Zesty cast, characters create biblical farce

Mayra Marquez

Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Entertainment

DoubleClick Any Word

Page 1 of 1

Kelly (Winona Ryder) and Gary share a moment in "The Ten."

There are people who say comedy needs to have a point and some sort of structure, while others say comedy is free and can be totally random.

Written and directed by David Wain, the creator of "Wet Hot American Summer," "The Ten" is a comedy about the 10 morals that guide most of society, whether people are aware of it or not.

"The Ten" is a movie to be enjoyed with a complete open mind to what humor really is.

A cast of well-known actors such as Jessica Alba from "Good Luck Chuck," Adam Brody from "The OC," Winona Ryder from "Mr. Deeds" and Paul Rudd from "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," come together in a highly original and a somewhat sacrilegious version of the Ten Commandments.

The movie begins with Rudd introducing the 10 stories in his uniquely hilarious manner shown in some of his past movies such as "Knocked Up" and "40 Year-Old Virgin."

The first story depicts the commandment of thou shalt have no other gods before me, in the form of a guy (Brody) who becomes a hero after a terrible accident leaves him buried in the ground.

Each commandment is its own individual story, which makes the movie have a sort of sketchy, disorganized feel that makes it hit or miss. One either loves it because of the chaos or the sloppy effects drive a person crazy.

The movie was obviously not made to teach anyone a lesson. It was more of a different way to look at the commandments. One out of the various off-the-wall depictions has a doctor murder his patient as a practical joke, by purposely leaving surgical scissors inside her after a surgery.

The movie might aim to teach viewers not to murder, and also that not everyone appreciates a good practical joke.

Although some of the scenes are clever and hilarious at first, they are dulled by being too long and drawn out.

The movie ends with a rock 'n' roll musical performance by the cast. The chorus sang "It's all about love!"

I don't recommend this movie to those who are easily offended by blasphemous comments delivered in good humor.

However, those looking for an original way to look at the values of a civilized, well-functioning society, this movie is a must see.

Page 1 of 1