The Upright Citizens Brigade- ASSSSCAT!

For over 10 years the Upright Citizens Brigade (Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Mat Walsh) have been performing a long-form improv show titled ASSSSCAT. People might recognize the Upright Citizens Brigade from their fantastic sketch comedy show that ran on Comedy Central from 1998 to 2000. Even though the sketch show incorporated scenes from their improv or scenes they may have done at ASSSSCAT, fans of the sketch show should not expect this DVD to be a live version of the sketch show.

For those who have never seen or heard of ASSSSCAT before, it is basically a long form improv show performed live where they (members of the Upright Citizens Brigade joined by fellow improvisers) get a suggestion of a word or phrase from an audience member and the guest monologist will tell a true story based off that suggestion and the improvisers perform scenes inspired from that story. Improvisers joining the Upright Citizens Brigade on this disc are Horatio Sanz (SNL), Andrew Daly (MadTV), Chad Carter (Crossballs), and Sean Conroy (Crossballs). Guest monologists on the featured performance are Thomas Lennon (Reno 911, The State) and Kate Walsh (Grey's Anatomy).

In 2005 an ASSSSCAT performance was filmed for the Bravo network. It aired to mix results, but ultimately wasn't very good despite the immensely talented performers and monologists. The problem is capturing long-form improv on film is trickier than the jokey short-form game-prov people are used to thanks to Who's Line Is It Anyway? There's much more of a payoff with long-form, but it's really best experienced live and never seems to be successfully captured on film. Improv's lure and appeal is that it literally is a "you had to be there" kind of thing. The excitement of knowing it's being made on the spot and will never be seen again makes the live experience all the much more rewarding; it's just something you can't really catch on film. The editing of the performance is what makes it a bit jarring and disconnects it from the live feel for me even more, but by the second act scenes like “The Divorce Party” come close to capturing the feeling and energy of seeing it live.

Those craving more ASSSSCAT performances get a "bonus round" with guest monologists Jen Kirkman and Paul F. Tompkins (both great stand-ups who perform regularly on the UCB LA stage) as well as Will Arnett (Arrested Development and husband of UCB member Amy Poehler) and Ed Helms (The Office, The Daily Show).

Extras include the hilarious "Monologus Interruptus" where an audience member who stumbles on and behind the stage interrupts Paul F. Tompkins' monologue. The way the cast (especially Horatio Sanz) reacts and treats it is well worth the watch.

There's also an interview with the Upright Citizens Brigade where they explain the origin of ASSSSCAT and the differences between the weekly ASSSSCAT performances at their theatres in New York and LA.

For me, the best thing on this DVD is the commentary given by Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh. Improvisers who are fans of ASSSSCAT and UCB will love this commentary, especially those who wish they would have been around when those three still taught courses at the UCB Theatre training center. The points they make about game, heightening, "if this than what else," and "yes and…" are extremely insightful, and it almost feels like you're sitting in on a class with them. Even if you're not an improviser and are just curious about the method behind the madness, the commentary is a good way to have it broken down and a light shined onto the structure and thought process to what is being done on stage.

I probably wouldn't recommend this DVD for those who aren't that familiar with the Upright Citizens Brigade or ASSSSCAT but for those in the know it is definitely worth the watch. Otherwise, regardless of your familiarity, ASSSSCAT! should definitely be experienced live if you ever get the chance. Kudos to Shout Factory for putting this out to the masses.

South Park- Imaginationland

There are two types of South Park watchers: those who watch on a regular basis and still love the show, and those who stopped watching after the third or fourth season. This DVD will appeal to both crowds.

Imaginationland was originally a three-parter from Season 11 that gets the full-length feature treatment in this DVD. Not much is different except for some re-inserted or extended scenes not seen on TV and of course is uncensored (which at times, the beeps are funnier than the actual expletives).

What fans might find appealing about this DVD (other than the awesome story) is the commentary given by creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. Owners of season DVDs know that they usually only give about five minutes worth of commentary for episodes and just leave it at that. On this DVD we get commentary that lasts until about the hour mark. I won't spoil too much for those who want to listen to it, but they give insight how they toyed around with this being the second movie for South Park and how the inspiration for the story arc came from sources like Harry Potter, Narnia, 24, and Battlestar Galactica (they point out the best writing is in TV dramas these days). You'll definitely see the influence in the feature.

The two main storylines revolve around terrorists attacking our imagination and Cartman winning a bet to get Kyle to suck his balls and his quest to make this happen. Stay with me. It sounds pretty absurd and lewd, but South Park seems to be the only show to be able to pull this off (You hear that, Drawn Together?).

One of the most entertaining parts of Imaginationland is picking out the characters in Imaginationland, good and bad. You'll see everyone from Luke Skywalker, Snarf, Gizmo, Strawberry Shortcake, and yes, even Jesus, on the good side while characters like Freddy Krueger, Alien, Predator, and the Cavity Creeps on the bad side. Surely there has to be someone on the Internet who has compiled a full list of the characters shown.

There are characters that show up that the casual South Park watcher may not know, which is why they have also included the episodes “Woodland Critter Christmas” from Season eight and “Manbearpig” from Season 10 to help you understand what they characters mean in the realm of “South Park.” Both episodes are probably the best from those seasons, especially “Manbearpig.”

I'm a fan of South Park and have been watching since its first season, but I have to say that this story arc has been one of the best things to come from the show in quite some time. Definitely worth a rent or buy.

Gone Baby Gone

Let me get one thing out of the way: I do not like Ben Affleck. I think he's an ass and a terrible actor. But, watch me eat my own pride when I write, Ben Affleck is responsible for something I actually enjoyed. *GASP*

Fortunately Affleck is smart enough not to cast himself but to cast his brother, Casey, in the lead. In my opinion, Casey is the more talented of the two. Casey has what Ben doesn't have, likability and charm that doesn't come off as frat-boy smugness. Enough about my Ben-bashing.

Gone Baby Gone centers around Boston-area local detectives, played by Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan, who are hired to investigate a young girl's kidnapping. Along the way they become entangled in a search that is not all what it seems and that ultimately leads to a decision that has to be made either professionally or personally.

It is a damn good movie, but not a great movie. The whole cast is perfect (down to the extras) and the tone and direction is spot on. Then why not “great”? I felt certain parts of the movie dragged and I felt Michelle Monaghan (from the great Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) was underused. Some people complain about the twist ending, but I think it's perfect and really helps nail the tone and theme overall.

“What would I have done?” That's something a lot of people might find themselves asking after watching this film. Is it about morals? Is it about doing the right thing? What is the right thing in the instance of law versus reality or well-being? It is that lingering question that makes the last scene of the film so powerful, and why I have to curse Affleck for making me give credit and praise where it is due.

Extras on the DVD include extended ending, commentary and behind the scenes segment from Ben Affleck. Not really thick with the extra features, but the movie is good enough that you won't mind.

You win this time, Affleck! You win...this time.

Goldfrapp- Seventh Tree

Goldfrapp makes sexy sexy music. If Prince and Goldfrapp decided to collaborate together and decided to have the Sneaker Pimps and Ladytron remix the singles, you could rest assured there would be another baby boom. I will admit, I've had sexy fun times to Goldfrapp's deliciously sultry tunes. However, Goldfrapp's latest effort, Seventh Tree, is a bit of a departure from the sexy dark grooves of Black Cherry and Supernature and more of a return to the softer tones of Felt Mountain (while still incorporating the elements that made Black Cherry and Supernature so great).

Fans of Goldfrapp will not be disappointed, but I will say it is an album that grows on you. You know what you're in for with this album once you get through the first track "Clowns". Part of me was a little disappointed because I was hoping for songs akin to past favorites like "Strict Machine" or "Ride A White Horse", but once I was through with the track "Road to Somewhere", all that disappeared.

Goldfrapp has produced an album of rich laid back tracks sure to please fans for the most part, but may not grab a new audience (unless it gets used for a pivotal scene in Grey's Anatomy or One Tree Hill). I would describe this album as a relaxed Sunday afternoon in the spring, while Black Cherry and Supernature are the raunchy fun times you had on Friday and Saturday night (yes, I used that analogy). The last half of the album does tend to lag for me, but it doesn't affect my overall judgement of the album. The standout tracks are definitely "Happiness","Eat Yourself", "Some People", "A&E" and my personal favorite "Road to Somewhere".

I'm eager to see what the next step will be for Goldfrapp. All I know is they've released 4 great albums, which is very hard to come by these days. Thank you, Goldfrapp. Thank you for the great tunes...and the sexy fun times.

I leave you with a live performance their great cover of Yes, Sir. I Can Boogie (Good God, I love this clip!)


Enjoy.

Teeth

What's a great movie to see with the one you love on Valentines Day? That's right, Teeth! Nothing gets your man in the mood like a movie about vagina dentata, ladies! My girlfriend thought it would be an awesome idea to see this film on Valentines Day, and she was right.

I didn't know what to expect going into this movie. The previews didn't really reveal much and the subject matter is pretty crazy and laughable to begin with, but I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised!

The movie was a lot of fun. There are elements that reminded me of the tone of Napoleon Dynamite (I know, I hate using that comparison because it is a bit lazy), yet reminded me of the cheaper late 70's and early 80's horror films.

I've heard people say this is a morality tale, but I don't see it. I see it more as a "fun" story where dicks get what they deserve (Pun not intended. Ok, maybe it was. I feel cheap). I guess if more time was spent with character development and motives, then there might be a deeper morality tale, but for what it was it just seemed like a strange and funny horror story about these sleazes getting their come uppins!

I highly recommend seeing this in a theatre or with a larger group of friends. Hearing people's reactions to it really made the experience even more enjoyable. I should also note seeing parts of Austin made me a bit homesick for Texas, and could possibly be a small part of why I enjoyed the film. Not as much as seeing Shiner beer waved in front of my face like in Death Proof (Damn you, Tarantino!).

Does vagina dentata, exist? For your sake, stud, let's hope not. But as a subject for a film, it's surprisingly enjoyable!

*CHOMP*

Import Humour Pt.1

I consider myself to be a bit of a comedy nerd. So when I see certain signs of comedic brilliance that go unnoticed, I feel it's my duty to spread the word.
Within the past couple of years I have become acquainted with the "comedy underground" of the UK. I use that term loosely because, well...I'm not close to the UK comedy scene so I couldn't say for sure (my forte is the NY, Chicago and LA underground comedy scene). BUT, what I will present in "Import Humour" is a glimpse into some great comedy that hasn't quite hit on our shores.

First up is JAM.

There are 3 people responsible for me going out of my way to buy a universal DVD player. Those people are Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Chris Morris. Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg are best known for their brilliant work with the films Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, but also responsible for one of the best sitcoms ever made; Spaced. But I'm getting off topic. Spaced will appear in a future Import Humour.

The man I want to bring attention to is twisted and darkly delicious comedic writer, actor and director Chris Morris. Chris has been responsible for some of the most interesting and daring comedy to come out of the UK in recent history. One of his earliest shows, 1994’s The Day Today, was a scathing satire on current news reporting and featured Steve Coogan, who you might recognize from 24 Hour Party People and yes, Night at the Museum. Think The Daily Show but with even more painstaking detail to the ridiculousness and hypocrisy of news broadcasting.

Someone was generous enough to make a montage of some great moments of the show.


Then in 1997 he would take things further with BrassEye. BrassEye is a satire on news special shows (much like the Dateline pieces you see) but amped up to show the ugliness of its ridiculousness. Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg would both either appear or make contributions to this brilliant show. The clip below caused quite a bit of controversy. It deals with pedophilia and is called Paedogeddon! This is part 1:


Now comes the show I really wanted to highlight with this entry...
JAM.

JAM is unlike ANY sketch comedy show you have ever seen. It's extremely dark and stays with you like a bloody car crash you wish you had never seen. I love this show. Curtis Gwinn (of soon to be Adult Swim show Fat Guy Stuck in Internet) introduced me to this show and I couldn't thank him enough. If you took the scripts to a lot of these sketches and just read them, they'd seem, for the most part, like straight forward interesting sketches, but that isn't enough for Mr. Morris.

The best way to describe JAM to people is to say "Imagine if David Lynch, David Cronenberg and Chris Cunningham collaborated on a sketch show. Chris Morris will often set the mood to be dark and unusual, while playing an eerie atmospheric/ambient soundtrack behind the scene (provided by Brian Eno, The Third Eye Foundation, Massive Attack and Aphex Twin to name a few) and also slowing down the speed of the film for effect.

It's the most interesting work I have ever seen done with sketch comedy. I adore dark humor and really appreciate it, but even some of JAM was a bit much for me. But the thing about JAM is that it stays with you. It has this unusual and unsettling effect that stays with you that will either really make you admire the show or absolutely hate it.

Some of my favorite sketches from this show were taken down from YouTube. One of my favorite being a man who has his funeral early in the prime of his life. But here are a few to get the gist of what JAM is like.












The show only had a 6 episode run, but can be found on amazon.co.uk for purchase.

More recently Chris did a show called Nathan Barley, where he once again utilizes his keen sense of satire and targets youth culture in the UK and their style of "news" and entertainment in the blogosphere.

Here is part 1 of Episode 1


It is said that Chris is working on a new short film for the BBC satirizing terrorism. Based on his past work, we can rest assured it will push some buttons. Hopefully Chris Morris will continue to treat us with his unique and fantastic vision and hopefully one day get the recognition he deserves.

No Country For Old Men

I saw No Country For Old Men tonight, and I have a few things to say.

I had no idea Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman were in this movie. And the Coen Brothers directed this? Really? A movie about two old dudes who have a list to finish before they die?
What? I walked into the wrong theater?!!! GOOOOOOOOP!

But seriously,
I loved this film.

I know a lot of people hated the ending and may not understand it (I'll admit, I don't understand it 100% quite yet, but I don't think that was the intention), but I have to say my only problem was a personal one. I hate seeing pets killed in movies. I know, I'm a softie, I just don't like it.

Also, I was surrounded by a bunch of dumbasses who were only there to see it since it got nominated for an Oscar and wanted to see what the fuss was about.

Look, that's fine, and I understand it, but if you're chatting beforehand about how you're probably going to see Meet The Spartans this weekend and start quoting lines from the previews, chances are you don't belong in a theater with this film playing.

I don't need to hear "What?! Oh my god! That's fucking retarded!" when the credits roll, nor do I need to hear your annoying ass gum chewing/popping during scenes where YOUR ASS SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION!

Did it ruin the movie or take me out of it? Hell no!

Some might say Hannibal Lecter is cinema's finest portrayal of evil in human form. Eff that! That guy's Rip Taylor in a Racecar bed of stuffed baby bunnies!
THIS is the new King


Is my review too glowing? Are you screaming "plant"! Maybe you're saying I should go work for Radio Disney, reviewing movies and applying baby oil to Ryan Seacrest's thighs (really? That's the best I could come up with?! Lazy and lame!)

Look! I can't help that I enjoyed this movie as much as I did.

Plus, being a Texan, I kind of had a soft spot for the film (I know it sounds weird to say that with a film like this).

Anyway, yet another movie that lived up to the hype.

Next up...
There Will Be Blood.