Big Tease, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -2

Scottish hairstylist Crawford Mackenzie (Craig Ferguson) is invited to the World Freestyle Hairdressing Championship in Los Angeles, where the most talented and famous hairstylists vie for the Platinum Scissors Award. Competitors include three-time world champion and stylist to the stars, Stig Ludwigssen (David Rasche). However, Crawford is only invited to observe, not compete. But for his few days in L.A., Crawford meets new people and tries to overcome the obstacles to competing in the tournament. First and foremost of these obstacles is Monique (Mary McCormack), the executive running the tournament. During Crawfords trip, an English documentary crew follows him to record his every move at the tournament. The story is mostly told through Crawfords interaction with the film makers. THE BIG TEASE is a mildly amusing comedy with a likeable character in Crawford. However, for a supposed comedy there are very few laughs to be had. Its lack of publicity and general mediocrity indicate a quick release to the video stores.

Since Crawford is portrayed as homosexual, the entire movie is filled with situations and dialogue involving homosexual behavior. This might lead some to believe that the film is largely a promotion for homosexual conduct. However, the film does not attempt to promote homosexuality as much as it uses the angle for comedic purposes. But humor often makes unacceptable behavior, such as graphic violence, more tolerable. In several scenes, images of Crawfords life in Scotland include his boyfriend as they are seen together in different situations. In a more comedic scene, Crawford drags the rather stuffy, heterosexual documentarian to a gay nightclub. He provides a few laughs as he tries to act naturally in the alien environment. While in the club, one man wears western chaps that reveal partial rear nudity. Crawford also displays rear nudity during a massage. Nudity, homosexual content, several sexual references and comments go along with 7 obscenities and 3 regular profanities to make THE BIG TEASE a big loser from our viewpoint.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Warner Brothers, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522