ear-a-go-go Review of Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses

Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses (1994)

Thank You Thank You Very Many

[8/10 · 23 September 2005]

I had waited for YEARS to see the sequel to Leningrad Cowboys Go America and I think it was worth the wait. When I watch the first film I tend to watch it on my own, mainly because the humour is so subtle, so slight, so strangely European that it often doesn't translate to a film you could have your pals come over and watch over beer and pizza. I find both films absolutely hilarious and compelling, but it's a style of humour where you don't really laugh out loud, it's like you are laughing inside your head. Go America chronicles their road trip to America and is in many ways more straight forward. They learn to play rock and roll music in order to get money (all of which their manager takes) and they end up in Mexico. The Meet Moses is much more bizarre.Their manager returns claiming to be Moses and insisting they have to go back to Europe, but not before he has stolen the nose of the Statue Of Liberty. All manner of people are trying to get the nose back. Their journey leads them through many strange situations, many of which are never explained and that's part of the beauty of this film makers style. You are often left confused, or frustrated and that's just fine. I was delighted that one time member of UK punk band The Members, Nicky Tesco, reprises his role as American Cousin, as his appearance in the first one was a huge unexpected bonus for me. Both these movies are well worth the investigation if you can find them, and if you ever get to see The Leneigrad Cowboys play live - you should absolutely do it- they are astounding!