Austin Film Festival Movie Review: ‘Operation Taco Gary’s’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Simon Rex and Dustin Milligan as Danny and Luke in Michael Kvamme’s OPERATION TACO GARY’S. (Photo Courtesy of the Austin Film Festival.)

There was a time in cinema, not that long ago, where zany comedies ruled the box office. In fact, it was almost impossible to go a weekend without enjoying some kind of top-tier comedy, one where the audience would wipe tears from their eyes because the jokes were great and hit hard and that was all they worked to accomplish. They simply wanted to entertain you and make you laugh for a good ninety minutes, and some genuinely iconic franchises and films came out of this push for hilarity. The kind that we tend to quote to this day and watch over and over again when we stumble upon them on a streaming service or on television, to just enjoy those hilarious moments again and to put a smile on our faces. 
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But somewhere along the time, something happened. One day, the zany comedy just disappeared from the marketplace. For reasons we don’t understand. Some claim that it might be related to the sudden surge of concern that comedy can be offensive, and that zany comedies cross too many lines. While others have pointed out that they cost a bevy of money to make and that makes them a hard sell to a studio. But it does leave one to wonder, if we will ever see the return of such comedies, and well… the answer to that question is a resounding yes. For there are filmmakers out there looking to resurrect this type to story, and it just so happens that a zany comedy that truly harkens back to that golden age of the genre, made its debut at the Austin Film Festival the other night, and Operation Taco Gary’s is truly worth spotlighting, for it is the most hilarious comedy of the year.

A feat that this film accomplishes by plunging us into a very unique moment for a man named Luke. For he has landed an amazing job in Canada and when we are introduced to him here, he’s selling off everything to prepare for the move and is as happy as can be. Especially when his estranged brother Danny arrives to help him with the move. For he hasn’t seen Danny in ages, mainly because Danny has a tendency to believe in conspiracy theories and lives off-grid more often than not. But for this reunion, Danny wants nothing more than to spend time with his brother and see him off into this new chapter of his life. Okay, maybe not. Because soon, Luke learns that Danny isn’t exactly telling him the entire truth and the real reason he’s come along… relates to the most incredible conspiracy theory anyone has ever heard and in order to be free of Danny’s wild beliefs, Luke has no choice but to listen to his brother and see this journey to its completion.

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Which is… the perfect plot in which to bring forth a zany comedy that knows no bounds to its humor. Because the conspiracy theory in question allows for the story to just let loose and have fun and go to silly places that you don’t think it will go, and that… really does give rise to some wonderfully hilarious moments and sequences here. Ones that feature some truly iconic comedy sequences. Some of which involve amazing physical comedy, running gags and something that we all adored back in the day, those super slapstick sequences that go on forever and just keep upping the ante with the gags. Which really does harken back to those classic comedies that just keep the funny coming, and what’s amazing, is that this motion picture has even more wonder and majesty to offer its audience.
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Because it is also, a brilliantly written film, one that makes some of what happens here, feel believable. Which draws you into the story deeper, as do the stakes present for both Luke and Danny, and like any great comedy… it has heart and some genuinely endearing moments as well, and it also boasts… just an amazing cast. Which is important in putting together a quality comedy. Because they have to sell the funny, and they most certainly do, with one actor leading the charge here, and he really takes this movie to the next level. For comedy legend Simon Rex plays Danny in this tale, and he brings incredible depth to the role and lets loose here as a comedian, and that really does lead to some incredible moments. In fact, this is some of Simon’s finest work here.

All of which brings forth, an utterly brilliant comedy. One that truly understood the assignment and showcases, how this type of film doesn’t need a massive budget, that there are ways to still be funny without anyone being concerned about being offended, and… that it is okay to sneak in a little story and humanity into these tales to help tie the audience to them. Because when you do so, this is what you get, a refreshing and revolutionary comedy. One that truly just brings joy into your day, and writer/director Michael Kvamme deserves a round of applause for bringing this kind of feature back from the brink, and hopefully this movie will serve as the blueprint for a new generation of zany comedies. Because it’s been far too long since we’ve seen them, and as Simon Rex so succinctly said to this reporter in a discussion about this film, ‘we need these movies more than ever.’

To watch ‘Operation Taco Gary’s’ visit the Austin Film Festival Website, and stay tuned for more coverage of the film, courtesy of our interview with Writer/Director Michael Kvamme, Star/Executive Producer Simon Rex, and Producer Matthew Vaughn.

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