Uncategorized – Page 337 – The Comedy Bureau

Brooks Wheelan’s “this is cool, right?” Coming Out Jan. 27th

January 1, 2015

brooks wheelan, comedy album, this is cool right, vinyl

The back of vinyl for my album “this is cool, right?” Get it JANUARY 27, 2015 pic.twitter.com/GL9jtTlVsY

— Brooks Wheelan (@brookswheelan) January 1, 2015

There won’t be much waiting around for Brooks Wheelan’s debut comedy album as he only recorded it just over a month ago and it’s set to come out at the end of Jan.

According to this tweet, “this is cool, right?” will come out Jan. 27th and also be available on vinyl.

Do you think Brooks is going to have “stuff” covered in this first album?

The Interview Expands to Cable and Satellite VOD and Gets a Red Band Trailer

December 31, 2014

Uncategorized

red band trailer, sony hack, the interview, vod

The Interview did get released on Christmas day and is slowly making a roll out across various platforms with its massive VOD success. So, satellite and cable providers are now offering it up on their VOD services starting today (via Deadline) and it’ll be interesting to see how much money the film will continue to rake in from VOD alone.

A red band trailer was also uploaded today and you can clearly see how ridiculous it is that this movie, with all the expletives and sexual innuendos, caused an international incident.

It should be noted that anything resulting from the release of the movie by the Sony hackers has yet to happen if anything was going to happen at all.

Watch “The Gaffigan Five” Introduce Jim Gaffigan

December 31, 2014

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jim gaffigan

The five children of Jim Gaffigan have made up some great parts of Gaffigan’s act over the years, but seldom are they actually on stage with their dad when he’s doing stand-up.

That all changed recently when The Gaffigan Five got to open up for Jim Gaffigan with a pretty great Gaffigan theme song. Watch it here.

LA Comedy Rundown 12/31/14

December 31, 2014

Uncategorized

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The Josh & Josh Show @ Bar Lubitsch Thurs. Jan. 1st 2015 8:30PM FREE
It Happened One Night @ Aero Theatre Sun. Jan. 3rd 8PM $11
50 First Jokes LA @ Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Ballroom Sun. Jan. 4th 7:30PM $10 in adv., $12 at door

COMEDY CRAWL
The Not So Inappropriate Show @ UCB Franklin 4PM $12 (stand by only)
Bert Kreischer NYE @ Irvine Improv 7:30PM $40-$90/2 item min. 10PM $90/2 item min.
Tomorrow! w/Ron Lynch Presents Tomorrow! New Year’s Eve @ Steve Allen Theater 10PM $15/$5 for comics/performers

OPEN MIC RUN
THE COMEDY STORE PATIO 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 4PM/Ends 6PM/Lottery/4 min./No purchase necessary

Fusion Has Two Whole Episodes of “No, You Shut Up!” on YouTube

December 31, 2014

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fusion, henson company, no you shut up, paul f tompkins, rhys darby, ron funches

So far, you can watch the two first episodes of this latest season of No, You Shut Up! with Paul F. Tompkins on YouTube.

We’re not sure if the whole season will be put on YouTube after it airs on Fusion, but, in either case, you should watch and guffaw at as much No, You Shut Up! as you can. Maybe then, it’ll go from second most Googled show in 2014 to first in 2015.

Watch episodes one with guest Rhys Darby and two with guest Ron Funches of season three here.

Simon Pegg, Working Title, and Universal Sign Off on a “Shaun Of The Dead” Live Musical

December 30, 2014

Uncategorized

adaptation, almost legal productions, musical, shaun of the dead, simon pegg, universal, working title

(via Uproxx)

Almost Legal Productions has already adapted 2004’s Shaun Of The Dead into a live stage musical and it’s now getting more traction as the likes of Simon Pegg, Working Title, and Universal have all given the OK for the adaptation.

Before you reserve your judgement, know that Shaun of the Dead Live encourages audience members come in costume, sings their own version of The Specials’ Ghost Town, and more.

There are currently no U.S. dates, but perhaps soon and it’ll make it over to the States and here in LA where we’re sure plenty of folks will want to see it.

Patton Oswalt Latest Book “Silver Screen Fiend” Out on Jan. 6th

December 30, 2014

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new beverly cinema, patton oswalt, silver screen fiend

Okay, we’re one week away from the release of SILVER SCREEN FIEND! Pre-order it here! http://t.co/thQMGvZrl8

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) December 30, 2014

2015 isn’t that far away and, with it, Patton Oswalt’s new book Silver Screen Fiend following the intersection of Oswalt as a comedian and watching movies at the New Beverly Cinema will be released.

It comes out Jan. 6th, but you can and should pre-order it now.

Watch Certain Cops Try to Play A Game Show Called “Don’t Shoot” on The Midnight Show

December 30, 2014

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don't shoot, eric garner, ferguson, game show, parody, the midnight show

Many police forces all over the country have been in hot water lately for certain high profile cases such as Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO and Eric Garner in NYC.

The Midnight Show tried to find out how those sort of cops would fare in a game show simply called “Don’t Shoot”. Watch how they fare here.

Richard Linklater Has Just Finished Shooting What Will Be a Sequel of Sorts to Both “Dazed and Confused” and “Boyhood”

December 30, 2014

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boyhood, dazed and confused, richard linklater, sequel, that's what i'm talking about

(via Vulture)

Richard Linklater, director of Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight, School of Rock, Slacker, and much more, is no stranger to bridging the gap between genres and being conceptual with his films like no one has before.

It might be eye-catching to read that his latest film “That’s What I’m Talking About” will follow up, in different ways, where Dazed and Confused and Boyhood left off, but it certainly shouldn’t come as a total surprise. The film centers around a college freshman balancing college life (i.e. party, party, party) with being on the college baseball team.

While that’s a little vague, Linklater has done plenty with far less of a premise and we wouldn’t be surprised if there’s an “alright, alright, alright”-style line that people endlessly quote from That’s What I’m Talking About.

LA Comedy Rundown 12/30/14

December 30, 2014

Uncategorized

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Myq Kaplan’s Standup and Maybe Freestyle Rap-Compatible Comedy Show @ Hollywood Improv Fri. Jan. 2nd 10PM $15/2 item min.
Dr. Brown and Sam Simmons: Ceremony @ The Virgil Jan. 5th-7th FREE

COMEDY CRAWL
Good Looks in Arts District 8PM FREE
Hip Hop Penguin: New Year, New You, With Us @ UCB Sunset 8:30PM $5
Warp Zone Comedy @ The Virgil 9:30PM FREE
The 2014 IT SUCKED! Awards @ UCB Franklin 9:30PM $5
Roast Battle @ Comedy Store Belly Room 10:30PM FREE
Oh, I’ll show you CRAZY. Featuring JC Coccoli @ UCB Franklin 11PM $5

OPEN MIC RUN
HOLLYWOOD IMPROV 8162 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5:30PM/Starts 5:45PM/Lottery/20 spots available
GRINDHOUSE CAFE 1051 N. Havenhurst Dr., West Hollywood, CA/Starts 6PM/First come, first served/5 min./Hosted by Steve Hernandez and Paul Laier
FLAPPERS BURBANK 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Starts 6PM/Stand-up, sketch, improv all welcome/5 min.
AMSTERDAM CAFE 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO. 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/Ends 8PM/First come, first served/One item min.
KIBITZ ROOM @ CANTER’S 419 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5:30PM/Starts 6PM/Ends 7:30PM/Lottery/No over the top vulgarity/6 min. w/any purchase, 3 min./without/Hosted by Burt Teplitzky and Danny McDermott
COFFEE GALLERY 2029 Lake Ave., Altadena, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 8PM/lottery/5 min.
WANG’S PLACE 120 E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia, CA/Sign-up 7PM/Starts 7:30PM/First come, first served/One item min./6 min.
PEDONE’S PIZZA 1332 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 7:45PM/Ends 9:30PM/5-7min.
THE COMEDY STORE BELLY ROOM 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 8PM/Lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA (Echo Park)/Starts 8PM/mixed mic
CAFE UNURBAN 3301 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA/Starts 9PM/Sign-up is lottery/No purchase necessary
88 CHINESE & SUSHI 418 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 9PM/First come, first served/7 min./$5 min. purchase/Hosted by Cindy Liebman
DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENT Sign-up 9PM/Starts 9:30PM/Lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary/Hosted by Austin Wolf-Sothern/Travis Rust/Ryan Schumaker
THE PALACE RESTAURANT 2112 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 9:45PM/Lottery/4.5 min./after booked show
THE LEXINGTON 129 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 9PM/Starts 10:30PM after booked show/Ends 12AM/No purchase necessary
WESTSIDE COMEDY THEATER 1323-A 3rd St., Santa Monica, CA (in alley between 3rd St. Promenade & 4th St.)/Sign-up 9:45PM/Starts 10PM/Lottery/3-5 min./$1 cover
ECHOES UNDER SUNSET 1310 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 10PM/Ends 12AM/First come, first served/4 min.
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts 11:30PM/First come, first served

“The Interview” Became 2014’s Top Selling Movie Title on YouTube and Google Play

December 30, 2014

Uncategorized

google play, sony, the interview, youtube

(via The Wrap)

Over the long Christmas weekend, The Interview raked in $2.8 million at over 300 theaters, but made nearly five times that amount in VOD sales.

Being simultaneously released on YouTube, Google Play, and Xbox Video, The Interview also got $15 million from those renting and buying the movie online. That number put it at the top of the chart for YouTube and Google Play as the top selling movie title of the entire year.

It’s still a long way to go to recoup the production and marketing budget as well as the untold cost of the hack of Sony Pictures, but there is undoubtedly a growing number of people willing to pay to watch their movies from the comfort of wherever they are.

What this ultimately means for the movies of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, controversial comedies, and overall movie budgets has yet to be seen. Hopefully, 2015 will hinge less on hesitation and more on faith in the end product.

Good Cop Great Cop Gives Fair Warning on What to Bring to a Party

December 30, 2014

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good cop great cop, nye, party, what to bring

Every holiday season, there a plethora of parties that you have to attend. Many of those parties require that you bring some sort of food or drink.

Charlie Hankin and Matt Porter from Good Cop Great Cop are here to show you why you should follow those requirements and not deviate under any circumstances.

Lewis Black, W. Kamau Bell, and Laura Krafft Address Cynicism Perhaps Being a Byproduct of Comedy on Meet The Press

December 29, 2014

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chuck todd, laura krafft, lewis black, meet the press, nbc, salon.com

The satirical nature of comedy has been pointed to, especially as of late, a contributor to a current public dissatisfaction and apathy with the government in America.

Chuck Todd invited Lewis Black, W. Kamau Bell, and Laura Krafft to have great discussion on this issue on Meet The Press and, perhaps answering the question of whether art imitates life.

Watch it here.

Comedy Central Airing Two Comedy Specials From Ari Shaffir in 2015

December 29, 2014

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ari shaffir, comedy central, comedy special, comedy store, paid regular, passive aggressive

(via Laughspin)

Both of Ari Shaffir’s most recent stand-up specials, Passive Aggressive and Paid Regular, will be premiering on network TV on Comedy Central in 2015.

Though Passive Aggressive was shot years ago, it’s still rare for a single comedian to have two specials premiere on the same network in the same year.

Paid Regular will air on Fri. Jan. 16th at midnight and Passive Aggressive will air on Fri. Mar. 13th also at midnight.

Along with the premiere of the storytelling show that Shaffir hosts, This Is Not Happening, Ari should have quite the 2015.

John Oliver and Last Week Tonight Take on New Year’s Eve

December 29, 2014

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hbo, john oliver, last week tonight, new year's eve

With 2015 looming, there is one big problem we, as the entire human race, have against us all.

That problem is… New Year’s Eve. Well, that is what John Oliver and the team at Last Week Tonight is here to tell you ultimately making you feel better that you stayed in rather than go to some random party where you paid a higher cover charge than you would for most of your favorite bands playing a festival.

Watch there two cents and then some on New Year’s Eve here.

LA Comedy Rundown 12/29/14

December 29, 2014

Uncategorized

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Tomorrow! w/Ron Lynch Present’s Tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve w/Ron Funches/Emo Philips/More @ Steve Allen Theater Wed. Dec. 31st 10PM $15
Tom Segura @ Irvine Improv Wed. Jan. 21st 8PM $15/2 item min.

COMEDY CRAWL
Married @ UCB Sunset 8:30PM $5
Kibitz Room Comedy @ Kibitz Room at Canter’s 9PM FREE
The Business LA @ Little Joy 9:30PM FREE

OPEN MIC RUN
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/5 min./First come, first served
ROCKPAPER COFFEE 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/End 8PM/First come, first served/One item min.
IO WEST 6366 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:15PM/Starts 6:30PM/Ends 8PM/Lottery/3-5 min.
ANCHOR BAR 2675 Irvine Ave., Costa Mesa, CA/Starts 7PM/Sign-up at evan@dudelyjones.com/4-5 min.
THE WAREHOUSE LOUNGE 4499 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA/Starts 7PM/Ends 7:45PM/First come, first served/5 min./8 spots only/No purchase necessary
THE GOOD NIGHT 10721 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 7:45PM/Ends 9:30PM/Lottery/3-5 min./1 item min./Hosted by Ever Mainaird, Lisa Laureta, Ryan Walker, and Caitlin Bergh
BREWDOG PUB 8300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 7:45PM/Starts 8PM/First come, first served/3 min.+/Optional heckling after set where you can gain more time/1 item min./Hosted by Galit Levi
ECHOES UNDER SUNSET 1310 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8PM/Starts 8:15PM/Lottery/One item min./Hosted by Jay Weingarten
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7:30PM/no purchase necessary/first come, first served
THE PALACE RESTAURANT 2112 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8:45PM/Starts 9PM/3 min./Lottery/1 item min./Hosted by Meg Swertlow, Wanjiko Eke, Chloe McGovern

So, Last Call With Carson Daly Has Been Profiling Comedy Folks For Awhile Now

December 29, 2014

Uncategorized

jason mantzoukas, jason schwartzman, jim jefferies, ken marino, last call with carson daly, megan amram, who charted

When it comes to various comedy folks being featured on late night, the likes of Conan, Letterman, Ferguson, Fallon, Kimmel, and more are all usually mentioned. Last Call with Carson Daly is usually not brought up because, frankly, it was, for awhile, hard to find user-friendly clips to watch that were updated frequently after they aired on TV.

Well, it turns out that is the case no longer as many of the great profiles/clips/interviews on Last Call are now on Hulu. Megan Amram, Jason Mantzoukas, Ken Marino, and Who Charted? with Howard Kremer and Kulap Vilaysack are just a few of the people that they’ve interviewed at various nicely decorated places in LA.

This year alone, they’ve also done nice profiles of:
Jim Jefferies
Sara Schaefer
Annie Lederman
Jerrod Carmichael
Fahim Anwar
Ted Melfi
Wyatt Cenac
Jason Schwartzman and Alex Ross Perry
Tone Bell
Nick Youssef
Eliza Coupe and Michaela Watkins
Mike Lawrence
James Davis
Andrew Orvedahl

Bob Zmuda and Lynn Margulies, The Two People That Knew Andy Kaufman The Best, Wrote a Tell All Book About Andy Kaufman

December 28, 2014

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andy kaufman, bob zmuda, lynne margulies, tell all

Bob Zmuda, the man you most frequently see play Andy Kaufman’s legendary character Tony Clifton, and Lynn Margulies, Kaufman’s girlfriend, co-wrote a book that gives more insight into Kaufman’s life than ever before.

Zmuda even shares why he thinks Andy faked his own death as opposed to the stunt that happened at The Andy Kaufman Award.

Throughout Kaufman’s career, they explore the real backstory of what was going with Kaufman throughout all the crazy things he would become a legend for.

So, you can put the Amazon gift card you got this holiday season to good use and get Andy Kaufman: The Truth, Finally.

Season 2 of “Maron” on Netflix

December 28, 2014

Uncategorized

ifc, marc maron, Maron, netflix

Today is the day! @MaronIFC Season 2 is now on @netflix!

— marc maron (@marcmaron) December 28, 2014

The holiday season isn’t quite over yet meaning there’s more time to get through whatever awkward situation whether it be not busy at work or still having to stay at your family’s place.

So, it’s the perfect time for you to get into season 2 of IFC’s Maron, which was just released on Netflix today.

LA Comedy Rundown 12/28/14

December 28, 2014

Uncategorized

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The 2014 IT SUCKED! Awards @ UCB Franklin Tues. Dec. 30th 9:30PM $5
Ithamar Has Nothing to Say @ Second City Hollywood Sat. Jan. 10th 8PM $10

COMEDY CRAWL
ASSSSCAT @ UCB Sunset 7PM FREE
Steve Rannazzisi @ Brea Improv 7PM $20
Greg Proops Film Club: My Man Godfrey @ Cinefamily 7:30PM $12
Last Years New Year’s Eve Comedy Celebration @ UCB Franklin 7:30PM $5
Church @ UCB Sunset 9PM $5
Neil Hamburger & Special Guests @ The Satellite LA 9PM $8
French Toast @ Taix 9:30PM FREE

OPEN MIC RUN
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 4PM/Ends 6PM/5 min./One item min.
SILVERLAKE LOUNGE 2906 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 4:30PM/Starts 5PM/Lottery/5 min./Hosted by Lizzy Pilcher
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/5 min./First come, first served
LYRIC HYPERION THEATRE 2106 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7PM/Lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary/Hosted by Miranda King and Kat Yeary
THE LEXINGTON 129 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA/Sign up is 12PM at Facebook page/See http://www.facebook.com/BombShelterComedy for more info and to sign up/Starts 5PM/Ends 9PM/Lottery/5 min./Hosted by John Silver & Ryan Pfeiffer
LIQUID ZOO 7214 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 9PM/First come, first served/7 min./One drink min.
THE PALACE RESTAURANT 2112 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 8:45PM/Lottery/No purchase necessary/Hosted by Harry Moroz, Pedro Salinas, and Sarah Morisano
COCK N BULL 2947 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA/Sign-up 8:45PM/Starts 9PM/First come, first served/5 min./No purchase necessary
THE COMEDY STORE BELLY ROOM 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 11:30PM/Lottery/3 min./Hosted by Erik Marino and Brian Moses

Watch a Concert Film From The Old Largo with Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Paul F. Tompkins, Flight of The Conchords, and More

December 28, 2014

Uncategorized

aimee mann, andrew bird, elliott smith, flight of the conchords, fred armisen, greg proops, largo, los angeles, louis ck, patton oswalt, paul f tompkins, sarah silverman, zach galifianakis

Over 6 years ago, Largo was not the gorgeous theatre that you see at The Coronet these days. It was an even smaller venue with a bar in Fairfax Village here in LA.

However, even back then, a mix of some of the best comedians and innovative musicians and singers all came together under the roof of Largo to play.

In 2008, a concert film was released of the old Largo with the likes of Fred Armisen, Fiona Apple, Greg Behrendt, Paul F. Tompkins, Elliott Smith, Sarah Silverman, Greg Proops, Sarah Silverman, Flight of the Conchords, Patton Oswalt, Louis CK, Zach Galifianakis, Aimee Mann, Andrew Bird, and more all performing.

Now, it’s online for you to enjoy on Vimeo in beautiful black and white. Watch LARGO here.

Turns Out That Egg Nog, Like Most of Your Food, Has a Sinister Dynasty Behind It

December 27, 2014

Uncategorized

ch2, college humor, dynasty, egg nog, holidays, john early, julio torres, lena einbinder, parody

Julio Torres, Lena Einbinder, and CH2 have “uncovered” the dastardly truth behind the seasonal, tolerated concoction known as “egg nog”.

Along with Brett Davis, John Early, Courtney Maginnis, and Ikechukwu Ufomadu, they show the world the “Nog Dynasty” (because, apparently, that many people buy egg nog to make for an empire?)

LA Podcast Festival Set to Return Even Earlier This Year Sept. 18th

December 27, 2014

Uncategorized

comedy festival, la podcast festival, los angeles

Happy holidays everyone! Great news here are the dates for the 4th. Annual Los Angeles Podcast Festival Sept 18-20, 2015 Book it! #lapodfest #LosAngeles #christmas

A photo posted by LA Podcast Festival (@lapodfest) on Dec 12, 2014 at 7:00pm PST

The 3rd Annual LA Podcast Festival was such a success that they’re moving up their 4th edition a week.

Mark off Sept. 18th-20th for another amazing weekend of the best podcasts around taking advantage of being live on stage as opposed to being just audio for The 4th Annual LA Podcast Festival.

LA Comedy Rundown 12/27/14

December 27, 2014

Uncategorized

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The Not So Inappropriate Show @ UCB Franklin Wed. Dec. 31st & Fri. Jan. 2nd 4PM $12 (stand by only)
Picture This! An Animated Comedy Show @ Nerdmelt Showroom Sat. Jan. 3rd 9PM $8 in adv., $10 at door

COMEDY CRAWL
Steve Rannazzisi @ Brea Improv 7PM/9PM $20/2 item min.
Jimmy Dore @ Flappers Burbank 8PM/10PM $20/2 item min.
ASSSSCAT @ UCB Theatre 8PM $10 (stand by only)
Sean O’Connor’s Christmas Is Cancelled @ UCB Sunset 9PM $10
12 Shiny Nickels @ Westside Comedy Theater 11:30PM $10

OPEN MIC RUN
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 3:30PM/Starts 4PM/Ends 6PM/5 min./One item min
MAKAI COFFEE 2771 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA/Sign-up 4:30PM/Starts 5PM/First come, first served/5-7 min./No purchase necessary
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/5 min./First come, first served
FLAPPERS BURBANK YOOHOO ROOM 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Starts 4:30PM/First come, first served
THE LEXINGTON 129 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 6:45PM/First come, first served/5 min./No purchase necessary/Hosted by Kasey Koop and Jenny Young
THE CLUBHOUSE 1607 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 8PM/Ends 10PM/Mixed mic/5 min./First come, first served/No purchase necessary
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts around 11:30PM/lottery/3-5 min./One item min.

Why the Release of “The Interview” Is Historic and We Wish That Armando Ianucci Would Make a Movie or Something About It

December 26, 2014

Uncategorized

sony pictures, the interview

Watching a movie is one of the weirder acts of patriotism that’s ever existed in this country. It almost defies logic in terms of the action itself not requiring much effort beyond sitting and watching for 2 hours.

Yet, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s The Interview and all the circumstances surrounding its release made watching a movie with a bunch of dick jokes into an act of standing up for freedom of speech that will probably go down in U.S. History textbooks in the not so distant future. Ironically, there are probably very few parts of the film that would be shown in most classrooms.

Before we go further, here’s a quick summary of how a Rogen/Goldberg picture became an international incident:

–Based off of threats against screening The Interview as well as the massive hack of Sony Pictures from the hackers known as The Guardians of Peace (that have been linked to the North Korean government), Sony Pictures and major U.S. theater chains couldn’t come to terms with dealing with a potential security risk from screening it.

-The Interview was then pulled from theaters for its Christmas Day release and Sony had made no other plans to release it otherwise.

-Hundreds of independent theaters and small theater chains gathered together to tell Sony Pictures that they would screen the movie and Sony finally opted to release the movie on its original Christmas Day release date as well as put it on VOD via YouTube, Google Play, and Xbox Video.

–President Obama and The White House have even been involved extensively throughout the whole incident saying that Sony made a mistake by not releasing that and subsequently being glad that it did get released as originally planned. Obama has even stated that there will be a proportionate response to the hack of Sony Pictures.

There are plenty of films that you can cite for causing controversy throughout the cinematic canon. Whether it be the explicit nature of Salo or even Ridley Scott’s latest Exodus: Gods and Kings just getting banned in Egypt, it’s extremely rare for a single movie to have political implications that stem far beyond the actual release of the movie itself.

Knowing that, it’s even more unbelievable that The Interview will know be put up as one of the most controversial movies of all time by virtue of the fact that an entire corporation had all their information leaked and brought about “9/11 style threats”. All the other films on that list have much more incendiary content and are probably much more upsetting to watch, but either just got banned by a country or protested by various interest or religious groups.

We saw The Interview last night, enjoyed it, and found a whole new layer of humor just off the idea that anyone would be so mad at watching any of this that they would hack entire an corporation and risk the anger of a superpower just to stop it. One scene has Seth Rogen shakes his dick at North Korean guards and the term “honeydicking” is used profusely throughout the film’s duration.

Yes, there’s an on-screen death of Kim Jong-Un depicted in the film and there are scenes that could be deemed “culturally insensitive”, but none of it seemed to be even close to the ire drawn by other historically controversial films like Triumph of the Will or Birth of a Nation. The Interview is an amped-up, rambunctious satire that more belongs in the same sentence with Team America: World Police.

So far, the threats of anything happening to people watching The Interview have been empty. Many screenings on Christmas Day were sold out and it has reached the top of the charts for VOD where it’s available.

This incident is an unprecedented intersection of comedy and geopolitics and is, as we said before, history in the making. If Argo was a movie about the CIA making a movie to avoid an international incident, then the making and release of The Interview should most certainly be a movie. Hopefully, if that happens, and with any luck, Armando Ianucci, the man who marries politics and comedy perfectly in Veep, In The Loop, and The Thick of It, would be at the helm.

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