Meet Wally Sparks

When I was growing up, I used to like Rodney Dangerfield when he would appear on shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show"; of course, my grandparents (with whom I lived) hated him. Later, when he showed up on "The Dean Martin Show" fairly often, I still liked him. And there were a few pretty good and funny movies he made (e.g., "Easy Money"). But when we get to "Meet Wally Sparks"...well, I'd say it was a total waste of celluloid, but of course they don't make film on celluloid nowadays. So I'll summarize by saying it is one of the DUMBEST movies I should have never watched, First, sorry to say, but Rodney was so old when this film was made that he couldn't really walk or move right. Time to retire. Second, scene after scene is nothing more than a litany of vulgar jokes that are totally low class. Third, the story, which had some potential, was handled so poorly that it ruined it. It's as if the producer and director said, "Just keep filling up the script with vulgar jokes and scenes. Wde'll make money off the raunch crowd." Finally, shame on Debi Mazar, Burt Reynolds, David Ogden Stiers, and Cindy Williams for appearing in such a really dumb movie. I suppose ultra hardcore fans of Dangerfield will like this, but my advice is don't waste your time.

This is the first (that I recall)Rodney Dangerfield movie. I just commented on Lady Bugs about not liking him so I skip that part. The overall movie is better then Ladybugs. There are some *big* names in this movie. Like a Burt "B.L" Reynolds plays Rodney boss. I'm not saying it was a good role but hey Burt has to pay the bills. More exicted are two Disney stars namely, David "Cogsworth" Ogden Stiers best known role is the clock from 1991's and soon on DVD Beauty and the Beast recently credited with the voice of Dr. Jumba in Lilo & Stich. David plays the Gov. Floyd Preston the guy Rodney has to dig some dirt on. Floyd can't seem to get along with his son also a semi-plot in Meet Wally Sparks. And there is Gilbert "Iago" Gottfried known as the loudmounted parrot from Aladdin. He sets down a much smaller role as Mr. Harry Karp. Camoes of Jerry Springer and Tim Allen are two of the many cameos in this movie. This movie makes some good time killing but not worth to rent or buy on DVD/VHS unless of course you're a fan of the kind of humor Rodney Dangerfield throws around.

When i first saw this movie at the theater, i didnt care for it. but after i saw it on video it seemed funnier to me, and i realized its got its moments. Rodney is always a barrel of laughs, no matter what the critics say.

Maltin says all that needs be said about this dog. I am a Dangerfield fan, but can find nothing to recommend in this sophomoric effort.

Rodney Dangerfield stars as a rude and crude talk-show host ala Jerry Springer in this stupid waste. He gets involved with trying to uncover a sex scandal at the governor's mansion. A really bad film that relies solely on crazed sexual humor and perverted situations to entertain its audience. It may amuse some, but not me. It is a sin to be wasteful. 2 stars out of 5.

This film was good fun, and Rodney as always stole the show. Unfortunately, with the jokes it seemed when it rained it poured, though when it didn't, there was a drought. Some of the film - the beggining few scenes, the shows all through the film & some various little bits like the wedding were great & really funny, mainly thanks to Rodney, but it seemed they just didn't think when they cast of something 'cause some of the actors JUST DIDN'T suit their roles. Burt Reynolds must have done this to stay out of the red 'cause the role REALLY wasn't him & the stooge guy who worked for him also was terrible in his part. I was cringing through some of their scenes. This film has enough funny scenes in it to last on you, & a couple of great scenes which remind you why Rodney Dangerfield is your favourite comedien - In particular 'but wait... there's even more!' Unfortunately, it just doesn't quite gel. You need a couple of beers with it, & then it's just great :)

I never thought "Meet Wally Sparks" would turn out to be this good of a film. I didn't seem interested at all when it came out in theaters or on video. But one day when I got bored and decided to turn on the tv, there it was on PAY-PER-VIEW. I chose to watch it, since I have nothing better to do, and got so attached. It was one laughing good film!!! When Wally Sparks (Rodney Dangerfield) begins receiving complaints from the FCC and millions of other people because of the antics he performs on his access show, the network president (Burt Reynolds) gives him one last chance to shape up or else the show would be cancelled. With that chance, Wally decides to do an interview with the Governor of Georgia so people will think he is more conservative and to promote his "new" Wally Sparks Show. With the help of his tv producer (Debi Mazar), Wally ends up at a political party held at the Governor's mansion where he uncovers a scandal that is going on. A great comedy, packed with tons of laughs and cameo appearences. That's why I give "Meet Wally Sparks" an 8 out of 10 stars.

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield took on the topic of shock TV in Meet Wally Sparks. A few sparks a generated, but it helps if you have an appreciation for the Police Academy films to enjoy this film. Which I do somewhat. Meet Wally Sparks also borrows liberally from the plot of The Man Who Came To Dinner. In this case Dangerfield in the title role becomes the man who stayed at the governor's mansion. Georgia Governor David Ogden Stiers who slips as neatly into a southern accent as he did a Boston one as Charles Emerson Winchester in MASH is advised that he can score a few cheap political points as a 'family values' candidate by attacking the outrageous talk show host Wally Sparks. Which gets a response from Sparks for Stiers to guest on his show and explain his objections. Then Stiers's son Glenn Walker Harris, Jr. steals an invite to a campaign fundraiser and sends it to Dangerfield who then comes down to Atlanta and promptly injures himself, necessitating he not be moved from there. After The Man Who Came To Dinner, the film then digresses into a pale imitation of The Fortune Cookie as it turns out Dangerfield isn't half as hurt as he makes out. All that was missing was Walter Matthau threatening to sue to the state of Georgia. Talk about deep pockets. The humor is pretty crude, not unlike what you see on these shows. But it's actually done with a gentle hand. There were some lost opportunities in this film to make some valid points. As did those two other far better satirical films which Meet Wally Sparks liberally borrowed from. Still fans of the late Rodney Dangerfeld will respect the film and will some others, just not enough.

I am a huge fan of Rodney and thought this movie was hysterically funny!!! Trust me anyone who enjoys Rodney Dangerfield humour will LOVE this flick!!! If you didn't like it the first time (and you are a Rodney fan), Trust me watch it again, it's even better the 2nd time around!!! His one-liners were originally crude & FUNNY!!! Quote: I am here to spread Joy, if I can find her? Many many cameo appearances from celebrities and movie stars (from Michal Bolton to Bert Reynolds to * king Ron Jeremy) adds to this enjoyable flick! Definitely recommend for all Rodney fans!!!

I first saw MEET WALLY SPARKS on the usa network late one night and I have to say that MEET WALLY SPARKS is Rodney Dangerfield's best movie. Unlike most of his other movies where there are only a few funny bits, MEET WALLY SPARKS is funny throughout the whole movie. Pretty much every single one of the jokes are about sex-related material which isn't a complaint, just a statement. I really think that Rodney Dangerfield and Peter Basil did wrte a great script and a very funny movie. Director Peter Baldwin did a good job too for his first movie [he's directed several television shows]. If you like Rodney Dangerfield, you'll love MEET WALLY SPARKS.