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Posted on Thu, Apr 1, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.

"The Room" a proper April Fool's Day joke and midnight movie fave

By Ann Dwyer

The Cartoon Network ushered in April Fool's Day right at the stroke of midnight by featuring a very un-animated film, "The Room" (2003). Directed, written, produced and starring a stringy-haired Tommy Wiseau, this "joke" of a film is steadily making its presence known across the country as many claim it to be the new "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Ann Arbor is already ahead of the curve.

"The Room," which often takes place in a room but not the room, centers on a couple, Johnny and Lisa, who are to be married in a month. However, Lisa doesn't appreciate Johnny's treating her like a "princess" and begins a relationship with his best friend.

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"You're tearing me apart, Lisa!" A still from "The Room," starring Tommy Wiseau.

Subtextual misogyny? You betcha! But that just makes the movie more fun to watch.

There is so much unintentional humor packed into this film, that it is no surprise that this film is growing as a midnight movie favorite. Some have noted that Wiseau is like an alien trying to interpret human nature. His idea of guys hanging out involves tossing around a football 3 feet from one another and teasing by way of saying "cheep, cheep, cheep" with arms folded like chicken wings.

And the dialogue? Well, here are a few gems: "If you think I'm tired now, wait until you see me tomorrow." "Leave your stupid comments in your pocket!" "Thank you honey, this is a beautiful party! You invited all my friends. Good thinking!"

"The Room" is already a cult favorite in Los Angeles, where people will dress up as their favorite characters and act out scenes in front of the big screen. Ann Arbor joined in on the fun at the State Theatre during the Ann Arbor Film Festival, where attendees were given props such as spoons to throw at the screen. Both showings of the film were sold out, according to Ariel Wan, marketing coordinator at the Michigan Theater.

In fact, the film was so popular, the State Theatre has decided to bring the film back in the late summer or early fall, according to Louis Dickinson, the State Theatre general manager. In the mean time, the State Theatre is planning other midnight movies such as "House," "Robocop," and "Pink Flamingos."

Visit this superfan's article to learn how to be a proper "Roomie" and watch the Filmfail.com viewer guide to "The Room":

Comments

Renee Tellez

Thu, Apr 1, 2010 : 2:27 p.m.

I don't think I could sit through "Pink Flamingos" again. I'm a fan of both John Waters and Divine, but that one infamous scene has been burnt into my brain forever.