comedy

Movie Review - 'Captain Underpants' Overflows with Potty Humor, Delighting Kids and Ignoring Adults

captain underpants When I was in third grade, I really wanted to see the movie Blank Check. My parents, on the other hand, weren’t so thrilled. Eventually, I convinced them to rent it for me and I loved it. As expected, they didn’t. Honestly, in my childhood mind, I didn’t understand why. But then I re-watched it this year and it all made total sense. Blank Check is geared entirely to kids in every way imaginable with no logical reasoning built into the story whatsoever. And who remembers Blank Check? No one. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie ultimately makes the same mistake...

Filmed in Minnesota, 'Wilson' Premieres to Excited, Packed Theater

The line to see the Minnesota-based film Wilson grew quickly at the Showplace Icon Theater at the West End in St. Louis Park, hosted by the Twin Cities Film Festival. The excitement was palpable. It’s been some time since a major studio out of Hollywood set up shop to film an entire movie in the Twin Cities. Local actors and crew were excited to see their work on the big screen. According to director Craig Johnson, the film was originally planned to be shot in Oakland, but that location was “cost prohibitive." However, With the help of the “Snowbate” by the Minnesota Film Commission, a reimbursement program...

Movie Review - 'Table 19' is a Great Idea, But Never Lands

Unless you’re one of the lucky few who gets to parade around in the bride and groom inner circle, weddings are atrocious affairs, filled with sitting, waiting and talking with strangers you’d more than likely avoid in everyday life. And, much like the seven circles of hell, the further you get away from the wedding party, the more the torment increases until you’re just not sure why you showed up in the first place. This is the genius behind the idea of Table 19, a quirky and awkward indie-wannabe comedy starring Anna Kendrick. Unfortunately, any initial greatness the idea possessed dies upon implementation and is tossed in its own leper colony...

Movie Review -- 'Inherent Vice' Lacking in Substance... But Not Substances

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Inherent Vice is the newest film of the eclectic Paul Thomas Anderson's writer/director career. Based on the book bearing the same name (by Thomas Pynchon) the work straddles many genres: having a pastiche of detective, satirical, romantic, comedic and magical realism elements (in truth I wouldn't know where to classify the film on Netflix). In it Joaquin Phoenix takes on the role of Larry "Doc" Sportello, a drug-loving "hippie" personal investigator, who tries to get to the bottom of a number of mysteries in 1970 Los Angeles.
Perplexing

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'The Judge' Offers a Hung Jury

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I'll begin my assessment by reassuring those who are excited to see The Judge: this is a satisfying movie. If idyllic Americana visuals, gravy-thick themes and archetypal yet well-developed characters engage your interest, then go ahead, see this film. My criticisms, which are many, nearly all fall under cosmetic categories. The flaws won't jump through the screen, unless you have a particular dislike for court dramas.
Cinematography Prevails!
Although acting nearly took the blue ribbon, The Judge is too loaded with perfectly...

Nick Swardson Returns to MN on 'Taste It' Comedy Tour

nickswardsonmonday We Minnesotans love to embellish our notoriety by reminding out-of-towners of our beloved celebrities. We'll say, "We gave you Prince, and Bob Dylan," and to the right crowd, we might even add, "... and Nick Swardson." Our beloved white-boy comedian sure has his own style. He gives us uncensored and sometimes taboo topics right off the bat without a warning to duck and cover. His comedic topics break the ice by giving a climax before the foreplay. But that is just one part of his style that draws in his fans. Swardson's career started when at 18-years-old he pursued his improv and comedy routines at local theatre ...

'The Fluffy Movie' Opens This Friday — Our Interview with Gabriel Iglesias

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Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias has taken the comedy world by storm over the last several years, and it's likely he's made you laugh out loud at some point along the way. You may have seen him as one of the most memorable contestants on NBC's Last Comic Standing back in 2006. Or, perhaps more recently in 2011 as the creator, writer and executive producer of Comedy Central's Stand Up Revolution. In fact, Fluffy has done several stand up comedy specials that have aired on Comedy Central. He's also...

Local Amateur Comedians Perform Free on Mondays at 'Acme Comedy Company'

Acmeco Last week I had the pleasure of attending a show at the Acme Comedy Company. It's located in downtown Minneapolis on First Street, but just far enough on the outskirts to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. But if you're looking for a quiet time then look somewhere else. The show will be filled with a constant flow of laughter from the audience matched with high spirited energy. Monday night shows are always free. Although the doors open at 7:30 pm, I was sure to get there a little over 30 minutes early to be sure to save a spot in line. The club quickly filled up before the show and I wouldn't be surprised if some people were turned away from lack of space. While waiting to get into the club I was able to grab a bite and drink from Sticks, the restaurant hosting the comedy....