I've always hated that scene. It's a dud within an otherwise really funny movie. I mean, the joke lasts like five minutes, even though it ceased to be funny after about 15 seconds. They just overcook it to death!
It works for me, but I can see why you think it doesn't. There are a couple of moments during the bit where you think it HAS to end, they have taken it as far as they can. But they keep on and push through several logical stopping points, toying with the expectations of the viewer accustomed to more standard comedy fare. In the end they take it to such lengths that they have somehow come full circle from funny to annoying and back to funny.
"I don't want any Commies in my car. No Christians, either."
“But they keep on and push through several logical stopping points, toying with the expectations of the viewer accustomed to more standard comedy fare. In the end they take it to such lengths that they have somehow come full circle from funny to annoying and back to funny.”
Nope. It's extremely funny. Partly BECAUSE it's beating the joke into the ground. Never seen a comic bit more effective at making you think it's over...AAAAANNNNND then it starts up again.
I actually did a variation of it a few times with a friend at parties. People loved it every time.
It wasn't long enough. I would've watched 20 minutes of that and been thoroughly entertained.
To me, that's the best joke in the whole movie, it's so absurd and .. 'desperate'? for the lack of a better terminology, it's a miracle that the guards EVER get it.. that it's just incredibly hilarious.