Luke (Dustin Milligan) is selling up to move to Ottawa for his dream job, but his plans are derailed when his wayward older brother, Danny (Simon Rex), shows up. Danny has been living off-grid, entrenched in conspiracy theories, and claims to have stolen an object of great importance to the future of mankind. In disbelief but loyal to his sibling, Luke sets off on a (mis)adventure that opens his eyes to what’s really going on in the world.
Taking the premise of outlandish conspiracies (something that’s as familiar as ever in these crazy times), the debut for writer-director Michael Kvamme (aka Mikey K) is a riotous absurdist comedy that rarely stops for breath. The likeable pairing of Milligan and Rex guides us through the increasingly bizarre situations. There are also characters such as Tony Cavalero’s weapons supplier Klyle – yes, with the extra ‘L’ – and ‘badger’ Allison (Brenda Song) to aid Danny along the way, but there’s genuine danger as they are pursued by members of a secret organisation led by celebrities and founded by aliens. The only neutral place is the diner chain ‘Taco Gary’s’.
Mikey K has a deft sense of ridiculousness; there are running gags, a brilliant chase sequence incorporating some eye-wateringly painful ankle twists, and a ludicrous amount of ketamine and cocaine. Add Jason Biggs playing himself, and Doug Jones as an ethereal alien with two appendages, and you have a constantly unpredictable ride. Zoran Popovic’s frantic cinematography adds plenty of anxiety to the various hairy situations.
While Operation Taco Gary’s revels in its zaniness, its heart’s in the right place. There are real consequences, however, making for some poignant scenes later on. Although it’s likely to go under the radar of the mainstream, it’s the sort of movie we definitely recommend seeking out.
OPERATION TACO GARY’S is out now in US cinemas.
