"Wet Hot American Summer," a comedy that initially struggled with critics upon its 2001 release, is marking its 25th anniversary with special screenings. Director and co-writer David Wain, alongside several of the film's stars, recently performed film critic Roger Ebert's original scathing review, written in song form, for thousands at the Autry Museum in Los Angeles. This performance preceded an anniversary screening of the movie.
Ebert's 2001 review, which began "Hello muddah, hello fadduh / Here I am at Wet Hot American Summah," mocked the film in rhyme. Many critics at the time reportedly found the comedy baffling. However, Wain noted that the film's "slow-burn" appreciation grew over time, with viewers developing a "sense of ownership" over the movie.
The film, which follows the absurd adventures of camp counselors on their final day in 1981, has since become a cult classic. Its enduring popularity has led to two Netflix series, inclusion on lists of the best films of the century, and its return to cinemas this month for its 25th anniversary.