What Planet Are You From?

This past week we lost a true comedy legend, Garry Shandling. Shandling really made a name for himself on the small screen, but never truly made that transition from tv to film. He had a lot of costarring roles and bit parts. In 2000, he attempted a leading man role in What Planet Are You From?.

Shandling plays Harold, an alien from a planet that is occupied by super intelligent males. His leader, Ben Kingsley, has given him an assignment. He must travel to Earth, impregnant a woman, and bring the offspring back with him. Seems simple enough, but Harold's understanding of women is a very outdated, 50's style way of thinking. He also doesn't have genitalia, just a attached penis that acts like a vibrator when he gets aroused.

Harold meets recovering alcoholic Susan, Annette Bening. She falls for him but won't go all the way until they are married. Harold has no idea what marriage is and agrees to it. He quickly finds out that marriage is a lot tougher than he thinks. And that he knows nothing of the fairer sex.

This a cute and funny little movie. Shandling, who also cowrote the screenplay, is quite good in the lead. He is aided by a great supporting cast that includes John Goodman, Greg Kinnear, and Linda Fiorentino. It was directed by the legendary Mike Nichols.

Here's the thing about this movie. It is good, but with all of the talent involved, I think I was wxpecting something bigger. It's a funny little movie, but don't go into it with high expectations.

It's available on dvd.