DbcultAccessing Vault...
5.7/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 5.7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. I Thank You remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Is this worth watching today? Only if you have a very high tolerance for old-school variety acts or you’re literally out of things to do on a Tuesday night.
People who love vintage musical numbers and guys in suits singing about the weather will probably find it charming in a weird way. If you need a plot or, you know, actual characters, you’re going to hate this one. 🎤
It’s barely a movie, honestly. It feels more like someone just pointed a camera at a stage and told Eddie to go nuts.
Eddie is the whole show. He sings these upbeat songs like "Get out under the moon" and then tries to land jokes in between.
Some of the jokes are… well, they’re definitely from another era. I didn’t laugh much, but I did appreciate the hustle he puts into it.
The song "Get out under the moon" is actually kind of catchy, though. I’ve had it stuck in my head for three hours and I’m starting to get annoyed at myself.
The lighting in this thing is so strange. It’s very yellow, almost like the film was dipped in tea before they released it.
There’s this one part where Eddie does a little dance move that looks like he’s trying to crush a bug. It’s very unintentional comedy. 😂
If you want a movie with a real story, you’re better off checking out The Great Mail Robbery instead. That one actually has things happening in it.
I noticed that the audience (if there even was one) sounds like they were recorded in a different room. The clapping starts and stops so abruptly it’s almost jarring.
One of Eddie's jackets has these lapels that are so wide they look like they could catch a breeze and fly him away. It’s a look, for sure.
I kept waiting for a second person to show up on screen. They never did. It’s just Eddie and his infinite energy.
Compared to something like Seven Sinners, this is incredibly thin stuff. It’s not trying to be high art, which I guess I respect.
There is a moment where he looks directly into the lens for way too long. It felt like he was staring into my soul and asking for a sandwich.
The jokes are the kind of thing you’d hear at a retirement home talent show. They aren't offensive, just very… tired.
I think the set was just a couple of curtains and maybe a plant that I couldn't quite see clearly. Very low budget vibes here. 🌿
If you’ve seen Frivolinas, you know how these old variety films can be hit or miss. This one is a mostly-miss with a few bright spots.
I wonder if Eddie knew people would be watching this decades later on a glowing screen. He probably would have worn a different tie.
The pacing is fast, at least. He doesn't linger on any one song for too long, which is a blessing if you aren't a fan of his voice.
Speaking of his voice, it’s fine? It’s very nasally. Like he’s singing while holding his nose shut just a little bit.
I liked the way the shadows hit the back wall during the slower numbers. It gave the whole thing a slightly spooky vibe that I don’t think they intended.
It’s definitely better than Reno or Bust, but that’s a pretty low bar to clear if we’re being real.
There’s no real ending to the movie. He just sort of finishes a song, says "I thank you," and the screen goes black.
It’s very abrupt. I actually checked my internet connection to see if the video had cut out early. 💻
It’s a personal performance, I’ll give it that. You really feel like you’re sitting in the front row of a very small, very empty theater.
I wouldn’t watch it again. But I don’t totally regret the time I spent with it either.
It’s just… there. A little piece of history that doesn’t really need to be bothered.
If you’re doing a deep dive into 1930s performers, sure, put it on. If you want to be entertained, maybe try The Jack Rider instead.
Eddie seems like a nice guy, though. You can tell he really wants you to have a good time.
Sometimes that’s enough, I guess. Not today, but sometimes. 🤷♂️
IMDb 4.8
1921
Community
Log in to comment.
