Chuck Barris was once a television pioneer, he came up with such creative game shows like the Newlywed Game, the Dating Show, and the Gong Show. But Chuck was a troubled mind that in the beginning was only in search of getting some action with the ladies. When TV became popular Chuck so his opportunity to not only become rich by inventing crazy game shows but also a way to get laid more. But after working his way slowly up from a tour guide at NBC Studios to monitoring other shows for ABC, Chuck was starting to become even more cynical then he already was. Also Chuck had a little secret and that was that he had a huge temper and was liable to get into bar fights every night of the week. That’s when a CIA agent in the midst of the Cold War decides to see if he can recruit Chuck to become an assassin for his country and to fight communism around the world. Chuck who has fallen on hard times and who’s game shows are not being picked up by the networks reluctantly agrees and finds himself caught in a world of espionage he did not expect. About this time the networks finally decide to pick up His Dating Game show and now he wants out but the CIA won’t let him, they see this as a perfect cover operation to their contract killer who can use the excuse of being a chaperone for the couples to fly around the world and kill people. But this is going to start to drive Chuck crazy as he gets deeper and deeper in and decides he does not like the person who he is turning into but can find no way to escape the trap he set for himself.

This movie is based on the fictitious autobiography by the same name. Maybe the real Chuck Barris was really recruited by the CIA in the 1960’s or he is still trying to pull a hoax and shock the world much like his game shows did especially his Gong Show did during the 1970’s. Whether either these cases are true the tale of Chuck Barris fantasies is actually quite intriguing and enthralling at times. The movie itself goes for somewhat of a shock value as it is quite crude and obscene at times. The movie is reminiscent of Kevin Smith’s earlier movies that used shock to entrance the audiences but the problem is this movie is talking about an earlier time of the 1960’s where those who might remember his shows with fondness will not be amused by this movie. But for those without such sensibilities they may like myself find the movie quite entrancing and very entertaining. The movie tells a fantastic story that is too far fetched to believe, while at the same time making you want to believe it and wondering what will become of the eccentric Barris and whether he is truly mad or a creative genius. The movie might go to far sometimes especially in the beginning as it sets up the plot but still it seems to fit the characters portrayed perfectly. Same Rockwell who plays Chuck does an impressive job of pulling off the part and makes you believe with certainty that he truly is Chuck Barris. Drew Barrymore who plays Chuck’s girlfriend also does a great job in a role that is way out of the norm for her. She plays a crude, sex crazed woman who has the misfortune of falling in love with Barris. The downside might be Clooney who seemed to morose in his part as the CIA agent that recruits Barris. This is a very entertaining movie but I think must be viewed with caution as many might be offended by some of the content just like some are offended by Kevin Smith movies.
3.5 stars out of 5