The Ten

David Wain
U.S., 2007
English
93 minutes • Color
Distribution: THINKfilm
Screenplay: Ken Marino, David Wain
Cinematography: Yaron Orbach
Music: Craig Wedren
Principal Cast: Paul Rudd, Adam Brody, Rob Corddry, Jessica Alba, Winona Ryder, Liev Schreiber, Justin Theroux, Gretchen Mol, Oliver Platt, Famke Janssen, Ken Marino

SHOWTIMES:
Fri Apr 27 9:45pm NUVO Screening Room (Landmark)

Sun Apr 29 9:45pm NUVO Screening Room (Landmark)

THIS FILM IS PRESENTED THANKS TO A SPECIAL DONATION BY SCOTT BRADY

The team that brought us the hilarious Wet Hot American Summer regroups for The Ten, a collection of short sketches – each based on one of the Ten Commandments. While never going out of its way to blaspheme, this series of sketches is certainly not recommended for the easily offended (indeed, some gags might make Borat blush).

Reminiscent of the old Monty Python movies, The Ten is only loosely stitched together (but it’s not plot you should be looking for here). In “Thou shalt have no other god before me,” Adam Brody plays a man who goes on a skydiving trip with his fiance and forgets to put his parachute on. He survives, but is planted waist-deep in the ground so firmly that extricating him will kill him. His plight attracts a semi-religious following, imitators, and Hollywood – ready to create a sitcom based on his life. That’s just one example of the wackiness that ensues. There’s also some animation, some nudity, the occasional coveting, and all sorts of things you wouldn’t want your children to see. The cast is game and clearly having a blast (Winona Ryder seems to be letting off years of pent-up steam with sheer joy). The Ten is likely to stir some controversy, but not amongst those willing to mix a little fun with their faith. Wm. Brian Owens