THE BIG TEASE is a charming mockumentary of the competitive side of Hollywood and awards shows in general. Ferguson (who co-wrote the screenplay) is Crawford Mackenzie, a Scottish hairdresser who travels to Los Angeles to participate in the World Freestyle Hairdressing Championship in the hopes of taking home the Golden Scissor Award. Once there, he encounters a barrage of off-the-wall characters as he tries to climb the social ladder and take home the prize.
Actor-director Kevin Allen's (TWIN TOWN) hilarious mockumentary stars Craig Ferguson (who co-wrote the film) as Scottish hairdressing "artiste" Crawford Mackenzie. Crawford is going to L.A. to participate in the World Hairdressing International Federation's renowned Platinum Scissors competition, the apex of the styling world. Sporting his tartan suit, with documentary filmmaker Martin Samuels (Chris Langham) in tow, Crawford arrives only to learn that he was invited to attend, not compete in the Hair Off. Upset but determined, Crawford vows to get his H.A.G (Hairdressers of America Guild) card - the requirement for entry. To do so, he must work for one day in an American salon, but is laughed out the door at Valhenna, the shop of super-stylist Stig Ludwigssen (David Rasche). With new friend, limo driver/actor Eamonn (Donal Logue), Crawford finagles the assistance of publicist Candy Harper (Frances Fisher) on his quest. Will the WHIF president (Mary McCormack) allow Crawford to compete for his family and friends back in Scotland? Or will Norwegian nemesis Stig ruin everything? Boasting a parade of celebrity cameos from Drew Carey to Veronica Webb, Allen's film is highly entertaining and creates genuine, charming characters worth cheering for.
Original release date: January 28, 2000 (LA/NY)
February 18, 2000 (EXPANDED)
Director Kevin Allen is also an actor- most notably in British comedic television series THE THIN BLUE LINE, and films including TRAINSPOTTING and SPICE WORLD.
Allen has acted in both of the films he has directed. He plays Gareth, Crawford's boyfriend in THE BIG TEASE.
Craig Ferguson (Crawford Mackenzie) is probably best known to American audiences for his role as Nigel Wick in the television series THE DREW CAREY SHOW.
In addition to co-writing and executive producing THE BIG TEASE, Craig Ferguson also co-wrote, co-produced and stars in SAVING GRACE (2000).
DVD Features:
Region 1
Snap Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Letterbox - 1.85
Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Cameo
Bruce Jenner: Decathlete/Actor
Cameo
Cathy Lee Crosby: American TV Personality/Actress
Cameo
David Hasselhoff: Television actor
Cameo
Drew Carey:
Director of Photography
Seamus McGarvey: Director of Photography
Production Designer
Joseph Hodges: SET DESIGNER
Costume Designer
Beth Rogers: Costume Designer
Review 1:
"...[A] funny and engaging mocku-comedy..."
Source: Variety
p.56
Review 2:
"...Some uproarious scenes....[The movie] benefits enormously from the winning lead performance of Craig Ferguson..."
Source: Movieline's Hollywood Life
p.33 02/??/2000
Review 3:
"...THE BIG TEASE is a cheerful and smart mock documentary....Loose and lively, it was exactly tailored to the specifications of star Craig Ferguson..."
Source: Los Angeles Times
p.F22 01/28/2000
Review 4:
"...THE BIG TEASE is a movie with a lot of laughs....Rasche is wonderful in the role..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.29 02/11/2000
Review 5:
"...THE BIG TEASE sustains an antic mood....It's charming..."
Source: New York Times
p.E25 01/28/2000
Review 6:
"...Craig Ferguson springs deft comic surprises....A low-key approach that pays off in wall-to-wall smiles..."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.64 02/17/2000
Review 7:
"...A delicious send-up....[Ferguson's] performance is ebullient and likeable..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.43-4 01/01/2000
Review 8:
"...There's a fair amount to enjoy..."
Source: Total Film
p.97 08/01/2000