Who's The Caboose? (1997)

Sarah Silverman, one of the funniest female stand-up comedians of all-time, takes centre stage in Who's The Caboose?, a film that finally finds its way to home video after nearly a decade and a half. Was it worth the wait?

Who's The Caboose? takes a look at pilot season in Los Angeles, a months long period each year that sees young actors and actresses trying to land coveted roles in series which may or may not end up making it on the air.

The story begins as a group of filmmakers are working on a documentary in New York about a disease affecting the homeless. However, after meeting comedienne and aspiring sitcom actress Susan, they decide to abandon that depressing project and follow her on her journey to stardom.

Susan first must break it to her boyfriend Max that she is heading out of town. Much to her chagrin, Max decides to follow her there and completely by accident ends up becoming a bit of a hot property, while Susan's sitcom hopes are floundering. Her struggles and his success (and eventually her success and his struggles) put a strain on what was not much of a relationship to begin with.

But this is not a relationship film. This is a film lampooning those who are trying to become stars, and also those who are trying to discover the next breakout stars. Basically no one comes across very well in this film. These actresses, agents and producers are the most unlikable group ever thrown together on film.

Some very talented performers are portraying those unlikable people, however. Aside from the very funny Silverman, the film also features appearances from David Cross (Mr. Show, Arrested Development), Kathy Griffin (Kathy Griffin: My Life on the DList), Andy Kindler (Everybody Loves Raymond, Last Comic Standing) and the one, the only Andy Dick (NewsRadio). Dick, perhaps the only person ever to be asked to leave a pornographic film awards show, is the real gem in this film as Susan's agent. The rest of the talented cast is unfortunately not used to their potential.

Who's The Caboose? has a great premise, and a very funny cast, however, it left me disappointed. The big laughs I was expecting were few and far between. Apparently a lot of the dialogue was ad-libbed, and from such talented, funny individuals, I would expect better results.

If you are a fan of any of the performers mentioned above, you might get a kick out of seeing them in the earlier stages of their career in this film. Just don't go into it expecting their finest work.

Rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 stars