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South Park the Movie

I was watching South Park the movie this weekend and I realized how much it fits into the mythological tale format.
After Kenny dies (once again) trying to replicate a scene from a Canadian movie starring Terrence and Philip the boys saw, the citizens of South Park take action and force the government to go to war with Canada. Terrence and Philip are put on trial and are sentenced to death. Meanwhile, while in hell, Kenny uncovers a plot involving Satin and Saddam Hussein who plan to take over the world. Basically, as soon as Terrence and Philip die, Saddam and Satin will be able to leave Hell. When Kenny finds this out, he informs the other three boys about the plot. Also, the parents were concerned with the language the boys were using and Cartman's mom had a "swear chip" installed that gives him an electric shock whenever he swears. The boys embark on an adventure to stop Terrence and Philip from dying. They try to free them during a USO show, but Terrence and Philip are killed regardless, allowing Satin and Saddam to enter into Earth's realm. Meanwhile, Cartman's chip malfunctions, giving him the power to shoot electricity. Satin, who had been confiding in Kenny about Saddam trying to boss him around, gets fed up and kill Saddam. As a thank you to Kenny, he grants him any wish he wants. Kenny wishes for everything to go back to normal. So Satin returns to hell, Kenny goes to heaven, everyone that died is brought back to life, and the boys return to their normal life. The movie had the calling of the hero, the embarking to a distant land (Kenny in hell), an assigned task, encounter with a villan (Saddam), endowed gift (Cartman's chip that malfunctions), punishment of the villian, and survival.

Comments

I think you're right. In fact, is it possible that the movie is deliberately evoking and mocking the traditional "hero's journey" structure?

Good points. That was quite the expose. Your post really got me thinking and examining a whole new world of movies for fairytale elements. You do an excellent job of explaining your reasoning. Thanks!