Is this thing on?
Howdy Inter-Webbers, I’m Matt Cohen. And I dig comedy. Always have. From the earliest age, comedy has been a major part of my life. I grew up on the likes of Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld, Simspons and South Park, Monty Python and Mr. Show. When other kids my age were watching He Man and G.I Joe, I was watching the Marx Brothers and Woody Allen movies. Its no surprise that I turned out to be the comedy fan I am today, or that I have in my own life attempted to create worthwhile comedy, be it with sketches Ive written and shot, or Improv I’ve (attempted, miserably) performed. With this background in all things funny,I hope to be able to provide to you a look into the world of Comedy, all the people, places and things that make the scene what it is today. Hope you like. And if not, I can hold a grudge.
Small Screen
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Human Giant: The title refers to Michael Clarke Duncan, and you should expect a Green Mile sized belly full of laughs (I couldn’t help myself.). Aziz Ansari, Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel (Upright Citizens Brigade alumni) are the stars of one of the most bizarre, subversive and hilarious sketch comedy shows in a long time. Maybe not even since the days of The State, which also aired on MTV, have television audiences received such a fresh and unique take on what is historically a pretty sub standard genre. The creators have said in interviews that the sketches are so short in length, as to provide more content per episode, and a higher ratio of laughs to sketches. Simply put “If you don’t like one sketch, wait a minute or two and you’ll have a brand new one to tryâ€. My personal favorites are the whimsically dark “Old Fashioned Funâ€, “Blood Oath†and the ongoing saga set at a burger joint, “Space Lordsâ€. The first season of the show was near flawless and with MTV priming the Giant boys to be their new comedy mainstay, hopes are extremely high for their sophomore effort, which premieres on MTV on March 11th. In preparation for the season’s debut and the first seasons DVD release on March 4th, the Giant boys are doing a two-week tour across the country, performing their live, original stage show made famous on the stage of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. If they come to your town, I demand you go… Don’t question it… That’s how demands work.
Flight of the Conchords: Oh, Conchords, how I love thee. New Zealand duo Jemaine Clements and Bret Mckenzie have taken a trip from their native Kiwi land, and have invaded America’s shores, and I for one couldn’t be more thankful. Compared by many to the Tenacious D HBO show of the early nineties, but infinitely funnier, (And I’m a big fan of the D) Conchords is a rare kind of comedic genius, which comes along only once in a long while. It’s a tough sell at first. A Musical/Comedy ( or Comusical, if you will be so kind) starring New Zealand’s “Fourth most popular folk parody duo in which they basically hang around their Lower East Side neighborhood, occasionally playing music at some low rent venue. The bulk of the show is split between dry situational comedy, and brilliant songs, that often times are better music wise then many bands who claim to be “professional†musicians. In fact, Conchords tunes have found a permanent spot on my iTunes play list, and I often find myself driving down the road, singing “Brett you got it going on†or “Most Beautiful girl in the room†at the top of my lungs. This show can be enjoyed on two levels, one for its high level of “Thinking man’s†comedy, which is some of the funniest that has graced our television screens in many years, or, as a straight up musical showcase, with an average of three original, funny, and pretty damn good songs in each episode. With a debut album looming, and the second season ready to go, there is no better time to be a Conchord fan… Do it.
Conchords are New Zealand’s best export since… Conchords are New Zealand’s best export.
The Whitest Kids U Know: They may not be the whitest kids you know (after all, some of you probably live in the Midwest), but they certainly are some of the funniest. With a great mix of traditional sketches, and bizarre but often time hilarious short films, the Kids have hit on a great formula for laughs. The five Kids appear in almost every sketch together, with the exception of Trevor Moore who is the defacto leader (and quite possibly funniest member) of the troupe, and stars in many solo sketches, often framed as messages to the audience, or public service announcements with twists. The ensemble works extremely well together, the viewer can see that these guys are friends in real life. Like any sketch comedy program, Whitest Kids is hit or miss, some sketches missing extremely widely as well. The ratio of laughs to failed jokes in ridiculously in favor of the funny though, so the occasional mediocre or even poor sketch is worthwhile, knowing the comedy gems that wait around the corner. Though this is far from a perfect show, its one of the funniest on television, and I definitely would recommend it to anyone who likes to laugh.
30 Rock: The second season of 30 Rock, the fictional behind the scenes of a NBC late night sketch comedy show, lived up to the amazingly high standard of comedy the first season set , and then some. Week after week 30 Rock is definitely one of the funniest things on Television today. The entire ensemble cast is hilarious, but particularly the parts played by Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan and Jack Mcbrayer stand out. Tina Fey though the obvious creative force behind the show, takes a back seat performance wise to the zany characters she helped to create. Its not that Liz Lemon isn’t funny, its just that on a sitcom made up a of circus like personalities, the straight man (or in this case, woman) will always get overshadowed. But that’s not to say Fey isn’t the centerpiece of the show. Without the Liz character, none of these comedy greats would have anyone to bounce off of, which is one of the greater aspects of the show, the interaction between Liz and her hopelessly bizarre work staff. Simply put, this show works… really well. The cast is perfect, the writing is brilliant, and it’s established a style for itself that is unique and extremely fun to watch. 30 Rock will be one of those shows people talk about years later, and I for one am along for the ride.
What the inside of Aaron Sorkin’s nightmares look like
The Office: Michael Scott and the rest of his staff at Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch were back in our homes this year, for the fourth consecutive season, and though the show is not the same hilarious product it used to be, its still a consistently laugh filled half hour, which is rare on network television these days. With last season’s finale revelation about the relationship status of everyone’s favorite star crossed lovers, Jim and Pam, the American version has now officially gone beyond the original arch of the British show, further proving that with some hard work and creative writing, The Office can stay fresh for a long run, something Gervais was afraid of attempting in the original UK series. Yes, it fairly watered down compared to its brilliant first two seasons, but its still one of the funnier shows on TV, and network TV at that. If you’re new to the show, get the box sets, study up, and join the club. You wont regret it.
Extras: Ricky Gervais, along with soccer stars and trashy tabloids, is one of England’s most sought after resources. And the final season of Ricky and writing partner Stephan Merchant’s sophomore sitcom effort only reinforces why Gervais is primed to be the next international funny guy. Ricky, or Andy Milman in this case, is an enigma, instantly likable, and yet cringe worthy in his pettiness. Extras is a very worthy successor to one of the funniest comedies ever made, The Office, sometimes even elapsing its predecessor in the chances its willing to take, and levels and lines its willing to push. This season found Andy in a position of “power†as star of his own widely watched, but critically panned sitcom, When the Whistle Blows, adding a whole different layer of complexity and inevitable despair to the man we love to feel bad for. HBO (by way of the fine folks at the BBC) has thrown its hat into the comedy ring full stop, with shows like Curb your Enthusiasm, and David Cross’ upcoming sitcom, and if Extras is any indication, it shows that the channel may be the undisputed king, of “real†comedy, for years to come.
Honorable Mentions: Reno 911, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, South Park, Saturday Night Live, The Sarah Silverman Program, Curb Your Enthusiasm
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Big Screen
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Knocked Up: Judd Apatow’s follow-up to the tremendously successful and equally funny 40 Year Old Virgin had some pretty big footsteps to walk in, and I am happy to say, it did that and more. Knocked Up is a rare mix of laugh-out loud funny and genuine emotion filled, and often touching, moments. Before this flick, I was pretty unfamiliar with Seth Rogen’s work, having never seen Freaks and Geeks, and only seeing 40 Year Old Virgin once, but after my first of many viewings of Knocked Up, I was completely sold on this young man. Rogen carries the flick, with such a charm and down to earth personality, its almost impossible not to immediately identify with his character. Backed up by a great supporting cast, including Katherine Heigl, Jonah Hill, Martin Star, and in my opinion, the scene-stealer of the movie, stand up comedian, Dr. Ken, Knocked Up delivers on all fronts, premise, laughs, and heart. Knocked Up is one of the better comedies in many years, and proof positive why Apatow and Rogen are two of today’s comedy greats. Expect very funny things in the near future.
“You know how I know you’re gay?”
Superbad: Done listen to the title. The first script from comic dynamo Seth Rogen (and writing partner Evan Goldberg) was definitely the surprise hit of the season. A main factor for this seemingly random success may have been on screen chemistry of its stars Michael Cera and Jonah Hill (and to a large extent, the McLovin scene in the trailer, which was quoted ad-nausem, many months before the films release) which played into both the Arrested Development set, and fans of any of the multiple Apatow flicks Hill has appeared in. Cera and Hill play two of the most realistic high-schoolers ever portrayed on film, in my opinion. They don’t act or speak like clichés, rather they cant help but remind viewers of at least one kid they knew while they attended school, if not of himself or herself. Greg Mottola helms, and for the most part the movie is consistently funny. There are some choppy points, particularly at the first party the boys attend, and the ending is a bit awkward with first viewing, but overall Superbad stands out as a great comedy, in a year that seemed to be full of great comedies.
Juno: Who knew Kitty Pryde could bring the funny (not Brett Ratner, or he would’ve given her more then fifteen minutes of screen time)? In the second film by director Jason Reitman (Thank you for not smoking) and the debut screenplay from stripper turned writer Diablo Cody, Ellen Page (Shadowcat) gives one of the freshest and most layered comedic performances seen by a young female actress in many years. Playing the title role of Juno, Page is a dark and too wise for her years sixteen year old girl, who finds herself pregnant by high school dweeb Michael Cera. In a year that seemed to be full of “comedies with heart†(see Superbad, Knocked Up,) Juno managed to achieve a level of sincerity and realism that none of its counterparts could match. Juno also gained a critical acclaim none of its counterparts could match, garners numerous awards for its star Ellen Page, including a Best Actress Oscar nomination, along with Oscar noms for Jason Reitman and Best Picture. Though this is a “smart†film, it is a comedy nonetheless, and it is pretty impressive that a comedy could reach this many people, and gain this level of notoriety. If you see the film, you will soon realize why. Juno is just that good. Hollywood has apparently caught on, because both Cody and Page are signed up to about 2,000 (hyperbole is fun) projects a-piece. In 2007, Juno was the little movie that could, and for good reason. It’s a genuinely great film.
Walk Hard – The Legend of Dewey Cox: The film that proved that the Judd Apatow mafia wasn’t infallible. John C. Reilly stars (his first leading role) as the titular character, in this “spoof†on the recent string of music bio-pics, like Ray and Walk the Line, that have been hitting theatres and charming critics over the last few movie seasons. Unfortunately, this film is an extremely mixed bag, with some laughs strewn throughout but overall a boring and frankly disappointing watch. Reilly is good enough in a fairly one note role, but the jokes are mostly flat and the songs almost pretty much entirely devoid of humor. Not that the film is completely laugh free, in particular I cracked up at every Tim Meadows “Drug†scene, which were spot on to the genre they were spoofing. The supporting cast is funny in spots, and the movie isn’t “painful” to watch, like some other comedies that got released this year (Odenkirk… Why?), it’s just that with this dynamic a cast, and such a talented creative staff, the viewer expects (and deserves) more than Walk Hard has to deliver. A rental flick, if anything.
When did studio executives start dressing like cops?
Hot Fuzz: The second feature film by the creative super duo of Brits Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg did the near impossible. It managed to be funnier then their first foray into movies, Shaun of the Dead, which, in my not so humble opinion, is one of the funniest movies ever made. That should let you know how strongly I feel about Hot Fuzz. Hot Fuzz is not a simple or an easy comedy. This is smart humor at its highest form, but thats not to say the flick is completely devoid of low brow laughs or slapstick. The performances, the editing, the set design, all these things come together to create such a richness and sense of realism, that when outlandish or outrageous things do happen, they shock and delight the viewer even more so then if they were watching a straight out comedy. When one watches Hot Fuzz, one is lulled into a sense of familiarity, with the content, the themes, the acting, that the comedy is such a wonderful contrast. Not enough can be said about the amazing cast, starting with seminal favorites Pegg and Frost, and including such greats as Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine and Roger Daltry (with cameos by more stars then can be listed here, but including Cate Blanchett, Martin Freeman, and Bill Nighy) that round out this film, and create such a lush and real world palette in which our stars can play. If the first two films from Edgar Wright are any indication of his future career, then we have a bona fide comedy genius on our hands, and I for one can’t wait for him to attempt to out-do himself again. I read a review of the film a lot like this one once, very much like it indeed. In fact, it was almost the same in every way, except it had one thing this one hasn’t got. What’s that you ask? A great,big, bushy beard!!!!! (I really, really couldn’t help myself)
Honorable Mentions: Aqua Teen Hunger Force CMFFT, Blades of Glory, The Ten
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1st Annual Super Awesome Fun Comedy Time Goodness Awards
(I gotta work on that title)
Best Sketch Comedy = Human Giant
Runner Up = Whitest Kids U Know
Best Sitcom= Flight of the Conchords
Runner Up= Extras
Best Movie= Hot Fuzz
Runner Up= Knocked Up
Best Actor: Seth Rogen (Knocked Up, Superbad)
Runner Up: Tie between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, GrindHouse)
Best Actress:Jenna Fischer (The Office, Blades of Glory, Walk Hard, The Brothers Solomon)
Runner Up: Amy Poehler (SNL, Upright Citizens Brigade, Blades of Glory, Southland Tales)
Best Supporting Actor: Paul Rudd (Knocked Up, Walk Hard, The Ten, Reno 911 Miami)
Runner Up: Bill Hader (Knocked Up, SuperBad, Hot Rod, The Brothers Solomon, SNL)
Best Supporting Actress: Kristen Wiig (Knocked Up, Walk Hard, Brothers Solomon, SNL)
Runner Up: Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program)
Best Web Sketch: The Landlord (FunnyorDie.Com, Will Ferrell and Pearl Mckay)
Runner Up: Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis (FunnyorDie.Com, Zach Galifianakis and Michael Cera)
“Wheres my SAG card?”
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Well, wasn’t that fun? Check back next week when we flip over the the funny book side of things again, with a look at Wednesday’s releases, and a short treatise to Marvel entitled “One More Month: Or “Why you have 30 days before I quit Spidey”. Then tune in the following week for a look at the current Stand Up and Live comedy scene. It’ll blow your corneas from your retinas (I never payed attention in biology).
And as always,
“Keep em’ bagged and boarded”
–Matt Cohen is currently in transit to his new home in Los Angeles. Wave if you see him.
* Column dedicated to the memories of Steve Gerber and Roy Scheider
Comments: 12 Comments
12 Responses to “Comics & Comics: Is This Thing On? Part 2”Leave a Reply |
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 am
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:08 am
Nice job Matt. I haven’t even heard of Human Giant so I’ll have to check that out. Did you like Eagle Vs. Shark? I’d like to hear your thoughts on that. Also, have you seen the Tim and Eric Awesome Show? It’s on adult swim and the only thing I can compare it to is Mr. Show meets Wondershowzen. Bob and Dave are in it as well as John C. Reiley and Weird Al. It’s crazy.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Totally agree on Hot Fuzz. Not only the funniest movie of last year, but my favorite overall too. Wright, Pegg, Frost, and co. are amazing.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Hot Fuzz is the best film I have seen in years. I love the trio (Wright, Pegg, and Frost) and am very upset that Run, Fatboy, Run never made it to the states (to my knowledge). Very good blog… and I hate blogs
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Wow Matt. I’m going to have to strongly disagree with you about best sketch group. And I bet you anything most of the audiences will as well. I started watching both shows when they aired last year and have gone to you tube to show friends and family. Whitest Kids have sketches with views up into the millions. I don’t think Human Giant has one above 50 or 60 thousand. I know a lot of my friends prefer Whitest Kids over Human Giant as well. I do agree with you about the “Space Lords” video, that’s great. Jonah is the best.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I’m scared right now because I think we might possibly share the same brain. I have to agree with you completely on everything you wrote here, except for the word ride. Journey might have been a good choice.
February 23rd, 2008 at 12:37 am
I agree with you on everything except Walk Hard. I thought it was highly underrated, but otherwise you and I are on the same page.
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:25 am
Bill: I spent all of tonight comparing sketches by the two groups, and I still think Human Giant is a much funnier show. I dig Whitest Kids U Know, but their hit or miss ratio is much lower then the Giant boys.
And as far as viewership, you have to keep in mind that the Kids started as an internet group, and brought some built in fan base, whereas Human Giant was all but unknown, unless you hung out at the UCB theatre.
I still enjoy both troupes, but think that Human Giant is the best sketch group out there today.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
No love for My Name is Earl?
February 26th, 2008 at 1:50 am
I just read your back and forth with Bill who prefers whitestkids over human giant. I have watched both shows and couldn’t even finish or care about human giant after 3 episodes. are you out of your mind?!!! i started to think this site was cool until i read this. lame. i think our whole town quotes whitest kids. my brother’s been to the principal’s office twice cos of whitest kids. in a good and funny way.
ry
February 27th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
[…] or browser plug-ins required! You can play them for unlimited number of times whenevfreistatt.orgComics & Comics: Is This Thing On? Part 2 Is this thing on? Howdy Inter-Webbers, Im Matt Cohen. And I dig comedy. Always have. From the […]
March 13th, 2008 at 3:49 am
woah!!!! just found out that matt cohen sucks balls. human giant over whitest kids? obviously he’s working for them, or he’s been paid. whitest kids u know rule! i respect comedy, but human giant never goes for it the way whitestkids do. their comedy is smart and always twisting. let it be known that matt cohen prefers SNL type boring humor vs. new ways to laugh. bet you anything he’s a hillary supporter.