A few years ago, virtual unknowns Matt Stone and Trey Parker unveiled a short cartoon called The Spirit of Christmas at the Sundance Film Festival. It instantly became a festival favorite and caused bidding wars between television networks wanting the rights for a weekly series. Ultimately, Comedy Central won the war and saw big ratings from a show that soon became infamous for pushing the envelope. Recently, South Park has suffered in the ratings, but if this big screen version is any indication, it may find itself rejuvenated.

Bigger, Longer & Uncut takes comical stabs at race, religion, sexual orientation, censorship, and whatever else finds its way into Stone and ParkerÕs crosshairs. But much to my surprise, South Park is an outlandish riot that had me laughing from one scene to the next. I needn't mention this, but I will anyway--Do not take the kids or anyone that will be easily offended! This film breaks records in the naughty words and adult subject matter department.

Foul language and potty humor aside, this film manages to be a savage satire on censorship and an engaging comedy at the same time. It's also quite consistent, with the exception of a bizarre love affair between Satan and Saddam Hussein. It should also be noted that the film contains some truly inspired musical numbers created by Parker and composer Marc Shaiman.

Parker and Stone's main goal with their television series has always been to offend; but, and some will surely disagree with me, it's always in good fun--if you don't take it seriously. Plus, this effort works much better than last years Orgazmo.

With its nifty musical numbers, vulgar humor, and no-holds-barred comedy, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut is one of the summers biggest surprises. It's one great big inside joke and Parker and Stone are laughing all the way to the bank.