Harmontown Review: Endearing

“Community” has been one of the most talked about television series in the last couple of years, not because of ratings, but its ability to stick around despite its low ratings.

It may not be lighting up the Nielsen ratings, however, the fans of the series continue to support the show—their loyalty spawns from the likeability and audience’s ability to identify with their flaws—the same applies to their loyalty to the show’s creator, Dan Harmon.

“Harmontown,” a documentary following Harmon on a tour of his podcast of the same name, displays just why Harmon has such a passionate fan base. An incredibly raw look at a man who yearns to connect with those who look at him as their hero through his therapeutic podcast that has allowed him to use it as a beacon of hope for his fans and a form of therapy for himself.

The heartfelt and revealing documentary starts out at the end of the journey, with Harmon asking himself “What have I learned?,” A question that propels the entire film, a man who has accumulated a cult following must learn what does it all mean. A valid question after being fired from the show he created, but that does not stop Harmon along with his girlfriend Erin McGathy, his co-host Jeff B. Davis (“Whose Line is it Anyway?”) and the podcasts Dungeon Master Spencer Crittenden, from traveling and interacting with Harmonites who have a unique connection to “Community” and the “Harmontown” podcast.

The beauty of the “Harmontown” documentary lies in exactly what has made the podcast successful—it allows people to find solace in what they believe makes them outcasts and alone. This and the brutally honest look at who Harmon is elevate the documentary from a celebration of the creator of “Community” to a celebration of those who feel separated from the rest of the world.

The film features interviews with stars and collaborators Ben Stiller, Joel McHale, Jack Black, Sarah Silverman and many more who can attest to the genius of Dan Harmon—but the real star of the show is Crittenden.

Crittenden, a fan that once showed up to a “Harmontown” show hoping to play Dungeons & Dragons with Harmon on stage was plucked from obscurity and is now an anchor for the show. His journey shows just how Harmon’s connection with fans is more than just a man signing autographs, but someone who wants to help as many people as he can.

Shot with many different cameras including a VHS camera, director Neil Berkley gives the film a touch of sincerity as we delve into the brain of Harmon. Berkley must also be credited for not holding back by including scenes of Harmon getting blackout drunk on stage, talking about his own demons, failing to meet network deadlines and not shying away from important junctures of his life like getting fired from “The Sarah Silverman Show.” It

All in all, “Harmontown” is not just a great documentary for “Community” fans but anyone who has ever felt alone because of their own inner demons. With “Harmontown,” Harmon reaches out to the audience and says, “I am alone too, lets all be alone together.” The film is sure to make a Harmonite out of anybody.