If you've got it, flaunt it. Or in the case of Scottish hairdresser Crawford Mackenzie, snip, curl, tint, shape and blow-dry it. Mackenzie's come from Glasgow to Los Angeles - with a documentary filmmaker in tow recording ... more »his journey - to compete in a stylist's competition for the prestigious Platinum Scissors Award. But the best-laid schemes of mousse and men go wrong: Mackenzie's invitation to the event is in error. The Big Tease is big fun, a fish-out-of-water tale teeming with charm and a hilariously satiric view of life in L.A. Craig Ferguson (The Drew Carey Show) heads a vibrant cast as Mackenzie, the licensed-to-style hero determined to enter the contest and create a hairdo to claim those coveted shears. It's a case of 'do. Or dye.« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 12/18/2022...
Definitely a satire on both documentaries and hairdressers.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Marg F. (Frank) Reviewed on 5/17/2011...
This is one of my favorite movies! One can't watch this and not feel better for it. A fine story where the little guy ("the big Scottish mouse") takes on the big guys and wins. But this one is really funny, too.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Damian M. (ratchet) Reviewed on 3/11/2009...
Exactly not how to do a mockumentary. Just proves how hard it really is to perfect that style. A Scottish hair dresser is invited to a "hair-off" in LA as a guest, but he thinks he is to perform. No hilarity ensues, but a bunch of gayness does.
1 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
QUEEN OF SCOTS...
Lawyeraau | Balmoral Castle | 09/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This creative film within a film, a mock documentary, is simply delightful. Funny and original, it is a biting satire on the Beverly Hills/Hollywood power circuit. In the process, it tells the wonderful story of Crawford MacKenzie, a popular and talented gay hairdresser from Glasgow, Scotland, who believes himself to be invited to represent Scotland in a prestigious hairdressing competition, the Platinum Scissors, to be held in Los Angeles, California. When he arrives, complete with a BBC film crew filming his every move as part of a feature documentary they are making of Crawford's participation in the competition, Crawford discovers that he misread the letter. He is strictly to be a member of the audience and is told so in no uncertain terms by the patronizing director of the competition, who has sized up Crawford as a nobody.This does not deter Crawford from trying to be allowed to compete, as he definitely is not the kind of person who takes no for an answer. Crawford, charmingly played by the ever talented Craig Ferguson, pulls every trick in the book and ingratiates himself with Sean Connery's publicist, wonderfully played by Frances Fisher, who manages to open some doors for him. Along the way, he is snubbed by some Beverly Hills/Hollywood power types, including one of the competitors, an obnoxious Norwegian named Stig, who was the prior year's Platinum Scissors champion, played to perfection by David Rashe.Still, the ever nice Crawford remains undaunted, and what he does to get into the competition is funny, especially when he starts fighting fire with fire. In a short time, Crawford becomes a force with whom to be reckoned, and he finally gets his dearest wish and is allowed to compete. The competition itself is hysterical and will amaze and delight the viewer. This little known film is an absolute gem. Craig Ferguson's performance makes the character of Crawford MacKenzie totally endearing, and the supporting cast is, likewise, terrific. There are also a number of marvelous cameos, including Drew Carey playing himself. All in all, a bloody good show!"
HAIR RAISING FUN
Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 01/27/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"THE BIG TEASE is the second movie I've seen in the past year about a hairdressing competition. The other is the likewise little known BLOW DRY. BLOW DRY is a little more accessible as it has a more in depth plot line and characters. However, THE BIG TEASE is a "mockumentary" with soul and a droll sense of humor. Craig Ferguson marvelously plays stylist Crawford Mackenzie, a Scotsman who mistakes a form letter for an invitation to participate in the annual Platinum Scissors award competition in Los Angeles. Once there, he finds out he's only invited to be in the audience, and the competition's officious chairperson (a delightful Mary McCormack) refuses to let him enter. Mackenzie stumbles onto Sean Connery's agent, played very nicely by Frances Fisher, and one thing leads to another and kaboom, Mackenzie finds an ally. The supporting cast is top notch: Donal Logue as the wannabe actor with his own limousine; David Rasche (Sledgehammer) as the Norwegian three time champion; Ted McGinley (underused) as Rasche's buddy; and some nice cameos from David Hasselhoff and Drew Carey. The outcome is predictable but the movie has such a nice low key approach to its subject matter, it's delightful. The final four hairstyles are priceless, too! A charming film that entertains in an entirely different way."
Watch this movie!
M. Kelly | Indiana | 02/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved this film. It has a few quirky moments but that's a part of its appeal. Craig Ferguson is absolutely charming, and it's a film that really becomes more endearing with each viewing."
Glasgow hairdresser falls in love with LA
alison spillers | portland, oregon United States | 12/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film is razor-sharp portrayal of glitzy soulless Beverly Hills in the style of a spoof documentary. The plot itself is just about as ridiculous as Beverly Hills can get. Crawford McKenzie is a good-humored gay hairdresser from Scotland who is led to believe he has been invited to participate in THE most prestigious hair design show in LA. When he finds out that he was only invited as part of the audience his illusions are shattered. Our talented hero comes from a place where he believes "helping and healing" are all part of the trade. He is outraged to find that the hairdressing trade in LA just doesn't care. Old world meets new world in a hilarious farce on the theme of lies, power, corruption and coloring gel. If you happen to be Scottish, and have spent anytime in Southern California then this film is a must see. Likewise, if you happen to live in America and have spent any time in Glasgow then this movie is likely to have you thinking about revisiting. I certainly am!"
Delightfully entertaining!
Lark Howard | Houston, Texas United States | 09/22/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Movie snobs don't bother--you have way too many rules for this fun little movie. I picked up The Big Tease never having heard of it so I was a bit confused at first by the documentary style. Luckily my husband (a major Drew Carey fan) recognized Craig Ferguson and I stopped trying to figure out what was happening and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The character Crawford Mackenzie is so likeable that the convoluted plot is irrelevant. There is something fresh and fun about the flick that elevates it above the slapstick and predictable laughs that plague many more commercial movies."