Penn's New Film

Discussions of new films, books, television shows, and media indirectly related to magic and magicians. For example, there may be a book on mnemonics or theatrical technique we should know or at least know about.
Guest

Penn's New Film

Postby Guest » July 28th, 2005, 11:54 pm

Penn Gillette's new film just received a rave review from the best newspaper in the United States, the New York Times. See it here.

Take a look at these kind words:

"The Aristocrats is - how shall I put it? - an essay film, a work of painstaking and penetrating scholarship, and, as such, one of the most original and rigorous pieces of criticism in any medium I have encountered in quite some time...."

Bill Mullins
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Bill Mullins » July 30th, 2005, 3:19 pm

Originally posted by David Groves:
the best newspaper in the United States, the New York Times.
I'm sure the Ochs and the Sulzbergers would like to think so, but they've had enough problems with accuracy and bias lately that "best" is debatable.

Guest

Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Guest » July 30th, 2005, 10:10 pm

Is this turning into, as the late great SJ Perelman once put it, an Ochs roast?

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Steve Bryant
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Steve Bryant » August 12th, 2005, 5:51 am

The Aristocrats apparently finally opened in Chicago, and Roger Ebert's review appeared this morning (rogerebert.com). He doesn't particularly like the movie because he hates the joke that is the movie's subject, but has come up with a very funny (and vicious) new punch line of his own. I won't spoil it by revealing it here, but worth a read.

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Steve Bryant
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Steve Bryant » August 22nd, 2005, 7:34 am

The movie rates high praise in this week's New Yorker. Online now at

http://www.newyorker.com/critics/cinema

Guest

Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Guest » August 22nd, 2005, 8:54 am

"high praise"?
"kind words"?
If you say so, guys...
Here's a reviewer I usually trust:
Aristocrats review

Like The Joke after which it is named, it's easily dismissed.

Guest

Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Guest » August 22nd, 2005, 9:36 am

Why aren't more of you discussing Johnny Thompson's baffling appearance in a hottub with a nude young woman?! This is urgent and key!

Brian Marks
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Brian Marks » August 22nd, 2005, 9:59 am

why is it urgent and key? The movie's purpose is to upset the very people who are easily offended.

Joe Hanosek
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Joe Hanosek » August 22nd, 2005, 10:07 am

Does anyone know the title/author of the book Jay Marshall refers to? Thanks.

Guest

Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Guest » August 22nd, 2005, 11:16 am

it's urgent and key because it's hilarious! where's pam? who's the woman? and then he nearly dives in with the lavalier still attached! so classic!

Brian Marks
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Brian Marks » August 22nd, 2005, 12:46 pm

I mentioned it in the other thread.

Guest

Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Guest » August 22nd, 2005, 12:47 pm

OK, BRIAN. i won't let it happen again!

do you hate fun?

Pepka
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Pepka » August 26th, 2005, 8:26 pm

I saw the film tonight and I absolutely loved it. Eric Mead, Robin Williams and Mario Cantone got the biggest laughs from the audience. I am not easily offended at all and there were a few comments from the staff of "The Onion" that were really borderline for me. And I too am dying to know who is Johnny's hot friend in the hot tub with him.

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Steve Bryant
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Steve Bryant » August 26th, 2005, 8:46 pm

Last week in Chicago, my daughter overheard some guys hitting on a waitress.

Guys: "So, have you heard any good jokes lately?"

Waitress: "So you guys saw The Aristocrats, right? Nope, haven't seen it yet."

It's becoming part of the lexicon.

Brian Marks
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Brian Marks » August 27th, 2005, 7:03 pm

Originally posted by FeverDream:
OK, BRIAN. i won't let it happen again!

do you hate fun?
huh?

Bill Mullins
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Bill Mullins » September 13th, 2005, 1:32 pm

Interview with Penn and Provenza HERE.

Jeff Eline
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Jeff Eline » January 24th, 2006, 10:03 pm

DVD just came out today. As stated by others, Eric Meads performance is great!!

Pepka
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Pepka » January 28th, 2006, 12:39 pm

I picked up the DVD the day it dropped. If you missed it in the theaters, here's your second chance. Lots of fun extra features.

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Steve Bryant
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Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Steve Bryant » January 28th, 2006, 5:53 pm

It sold out -- a goodly supply -- at my local Best Buy the day it became available. Best Buy got more in the next day, when I bought my copy. I just returned from another Best Buy trip, where I noticed it was sold out again. I've never noticed a movie selling this fast the first week. Only in America ...

Guest

Re: Penn's New Film

Postby Guest » January 28th, 2006, 7:12 pm

I'm a big fan of Penn & Teller. I love their magic and their show "[censored]".

I was very anxious to rent this movie. It was a huge disappointment. A bigger disappointment than the Protocols of the Elders of Magic, if you can bring yourself to believe that.

The joke isnt funny the first time you hear it, and it doesnt get better the 100th time either. They say this is the type of joke that is usually saved for certain circles, once everyone goes home from the comedy club and I guess it must be funnier after a few drinks but I doubt it.

The funniest part was with the South Park kids. After the punch line, one kid speaks for the others and says that it was not funny and that he doesnt get it, while the one who said the joke agrees that he doesnt get it either.

Personally, I sort of felt sorry for all of these comedians. It was a little pathetic to hear them get so excited about this joke which falls flat. Its like watching a really bad card trick over and over again.

The only highlight was to see the joke performed within a card trick.


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