When Borat became a commercial success and cultural phenomenon, it was inevitable that a series of imitations would follow. Greg & Gentillon – a Canadian production that teeters between mockumentary and documentary – was technically made in 2004-2005, but as a result of being released after Sacha Baron Cohen's comic odyssey, is bound to suffer from the comparison.

The film stars Thomas Michael and Louis Durand as the titular comedy duo from a small town in Quebec who try their quaint rural comedy in the big clubs of Toronto. The concept is based on a stage act the pair used to perform in character, and pieces of these performances that show up in Greg & Gentillon are more successful than the movie itself. What's clever on stage for a 10-minute set is not substantial enough to support a 90-minute plot, making the production reminiscent of a failed SNL vehicle. As if to emphasize the dearth of comedic ideas, the story ties up with a serious third act.

Director Matthiew Klinck attempts to enliven the production by playing the title characters' off of real Torontonians at actual open mics. Yet Greg and Gentillon are too nice and well meaning to draw any significant reaction out of their unsuspecting victims.