches up the can of beer from the pavement below.
The visual image literally jars the sensibilities!
A couple of fine performances by seasoned actors also create some side-splitting moments on the silver screen as well.
In the role of a butch stressed-out Manager, Conchata Ferrell carves out a delightful characterization which is right on the money. In fact, the moment the charismatic star saunters onto the screen, a spark ignites; at which point, Kabluey shifts into high gear.
Although Kudrow comes across as a bit mousy and washed out in this feature, the "look" is dead on in this instant case. Ultimately, the former "Friends" star turns in an understated performance that resonates with truth.
As for Prendergast in the main role - well, he's a hoot - alright!
His comedic timing is razor-sharp; his screen presence darn mesmerizing.
In an offbeat role, Teri Garr demonstrates a depth of acting ability only hinted at before.
Kabluey is not a great life-changing movie event; but, it will make you belly-laugh and stride out of the Theatre with a goofy grin on your face.
Worth the price of admission, fer sure!
Teri Garr
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