Bill Murray is Richie Lance (Lanz?) in this David Bowie/Harry Nilsson-scored trailer for Barry Levinson’s ROCK THE KASBAH. This looks way more spirited and funny than whatever I was expecting; certainly not the politically-heavy satire of John Cusack’s WAR INC or the deadpan befuddlement of Albert Brooks’ LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD. Murray looks like he’s having a ball playing this washed-up rock-and-roll type who’s the ultimate fish out of water when he gets stranded in Afghanistan. We don’t really see that much of the young ingenue (“Ninja!!”) who inspires Murray to make a play for the Afghan version of AMERICAN IDOL, but we do get glimpses at the characters played by Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, and a welcomingly boisterous Danny McBride.
I remember thinking the trailer for Levinson’s MAN OF THE YEAR was great, before finally sitting down and watching that confused misfire of a film, but I hated the trailer for ENVY and found the movie deeply unique and charming. I’m digging what I’m seeing here way more than the spots for ST. VINCENT, which I guess is something.
And Bruce Willis is always a treat when he’s having fun, and it looks like he's having fun.
ROCK THE KASBAH by order of the prophet on October 23rd.
