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The One Where I Get All Enthusiastic About My Kids, My Past, The Theater, And A Man Eating Plant

This weekend, daughter Tessa’s high school put on their Spring musical, “Little Shop Of Horrors” which *might* be my favorite musical of all time. There are a few others that can give it a run for its money, but “Little Shop” is one I can always return to and be lost in. The stage play differs quite a bit from the movie musical (which I also love), and significantly from the original 1960s non-musical original movie, which is barely watchable but does feature a young Jack Nicholson and is a Roger Corman production so I have some healthy respect for it too. Anyway, “Little Shop” is a really fun show that also happens to be tragically beautiful amidst all the murderous mayhem, hungry plants, situational comedy, and certified showtune bangers.

It is also very special to me because this show gave me my first sizeable role in a production, back when we performed it at my high school in (gulp) 1988. I’d had a few walk-ons before, but playing Mr. Mushnik was my first big part. In some ways, everything I’ve done since, from Children’s Theater in college through stand-up comedy in the1990s, and even making music in various bands can be traced in some way back to that production. I owe a lot to “Little Shop”, and even more to our director Bob Fowler for seeing something in me and giving me a shot. Thanks, Bob, if you’re reading this!

So it is with this background that I went to see this current production. Tessa wasn’t onstage this time-though she very well could have been. She’d have made a great urchin! Instead, she used her years of dance experience to choreograph the show. You see, the Assistant Director bailed out-I think due to a contract situation but I’m not too sure on the story-and that left a big hole to be filled. So, since Tessa was already “Dance Captain” for the show, her director asked if she knew anything about choreography. Now, she just so happened to choreograph a few songs for a Summer Theater camp last year, and since she has been a dancer for years (and is a member of a dance company here in town), the answer was yes. Follow up question: would she like to be in charge of choreography for a few songs? Sure. Okay, great, how about the WHOLE SHOW?

So she did. Every song that had a dance number, it all came from her noggin. There were even a few that didn’t really need choreo, but over achiever that she is, she got it in there anyway. And it was awesome! I know I’m biased, but I heard other audience members talking about the dance numbers too, so it wasn’t just me. It’s a credit to her that she took on a large chunk of responsibility, quite unexpectedly at that, saw it through, and nailed it.

I’m not sure how I could be more proud. Strangely, though, my sense of pride didn’t stop with just her. Perhaps it’s because I love the show so much, or because I’m a grown-up Theater Kid, or I’m just becoming a sentimental old fart, but I was proud of all of these kids-most of whom I don’t even know. Some I’ve met briefly, or heard Tessa talk about, but I don’t actually know them.

Yet, I kind of do. I know what they went through to get to this weekend. I know all the hours spent at school in rehearsal. I know about spending your free time in the evenings running your lines by yourself or with family. I know how it feels to be a teenager, feeling simultaneously sure that you can do anything and that there’s no way you can do any of this. To be fair, that’s a lot of adulthood too, but I digress. I know the frustrations of putting on a show, the panic that sets in about two weeks before, the elation when things go right and the heartbreak when even the tiniest thing goes wrong. I’ve been there. That’s why I’m so proud of them that they not only did it-but did it well.

These kids stepped it up. Apart from Tessa’s choreo thing, not having an assistant director meant that the student stage manager had to do a lot more work with the actors and the crew to get this show running. Also, this production was very fortunate in that the props head is also a legitimate puppeteer-and she made the Audrey II plants used in the show. ALL OF THEM, from the littlest pod to the giant man-eating plant we see in Act Two. They were excellent. This is what happens when passionate people are allowed to follow their hearts, use their own creativity and unique skill sets, and make their ideas a reality. It’s a joy to see.

That’s what amateur theater is. Especially High School Theater. It is joyful. It is pure. It is theater in its truest form. The same can be said for community theater groups as well, but High School theater can be really special.

Was the show perfect? Honestly, no. However, it was very, very good. I mean, we’re not talking about a professional touring production here. There are going to be a few glitches here and there, but it’s easy to overlook and forgive. In any amateur production, the cast and crew are shooting well over their heads for the stars, and when it all goes right-even if just for a moment-they can by God touch ’em.

I was able to attend three of the four productions this weekend. I watched the show progress from the opening night jitters to the assuredness of the final show. This is what I love about High School theater. The drama/theater department is a home to these kids. It gives the misfit, the loner, the shy kid, the weirdos, the misunderstood, and all those who are searching a place to belong. There is a spot for everyone in troupe who wishes to be there. Sure, there’s the actors onstage, but there are just as many people, usually more, running sound, lights, publicity, props, costumes, make-up, ticket sales and concessions, you name it. There’s a job for everyone, and they are all important to a successful show. Often, people wind up doing tasks they never thought they could do. By the end of the process, everyone has grown and can enjoy a job well done.

My heart has been filled this week. guys, I think I might have missed my calling. I should have been a high school theater teacher!

Both my daughters have been in productions over the last few years, and I have been proud of them both, and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I’ve had fun running lines, giving opinions and encouragement, and watching the success of their shows. I have been content to watch with pride as my kids get experiences in the arts, and take away lessons for a lifetime. I would wax nostalgic on my theater days, but leave it at that. For some reason, though, this weekend I have (finally) realized just how much I miss live theater. I miss the camaraderie and the competition. I miss the creativity and the challenge, the frustrations and the celebration.

I miss my stand-up days a little bit, but not much. I still play music for fun, and am very slowly working on a new project, but it’s not all consuming. This weekend’s shows has moved me more than I thought it would.

This is the part where you’re expecting me to announce that I am going to make a triumphant return to the stage. Well, I don’t know. I’ve avoided doing much performing for a long time, since the rehearsal time and all the work needed would take me away from my family for a good chunk of the week. I’ve felt it would be irresponsible of me as a father to do all that.

But-

The kids are older now, they get what it’s all about. I’ve been saying that I need something new in my life-but maybe I need to bring back something old and make it new.

I’m promising nothing. But I am beginning to think about it, or as Mushnik would say, “mull it over.” It’s a daunting idea. But an intriguing one. Never say never.

I’ll be back soon with more stuff. See you next time.

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RIP Joe

Hey, all. Special edition of the blog tonight. Normally I publish on Mondays (duh), but as I was preparing a new blog last night I saw a post come across my Twitter (I refuse to call it X) feed that stopped me in my tracks. I knew I needed to write about it, but since the date was April 1st, I decided to put everything on hold and make sure there wasn’t just another hoax going around.

Sadly, this was true. Joe Flaherty has died. Another hero gone.

This name may not be immediately familiar to everyone-at least not in America. In Canada, he’s considered comedy royalty. In this country Flaherty is well known, but perhaps not as much as he should be. You’ve seen him though, and you have laughed.

Perhaps you know him from Freaks And Geeks, the 90’s show that was too good to survive more than one season. He played the dad, Mr. Weir. He was the ultimate dad: caring, funny and sarcastic.

If you were a kid in the 1990s you may remember Maniac Mansion from The Family Channel. Yep. The wacky Dad again, only this time he’s a scientist.

But maybe you’re a movie person. Remember the guy who delivers Marty McFly the letter in Back To The Future II? How about the Serbian border guard in Stripes? Or, maybe you know him best as the spectator who heckles Happy Gilmore. Better yet, how about his role as the blubbering bad guy Sid in Sesame Street Presents Follow That Bird? One of my favorites, for sure.

Joe Flaherty had a habit of popping up lots of places, from television shows to movies to Saturday morning cartoons. He was never short of brilliant in anything. In fact, he often made an average scene ten times better just by showing up. Check out his Wikipedia page and do a deep dive. You’ll find lots of laughs along the way.

Now, apart from all that, what Flaherty may be best known for (at least as far as comedy nerds are concerned) is his genius run at the Canadian/American television show SCTV. It’s a cult classic certainly, but one that is a touchstone for generations of comedy. This show served as a big break for-you ready for this list?-Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Andrea Martin, Harold Ramis, Dave Thomas, and, of course, Joe Flaherty. Just think about all the talent that sprung forth from that pool. Joe may not be the biggest name in the bunch, but he was arguably the funniest-and he was often the glue that held it all together both on screen and off.

For those unfamiliar, SCTV was a show that centered around the broadcast day of a fictional television station. Not only did the viewer see the shows being “broadcast”, but also got a glimpse behind the scenes at the people who ran the station and starred in the shows. This was the genius of SCTV. Not only were the actors able to create their own characters, but they could do parodies of popular movies and TV, and impersonate the real life stars.

Back in the day (early 1980s this would have been), the cast was known mostly for their impersonations, which could be mercilessly accurate, though I believe mostly came from a good place. Watching this stuff nowadays, the parodies and impersonations take a back seat to the original characters and conceptual pieces. It doesn’t always age well (I sometimes don’t even know what or who the jokes are about), and some of it is very hit-and-miss, but SCTV is still a classic. Mostly because you are pretty much required to love these people, and I do.

Joe Flaherty is my favorite cast member. Many of the others have gone on to do bigger and better things, but in the context of the show at least, he was the absolute best. Want proof?

Count Floyd.

Yep, that’s Joe. The Count Floyd sketches are a masterclass in hapless comedy. These sketches are a parody of the “horror hosts” of the 1960s-70s who would present old, bad movies while dressed up in ghoulish attire. Count Floyd was colossally bad at his job. Not only did he get the worst movies-but he couldn’t preview them before air time, so he had to roll with whatever was available and try to convince all the kids watching that the film would “scare the pants right off of you!” Floyd was also under the impression that vampires howled at the moon. Class stuff!

Other great Flaherty characters included station owner Guy Caballero, who used a wheelchair “for respect”, and was smarmy, but also a soft touch and a decent guy underneath. Another favorite was small time criminal/businessman Vic Hedges who could rob you blind, but he’d “save your life in a minute.” I always loved watching the Farm Film Report (later Celebrity Farm Film Blow Up) with Big Jim McBob. Flaherty’s cheesy, old school show-biz talk show host Sammy Maudlin was always good for some laughs as well. When it comes to impressions, Flaherty did a great Bing Crosby, a hysterically over the top Kirk Douglas, and a bizarrely wonderful Gavin McCloud. If you know who that last guy is, then this show is for you.

SCTV is comfort food for me. When I was in grade school, the 90 minute version aired for two years on NBC, occupying the same time slot as SNL did, only one night earlier. I would stay up watching it with my dad until I fell asleep in front of the screen, both of us laughing at these crazy people and wild ideas, though I suspect we may have been laughing at different things. As a youngster, I don’t know that I truly appreciated what Joe Flaherty brought to the show, but now he’s my favorite thing about it. I watch through the (edited but still indispensable) DVDs once a year.

All Joe Flaherty has to do is be on screen and it makes me smile. Let him go on a tirade and forget it, it’s over, I’m laughing my head off. He was so prolific in big roles and small that he could and would just show up in any production that needed a little comic relief, or any comedy that needed a little extra class. It makes me sad to know that he won’t be doing that anymore.

Joe Flaherty had a good run, he was 82 when he passed. So he was a little older than his co-stars on SCTV. He’d done work with The Second City comedy troupe (of course), and appeared on at least one album and a few stage shows with The National Lampoon in the 1970s. I’ve been watching his work to different degrees for around 40 years now, so he’s been a comedic presence and influence in my life for almost all of it! The man had a long career, so you can’t really say that this is a case of someone being gone too soon. Yet, it does feel that way. Doesn’t it always?

I’ve been watching some of my favorite clips today-it’s amazing how one can be laughing so hard and feeling so sad. If you’re a fan then you get it. If you’re only just discovering Joe, get ready to laugh long and hard.

RIP Joe Flaherty. Thanks for all of it.

Thanks to you for dropping by, MonDavers. Come back next time for some happier stuff. And go watch some Joe! Plenty of SCTV clips are available on YouTube…as is a bizarre sketch called Abraham Lincoln and His Time Machine (not the animated one) which stars actors from SCTV, SNL and The Kids In The Hall, premiered on a “Toonces The Driving Cat” TV special in the ’90’s and concerns Abe Lincoln trying to prevent his own death…it’s dark, a little twisted, and a personal favorite.

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Daddy/Daughter Movie Review. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Hey there MonDavers, it’s been a while since we’ve done one of these, but people seem to dig it when we do. There haven’t been too many movies recently that have had appeal to multiple family members, so the pickings have been slim as far as dual reviews go. However, Tessa and I were both excited to see this one, so here we are with our official review of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

For those who may have somehow missed the media hype on this film, it picks up where Ghostbusters: Afterlife left off, with the Spengler family now living in New York and officially acting as the Ghostbusters. The OG Busters come in to lend a hand as a new villain enters the scene who uses fear itself as a weapon as it tries to freeze out NYC and eventually the world. Along the way, the gang once again gets in trouble with city officials, Phoebe Spengler befriends a ghost, and chaos ensues.

Tessa, you’re up first. What did you think?

T: Hi MonDaves gang!! I really liked this movie, I liked the last one a lot so I’m glad enough people enjoyed it that it got a sequel. I think it kept a lot of the good elements of Afterlife one, like the humor, family dynamics, interesting plot, etc. I liked that they focused more on Phoebe, she’s one of my favorite characters and she deserved more development. I think her arc about proving herself to her family and the world was really cool, and the development of the whole Spengler family was well done. Gary’s arc about trying to fit in as more of a father figure than just the mom’s boyfriend was also nice to see. The mom barely did anything though, which sucks because he was such a good character in the first movie. She literally did nothing, I don’t even remember her name that’s how little she did. At the start of the movie, it seemed like Trevor would have a plotline similar to Pheobe’s about proving that he can do things as an adult now, but that kind of went away after the first 30 minutes. The most he did was bring back Slimer, of whom I don’t care about. Trevor was my favorite character from the first one, so it makes me kind of sad to see all the potential they had with his character go to waste.

But my favorite character in this movie was Melody (shoutout to my sister!!!). She was this ghost girl that Phoebe meets and they become good friends. Phoebe says that Melody is the only one to understand her, and Melody opens up about her past to Phoebe. Even though things did not always stay good between them, I really liked their friendship. I think Melody as a character had so much more potential that the writers didn’t go into. Even though she helped defeat the villain at the end, they barely wrapped up her arc by the end of the movie, which was probably due to them putting way too much stuff in this movie.

I liked the other new character, Nadeem, who also ended up being important to defeating the bad guy, but I still feel like all of his lore was too much. There were so many characters that some of the old characters had like no development, like Podcast and Lucky. I really liked both of them in the first movie, but they didn’t have lot to do in this movie. They both work for different members of the old Ghostbusters now, which is cool, but that’s kinda it. No development on their relationships with the Spenglers or how they’re figuring out how to fight ghosts themselves or anything.

It was also super hard to follow the lore with the new villain, and there were so many references to the original movies that I either didn’t understand or didn’t care about. But it was still really good, somehow. It’s one of those movie where the flaws are very evident, but you don’t really care and you can still enjoy watching. The visuals were really good, it was acted really well, the only real issues were with the writing. And even then, it was well written for how much it tried to shove into the movie. I’m sure a lot of my complaints about development for older characters were originally there and got scrapped because of time. I really liked it and I would definitely go see it again!!

D: Some good points there. You’re gonna get some heat from Gen X for that Slimer comment, though.

T: DOOOONT CAAAARE.

D: Okay then. Moving on.

I agree that the filmmakers put a lot of stuff into this movie, but I didn’t think it was hard to follow. The film does require you to pay a little more attention than you would expect going into it, so that does throw people for a bit of a loop who just want a fun, light comedy. That’s not what this is.

Frozen Empire is heavy on plot, and attempts to make their villain more threatening and scary than ever before. This is a good thing, as it helps keep the stakes high and interest level up. As Tess mentioned there are several references to the original two films, which are nice to see, but some of them feel tacked on and unnecessary.

The only complaint I really have is with the pacing of the film. There is so much plot and exposition in the film that the first third of the movie drags a bit. All the extra stuff in the film makes it feel like the ending is a little bit rushed. It also does leave little room for character development apart from Phoebe and, oddly, the relationship between Ray and Winston.

I suppose the only question remaining is, “Is it funny?”. Well, it’s fun, and humorous, but not so big on the belly laughs. More of a smile and snicker type film than a laugh out loud one. I’d actually like to see it again too, just to maybe pick up on some jokes or references I may have missed the first time through.

Still, for as overstuffed as it is, I also enjoyed it. It’s really good, but it’s maybe one rewrite away from being great. Still, I love the franchise and I love this cast, so Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a win for me.

So let’s rate this thing. Scale of 1-5, one being the lowest. Go.

T: I would say a solid four.

D: Me too. 3.5 feels low, but it’s no 5. So we agree.

T: Yay!!

There you have it folks. Thanks for checking in. See you next time for more MonDaves!

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Whistle While You Read

You don’t have to know me long to know that two of my passions are music and reading. When the two combine, I am a happy guy.

There are, of course, a plethora of books written by and about musicians and music itself. Most people would assume that the reader would need to have an interest in the artist or genre being written about to enjoy a given book, but I don’t believe that’s necessarily true.

So I submit the following books as recommendations of music books for non-music geeks.

Love Is A Mixtape: Life And Loss One Song At A Time-Rob Sheffield
Rob Sheffield is a contributing editor to Rolling Stone magazine, and this is his true, tragic love story. The book uses music and the mixtapes made by Rob and the love of his life Renee to frame their all too brief story. This book both will warm your heart and break it. It is a beautiful work that illustrates the power of music as a joyful expression, a melancholy reminder, and ultimately a healer. Music fans of any genre will no doubt relate. If you’re not a music fan, the story will keep you reading along, and perhaps give you some new music to discover. Recommended for everyone.
Traveling Music: Playing Back The Soundtrack To My Life And Times-Neil Peart
Neil Peart (RIP) was the drummer/lyricist for progressive rock band Rush. He is often referred to as the greatest drummer of all time, and is known for intelligent, thought provoking lyrics. His second career was as a travel writer, telling the stories of his (mostly) solo travels and adventures. This book tells the story of one such trip while discussing the music he brought along to loosen to in the car and discussing the impact these particular albums had on his life. The music featured is perhaps a bit more varied than one would think, from jazz to alternative rock and more. Part travelogue, part music review, part autobiography, all good.
The Facts Of Life And Other Dirty Jokes-Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a unique American voice, and this is my favorite of the several books he has authored. It features many stories from Willie’s life and career, along with the lyrics to related songs. There are wise observations, tender moments, and laugh out loud stories from all aspects of Nelson’s life. There are also, as the title implies, just a lot of dirty jokes. So if that’s not your thing, maybe give this one a pass. For the rest of us, it’s a fun read.
Man In Black-Johnny Cash
On the other side of the coin, we have this autobiography by Johnny Cash. Yes, it is his life’s tale, but it is also the story of his faith. Cash has always been known to have a dark side that balances the more evangelical bent to his work. This is Johnny Cash diving in to explain at least a little bit of both. Ultimately it is the story of his own redemption. I’ll tell you the truth, I read this book at the exact right time in my life, and it did more for my own spiritual journey than countless sermons, hymns, and Sunday School classes ever did.
Anatomy of a Song: The Oral History of 45 Iconic Hits That Changes Rock, R&B and Pop-Marc Myers
Okay, this one might be aimed a little bit more at the music obsessed, but anyone who is interested in the artistic process should find plenty to like here. While this book does not claim to include the greatest songs ever written (though some would qualify), it does do a very good job at putting the featured songs into historical perspective. There are tons of stories about the inspiration behind these tunes, and the sometimes strange stories of how they came to be. Informative and well written.

All right, that should get you started. There are tons more books I could recommend, and I may well do that soon, but these are, I think, a good introduction to the world of music literature for the uninitiated. Keep reading, keep listening, and keep coming back here for more MonDAVEs.

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What’s Dave Watching?

With all of the holidays, snow days, and “I’m not leaving this house in single digit temperatures” days, I have been able to catch up on some of my recent blu ray purchases (and gifts) that I’ve been meaning to get to, but haven’t had the chance. Most of this stuff is probably available to stream somewhere or other, but you know me, I like physical media, and I have the “collector gene”, so these have been in the “to be watched” pile for a little while now.

Most of these movies fall into two categories, “music movies” and “comedies”. Atnd one of them is kinda both. So I thought I’d share my finds with you all in case you’re looking for something a little bit different to view while we wait out the long winter months. Here we go, in alphabetical order.

Arsenic And Old Lace (1944)
-This is an all time classic that still plays just as well today as it ever has. For those who may not be aware, this is a dark comedy directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant, with a small though vital role played by Peter Lorre. The story sees Grant’s character newly married coming home to visit his dear, sweet, aunts to tell them the good news before heading off to his honeymoon. It turns out these two sweet little old ladies have a habit of offing little old men. Add in one brother who is convinced he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another who returns home a violent criminal and things get a little weird.

Grisly subject matter, sure, but it’s all handled with class, and the laughs are piled on thick throughout the first act of the film, with some real tension and danger mixed in until the manic conclusion. The reason this film works so well, apart from the cast who are all spot on, is that we are really seeing multiple stories unfold, involving well defined characters in a movie that goes off the rails about ten minutes in and doesn’t let up.

I know there are many people my age and younger won’t watch films made in black and white. This is a shame. The arguments are along the lines of the films being out of touch with modern thinking, the actors speaking in ways that sound peculiar to our ears, the inclusion of cultural references that modern audiences just won’t get, and that it’s just flat out hard to relate to the black and white imagery. While each of these arguments may have some truth to them, seldom will they all come into play in the same picture, and many viewers who drop their guard long enough to get into older movies are often pleasantly surprised. Give the old black and whites a shot. Trust me, you’re missing out. Especially so with a movie as great as Arsenic And Old Lace.

Elvis (2022)
-This movie biopic came out to mixed reviews, mostly stating that the film is a case of style over substance. While that isn’t entirely untrue, I don’t think it hurts the film any. Besides, it did win several non-Oscar awards so I think quite a few people would agree.

I enjoyed this film quite a lot. It’s interesting that our window into the Elvis story is through that of his infamous manager, Col. Tom Parker. Not only does the movie pull back the curtain a little bit on both men, but also examines their level of dependency on one another. It doesn’t really judge either man, but lets the viewer make up their own mind about the events within. Neither one is completely innocent or completely guilty when it comes to their own role in how Elvis’s story unfolded. Music biopics are quite popular these days, and I believe this one goes after the facts just a tiny, little bit more than most, which is nice. More on that later.

My only real complaint, and I hate to make it, is with the casting of Tom Hanks as Col. Parker. I love Hanks, but as with any actor, there are certain roles where the actor melts into the part to the point that you almost forget you are watching them act, and some where that doesn’t happen. Hanks did it brilliantly in movies such as Forrest Gump and The Green Mile among others. Not so here. I never forgot that I was watching Hanks in a fat suit, using a dialect that he never quite mastered. Don’t get me wrong, he gave a valiant effort, but came up short this time out.

All in all though, I thought it was a really good film, and an interesting view for Elvis fans and non fans alike.

It Happened One Night (1934)
Remember a few moments ago when I said that the supposed negatives of black and white films seldom come together in the same picture? Well, a lot of them do come into play here, but I still think it is an important cultural film.

Briefly, the story is as follows: a spoiled runaway socialite is joined on a cross country trip by a newspaper man who is determined to get the story of her disappearance. Hijinks ensue.

To the modern sensibilities, this plot is about as far fetched as you can get. The jokes are hackneyed and predictable, and there are a few unfortunate, cringe inducing lines about women that don’t play well at all these days. It would be easy to dismiss this film because of these qualities.

But also, it was 1939. Things were different. That doesn’t make bad ideas or actions any less wrong, or more acceptable, but that’s how things were, and a certain amount of understanding must be used. Even if it is done while shaking your head.

Remember, many of these gags were not old hat yet. There are more than a few scenes where the set ups and delivery of the jokes are very well done. Also, even though the attitudes displayed in the film are quite patriarchal, and wrong, our socialite heroine is still a fairly well written character for the time. The movie stars Claudette Colbert and Clark gable, both of whom are excellently cast. Gable clearly had a lot of fun making this movie, and it shows, which makes his performance a treat to watch.

It Happened One Night swept all five top categories at the Oscars (beat picture, actor, actress, director, and screenplay), and was a massive hit, breaking box office records across the country. It is an important movie in the history of comedy (often being called the first screwball comedy-though the jury is out on that one), and a fine example of early editing and cinematography. So, if you’re a film buff, it’s worth a view if you’ve not already seen it. For the rest, it may be worth a watch just to get a glimpse into the tastes of American movie goers in the 1930’s. Also, who doesn’t want to watch a five time Oscar winner?

Little Richard: I Am Everything (2023)
-Not a biopic, but a full fledged documentary about “The Architect” of Rock And Roll. I am a fan of Little Richard’s music. His stuff roared out of the speakers back in the day-and it still does. The entire runtime of the film could be spent just on his contributions to popular music. Not only did he redefine popular music for an entire generation, but the after effects of what Little Richard did are still being felt today. Yet there’s so much more to this film than that.

This documentary is just as much about the man as it is the music. It explores his conservative upbringing, his sexuality, and his spirituality. Little Richard was a complex man who was never able to get all of the pieces of his personality to fit together. He was a walking contradiction, often condemning the very music he helped create, and his own lifestyle with one breath, only to proclaim it and celebrate it the next. Some of the interviews can be hard to watch, and some stories hard to hear, but any worthwhile documentary should be this way.

Little Richard’s story is inspiring, frustrating, sad, joyful, engrossing, and extremely relevant to our times. Just like the man himself was, and continues to be.

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)
-And we’re back into the biopics. Sort of. It’s also a comedy, but what else would you expect from the National treasure that is Weird Al Yankovic?

Okay, so I can’t really talk about this movie without discussing the Queen/Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, or BoRap for short. BoRap was overseen by the surviving members of Queen during production. They had input on the script, the look, the music, everything. It’s a good movie, but it’s filled with erroneous details and historical inaccuracies-that the band okayed because they thought it made for a better movie that way. Many fans were not happy about these changes, but it still went on to be a highly successful film.

Now, back to National treasure Weird Al. He had been toying with the idea of an exaggerated biopic for some time (even doing a smaller scale version of this idea in the 1980’s home video release “The Compleat Al“). Well, when he saw the Bohemian Rhapsody movie and recognized the errors within, it gave him complete (compleat?) confidence to go forward with the idea and make it as big and crazy as possible.

That he did. As with any biopic there just enough glimpses of the truth to ground the movie a bit, but the comedy takes over quick and goes into directions that no one could possibly see coming. It’s almost like the Airplane! of biopics. There are a lot of snickers and a few flat out belly laughs to be had here, and the poolside party scene with its plethora of cameos is worth the watch on its own.

Seen as a straight up comedy, this movie is very good. Viewed as a parody of the entire biopic movie genre, it’s genius.

Alright, well, that’s been my viewing experience over the past few weeks. Check these movies out if you haven’t seen them, there may be a new favorite waiting for you. Until next time, happy viewing.