Gags Fail To Rescue Dangerfield From ‘Wally Sparks’
He’s lewd, crude and rude, and he’s got viewers glued to the tube.
Meet Rodney Dangerfield as a trash TV icon, beloved by the masses but a bane to sponsors and his bosses. Fights, nudity and bad taste abound on his show, but this release doesn’t capitalize well on the sleazy milieu.
The masses will stay away from the libidinous farce “Meet Wally Sparks.” With only Dangerfield’s waning appeal to recommend it, first-time feature director Peter Baldwin’s unremarkable comedy is not salvaged by the few genuinely hilarious lines and routines.
“Meet Wally Sparks” is notable for the many cameos and bit players - from Burt Reynolds to Michael Bolton to Tim Allen - who appear as backup to 75-year-old Dangerfield, playing his familiar character, a goofy, randy, blunt jerk who drinks a lot and causes much unintentional destruction of property.
More substantial supporting chores are handled by David Ogden Stiers as the governor of Georgia, an Old Boy conservative who despises Sparks, and by the governor’s wife (Cindy Williams).
The threadbare plot revolves around a young fan of Sparks’ inviting him to a formal party given by his father, the governor.
In need of new material and facing cancellation of his show, Sparks approaches Stiers’ character under false assumptions, and comically Dangerfield gives him his best shot, including a dance sequence.
Behind the major players, Sparks’ vampish producer Debi Mazar manipulates the smitten assistant of the governor.
It’s hard to imagine a film with more penis jokes and salacious banter, but the pace is slowed down by subplots that go nowhere and more than a few limp gags.
xxxx “Meet Wally Sparks” Locations: Lincoln Heights, Newport and Coeur d’Alene cinemas Credits: Directed by Peter Baldwin; starring Rodney Dangerfield, David Ogden Stiers, Debi Mazar, Cindy Williams, Burt Reynolds and Alan Rachins. Running time: 1:45 Rating: R