I'll Believe You (2007)

Wow, I have been waiting about three and a half years to see this movie. I found its trailer when looking for more movies with Patrick Warburton in a live-action role, and just instantly felt like it'd be a movie I'd really love. Then it took three and a half to four years to come out on DVD (no way was a theater screening happening anywhere I could see it). Anyway here it is. I'll Believe You introduces us to Florida late-night radio DJ Dale Sweeney (David Alan Basche), whose show "Hey, I'll Believe You" explores reports of UFO sightings, Bigfoot, and other paranormal phenomena. Just as he's about to be canceled by station head Mr Fratus (Fred Willard), he receives a mysterious unintelligible call.

Convinced that it's some unknown language possibly related to an alleged crash into the ocean by some shiny vehicle, Dale hunts down his various oddball listeners for some clues. He also enlists the aid of his friends Nick (Patrick Gallo), who recently became a cop, and Paige (CeCe Pleasants), a pragmatic high school science teacher. Certain that it must be an alien stranded on Earth, he's in for a surprise when he finally meets the mystery caller, Dr Seth Douglass (Patrick Warburton).

This movie is oddly paced and not quite as funny as it thinks it is, with some awkward dialogue and so-so acting. But I find this decidedly amateur quality wholly endearing. David Alan Basche is not that good of an actor here, but his enthusiasm bubbles over into every scene and you can't help liking him. CeCe Pleasants' cuteness overshadows her sometimes-uninteresting line delivery. Patrick Warburton is awesome in everything he does all of the time, meaning the second he enters the movie it really becomes much more engaging. I dug the short appearances from Ed Helms, Chris Elliot, Mo Rocca, and Siobhan Fallon, who all seemed to be having a good time.

The story is interesting, and the screenplay noticeably written with passion and a sense of fun. It takes a little while to get going and there are some strange moments in the first third of the movie because (I learned later in the DVD interviews) there was a whole subplot cut out in post-production, leading to some voice-dubbing and choppy transitions. So admittedly, I was a little underwhelmed after waiting so long. But even though there are various dialogue, pacing, and acting issues, I really enjoyed this movie. It has this beautiful naivete that I found irresistible, and which I hope the Sullivan Brothers continue to bring to their films.

3.5/5

"Ode to Star L23"- We Are Scientists