"Manitu's Canoe" - A cinematic offering designed for amusement enthusiasts
In the world of comedic Western parodies, Michael "Bully" Herbig's "The Canoe of Manitu" is set to make a splash, following in the footsteps of its successful predecessor, "The Boot of Manitu" from 2001. The sequel, which celebrated its world premiere in Munich, promises a mix of humour, dance numbers, and historical elements.
The plot revolves around Abahachi (played by Herbig himself) and his Bavarian blood brother Ranger (Christian Tramitz), who find themselves wrongly accused of murder. Facing a death sentence, they are about to be hanged, but this is all part of a cunning plan orchestrated by a villainous boss (Jessica Schwarz) and her gang, who seek the legendary canoe of the Manitu.
Meanwhile, Dimitri (Rick Kavanian), a Greek tavern owner who has expanded his business in the sequel, learns of the impending execution and sets out on his stubborn donkey Apollo 14 to save his friends at the last moment.
The film features real Apaches speaking their language in the finale and includes several film quotes, such as those from Westerns based on Karl May's novels and the adventure series "Indiana Jones." Louis de Funès' works are also referenced.
Stefan Raab and Herbig contribute songs to the film, with Winnetouch (Herbig) now running a dance and fencing school in the movie. Alan Tafoya, a Jicarilla Apache, is specially flown in from New Mexico for "The Canoe of Manitu."
The cast includes Jessica Schwarz, Friedrich Mücke, Jasmin Schwiers, and comedian Tutty Tran, with Sky du Mont, who plays the main villain, Santa Maria, announcing that "The Canoe of Manitu" would be his last film shoot.
Santa Maria meets a miraculous resurrection from the swamp in which he sank at the end of "The Boot of Manitu," and there is a surprise appearance in the film. Around 3,000 guests attended the premiere, and after the event, Sky du Mont's farewell was emotional, with Herbig shedding tears.
"The Canoe of Manitu" continues the comedic Western parody style, but it reportedly lacks the original's impact and is more subdued in humor. The soundtrack was composed by Ralf Wengenmayr, who also scored the original film. The film will be in cinemas on Thursday.
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