Retro Review: Wayne’s World

By Tyler Hodgkinson

Let me bring you up to speed: if you can’t recite nearly every line from Wayne’s World, you are living life wrong.

The cult classic is as relevant today as it was when released in 1992. And, of course, it’s just as hilarious. Schwing!

To humor the idea that someone may have not seen the film, Wayne’s World follows two naive rocker friends named Wayne Campell and Garth Algar, when their cable access show is picked up by the evil television producer, Benjamin Kane, who has plans to exploit the show. With the help their friends, Wayne and Garth must find a way to reclaim “Wayne’s World” and produce it right.

Based off a series of Saturday Night Live sketches called “Wayne’s Power Minute”, Wayne’s World was so successful that it spawned a 1993 sequel, Wayne’s World 2, and multiple video games. Although the characters don’t reappear often, a “Wayne’s Power Minute” sketch was actually performed at SNL’s 40th anniversary special in early 2015, proving that Wayne and Garth still remain iconic to this day.

Wayne’s World lists high in almost every “Best Comedy Movies” list, and is just one of those movies you need to see before you die. This is due in part to the genius writing by Mike Myers, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner, and in part to the actors’ portrayals of the film’s characters. Who can forget Mike Myers as Wayne, Dana Carvey as Garth, Rob Lowe as Benjamin, or Tia Carrere as the robo-babe Cassandra?

From Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the Merthmobile, to Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” in Stan Makitia’s Doughnuts (or Donuts, I guess it would be), music plays a great role in the film. Meat Loaf even makes a cameo as “Tiny,” while Alice Cooper shows off his historical intelligence playing himself in the classic backstage scene.

The charm of Wayne’s World is often sought after, but rarely captured. Everything clicks in the movie, and it stays with you like a thoughtful drama or a terrifying horror flick. There really is only one thing we can say to thank the comedy gods for Wayne’s World:

We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!

Writer’s Note: While I’m usually against reboots and long-removed sequels, I believe a Wayne’s World 3 COULD work. Picture this: Wayne and Garth have remained untouched relics, living in the technologically advanced year of 2015. If done right, which I believe is possible, Wayne’s World 3 could be a “worthy” addition to the already legendary series.

If you’ve got a hankering to see Wayne’s World in the theater, and you live in the Toronto, Ontario area, it will be playing at the Carlton Cinema on November 18, courtesy of the always-amazing MUFF Society. Don’t miss out on the movie-themed MUFFtail at the concessions stand, the photobooth, and limited-edition buttons that will be available. For more details, check out the MUFF Society on Facebook.