The Tournament (Mockumentary Canadian TV Mini-Series/Hockey)
Picture: C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Episodes: C+
Mockumentaries
are a somewhat hot cycle, but they have not become the rage and many are just
plain dumb. The Canadian TV series The Tournament lasted two seasons and
took the country’s love of hockey to looney new directions, as seen through a
dysfunctional family that may be obsessing just a bit more than they should
about the sport.
Though
not a laugh riot, the show is amusing and has a certain energy that makes all
the situations tenable. While the case
names SCTV/Christopher Guest send-up feature films, the one show this actually
reminded me of was The Red Green Show
(reviewed elsewhere on this site) in its unique absurdity. Canadians seem to see some things with less
of a BS factor than their U.S. and U.K. counterparts, but also with a
practicality that in itself highlights that something is obviously wrong and
the only way to become a victim is if you are dumb enough to deny it.
That
serves the series well enough and though two seasons may stretch the idea out a
bit too much for most, the show is liable to find a cult following outside of
Canada now that it is hitting DVD. This
2-DVD version includes uncut footage.
The 1.33
X 1 image is soft, but colorful and solid enough to be enjoyed, though noise
can be annoying in shots. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 sound is simple stereo at best and combination passable. The only extra is interviews with the cast,
crew and guest stars, but it gives clarity to the culture and production that
will enhance the show for fans.
- Nicholas Sheffo
