The Toronto Film Festival kicked off with a bang, or perhaps more accurately, with a barrage of flying genitalia. The culprit? A24‘s latest cinematic masterpiece, “Dicks: The Musical,” a raucous, unhinged, and profanity-laden musical extravaganza that left audiences in stitches, gasping for air, and occasionally groaning. It was a midnight premiere like no other, and it’s safe to say that Toronto won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
The film, directed by none other than Larry Charles of “Borat” fame, marks A24’s first foray into the musical genre, and it doesn’t hold back. From the moment the opening credits roll, you know you’re in for a wild and unapologetically R-rated ride.
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The story at the heart of “Dicks: The Musical” may sound familiar, as it’s adapted from comedians Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp’s Upright Citizens Brigade two-man show titled “Fing Identical Twins.” While the title may have undergone a slight transformation for the big screen, the essence of the story and its original songs remain gloriously intact. With lyrics like “life’s a fing handjob, and I only play to win,” you can be sure that this is not your average musical.
The plot follows Jackson and Sharp, who play self-obsessed business adversaries that stumble upon a shocking revelation – they’re not just business rivals; they’re (f***ing) identical twins. What follows is a hilariously absurd journey filled with catchy tunes and outrageous antics as they decide to swap places in an attempt to reunite their bitterly divorced parents, portrayed by the comedic power duo of Megan Mullally and Nathan Lane. Imagine Lindsay Lohan‘s iconic mischief-making in “The Parent Trap,” but with a generous dose of profanity, dick jokes (yes, you read that right), and a dash of unhinged sewer boys thrown in for good measure.
The film’s cast is a rollercoaster of comedic talent, with notable appearances by Bowen Yang as God, self-proclaimed “the greatest storyteller of all time,” and Megan Thee Stallion, who steals the show as the impeccably dressed “lady boss.” Her musical number, “Out-Alpha the Alpha,” had the audience erupting in applause as she confidently put haters in their place while strutting with men on leashes. Jackson himself praised Megan Thee Stallion’s improvisational skills, solidifying her status as an undeniable force of nature.
This year’s Toronto Film Festival takes place against the backdrop of two ongoing labor strikes, which have left many industry professionals on picket lines. Consequently, most stars are notably absent from the festival. However, Jackson, Sharp, and Yang managed to make the trip to Canada because “Dicks” secured a last-minute interim agreement from the Screen Actors Guild, allowing them to participate in publicity efforts. This resulted in a memorable pre-party at Hooters, where cocktails were aptly named after jokes from the film, such as “Queer as a $3 Bill,” a concoction that blended vodka, Southern Comfort, Grand Marnier, and pineapple juice.
In a gracious gesture, Aaron Jackson read a letter from the film’s director, Larry Charles, who couldn’t attend the event. In his heartfelt message, Charles described the making of “Dicks: The Musical” as an experience like no other in his career, filled with joy, fun, and an undefinable quality that defies traditional categorization. He urged the audience to embrace the film with enthusiasm, encouraging them to “scream and laugh and clap” as they embarked on what he dubbed “the most anti-AI, pro-human movie of the 21st century.”
In conclusion, “Dicks: The Musical” is a cinematic rollercoaster that defies expectations, revels in profanity, and showcases the talents of Megan Thee Stallion alongside a stellar cast of comedians. It’s a bold and unapologetic addition to A24’s lineup, and one thing’s for sure – it’s a musical experience you won’t soon forget. So, if you’re ready for an irreverent, insane, and unforgettable journey, buckle up and get ready to laugh until you cry with “Dicks: The Musical.”
