Hanky Panky the Movie Reminiscent of The Room?

I have a soft spot for low/no budget films. A lot of times these little gems deliver a punch so hard your ribs ache. Hanky Panky is not one of these. The movie is, as they say, “A horse of a different colour.” It could be seen as a nod to Tommy Wiseau and his “visionary” and iconic film; The Room.

The main difference here is that Wiseau apparently had a script that was the base of his oddly disjointed film. Another more important separation is that all the cast here are professionals and do indeed act their little cotton socks off. It is the pacing and improvisational performances that force a Wiseau The Room comparison however specious.

Hanky Panky can also be seen as a x-rated (Full frontal male nudity.) Thunderbirds, the old television show on ITV. You could see the strings there as well and of course the string powered the puppets as well as the props. The only thing missing in Thunderbirds was the obvious ad-libbing and impromptu acting seen by everyone on this film. They all seem to be having a wonderful time.

The sets are limited to one main locale, a cabin in the wilderness. There are, however, a few snow scenes that could have been shot anywhere. But we have an idea that if one could see behind the lense shooting the scene the cabin would in fact be right there. And this is the most important thing about Hanky Panky.

It has an odd sort of integrity.

Andy and Judy

Hanky Panky has, beneath the surface banality of a film that is the embodiment of the old Andy Hardy trope, “Hey kids! Let’s put on a show in the barn!” a sincerity that impresses.

Okay, so the “kids” are putting on a show, “in the cabin.” The scenes all offer actors almost shouting their lines. This could be seen as a nod to Disney television shows or perhaps, more accurately, Nickelodeon; whose trademark was having each young actor scream at the audience during the “funny” bits. *Akin to your professor smacking the chalkboard at something that “could” be important.*

Put all these faint criticisms aside and you have a fun premise of a film. The plot is ludicrous and absurd, the actors all appear to be on some mind altering drugs and there is a big boss battle that defies logic.

In Conclusion

Sadly this is not a film I would pay to see.

But.

There is still something about it that entertains. According to the Hanky Panky official website they have been playing the festival circuit. The movie has been well received. *Side note: Access the site and the performers and techno folks do indeed look like they are having a blast.*

Written by Nick Roth, who co-directs Hanky Panky with Lindsey Haun the movie itself has a bevy of actors who give their all to this off the wall comedy:

Just have a look at the Hanky Panky trailer and decide for yourself is this one to love or hate. Or you could be like Mike’s Film Talk and ride firmly down the middle. The movie will release as VOD on 19 April this year.

*The movie contains adult language, full frontal nudity and mild carnage.*