Monday Moments

Date night - Saturday January 7. I bought Ray tickets as a Christmas treat to see Michael Carbonaro Live. Ray enjoyed watching Michael on his show The Carbonaro Effect, and would call me into the room, "You've gotta see this.".  I admit the young man was talented and clever, but I had not idea how the show would translate to a live theater - Dallas' Winspear.

We ended up with awesome box seats one level up from the orchestra center stage. The opening comic was quite funny, and then Michael came on and proceeded to enthrall us. Simple stage, a few props, quick timing, excellent patter, and many "how did he do that segments?" Plenty of audience participation and some of the kids he brought up on stage added to the hilarity. It was a clean family show.

My Monday moment of reflection - hearing Ray laugh, hearing everybody laugh at a clever bit - united as one. Everyone out in public to be entertained, enjoying a community of laughter.

Priceless....

Movie Review Madness - What Now?

Kevin Hart, the hardest working comedian on the planet, has a concert film out in theaters.  What Now? Is an enjoyable frenetic experience.  Basically Kevin asks “What Now?” because as he conquers arenas, stages, movies, and more, people are asking for more and he asks himself for more. The man never quits. This film covers his record breaking sold out show at Lincoln Financial Field in his home town of Philadelphia. This is a football stadium filled to the brim with adoring fans screaming for more.

Kevin knows what his audience wants and he gives it to them. He’s a bundle of energy ready to talk about his height challenge, his kids, his upcoming marriage, and the general craziness of the world. He is not political, not topical. He leans toward more general observations of life type of humor and the crowd eggs him on. He does capture the slice of life in a manic way. He’s not as observational as Jerry Seinfeld, but he does niggle on the minutiae of life, and he’s funny.

Oh, the language can be a tad rough – not appropriate for kids – this is R.  And the ninety minute film was plenty long enough. I was amused and then done. But I will concede that the man works hard and truly gives it his all. He’s not coasting. He wants to be mega-successful and he is accomplishing this.  He sets a very good example in this regard – there are no excuses in this world. Get out there and strive for the best you can be. And then ask What Now??

Movie Review: Trainwreck

If you do not know Amy Schumer’s humor, then I suggest watching her comedy shows first. She’s this blonde haired, blue eyed innocent looking gal with a mouth on her. Yes, a tad raunchy but quite humorous. Her new movie Trainwreck  (which she wrote) continues her comedy but morphs into a love story. The movie is very R – do not take kids to this flick. 

Basically, Amy was raised to not trust relationships. Her father and mother divorced when she was young and Dad was a ladies man. Mom has passed and Dad’s in a nursing home with MS. Played by Colin Quinn, he’s a loveable jerk.  Now Amy has a love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude, and we’re just talking for one night dates. She’s got a great job for a magazine in New York, and her boss (the terrific Tilda Swinton) has her up for an editor position.   

Amy is selected to write an article on the hot orthopedic surgeon in town, Adam played by Bill Hader. They are total opposites but do hit it off, and this concerns Amy. He actually calls her after their date and wants to see her again. Gasp! She’s not accustomed to dealing with nice guys that she really kinda likes.  Adam’s buddy is LeBron James, yes THE LeBron and the man steals his scenes. He’s great in this and is concerned that Amy’s going to hurt his friend.  

 

Family issues, job trials, and a love life are the crux of this movie. Amy has to grow up and face a new reality for her – trust and love can go together. I know that sounds super serious, but that’s the underlying current of the movie. The exterior portion is filled with hilarious lines, good acting, and a real chemistry. Amy and her sister Kim fight but are SO close. Amy and Bill Hader look like normal people and I think that helps make the film work.  

I was along for the ride from the beginning of this Trainwreck.  Big thumbs up for an adult movie (with some bawdy kidding around).

Four Day Weekend Comedy

Since 1997, Four Day Weekend has been entertaining Fort Worth audiences with clever comedy, quick improvisation skits, and crazy interactions. We went to the sold out 10 pm show, last Saturday night and howled at the humor.

The emcee, David Ahearn, got the show rolling with quick patter and observations about the audience and life. After that, the troupe - Frank Ford, Zachary Muhn, Ray Sharp, David Wilk, Anthony Bowling, Andrew Hamer, and Josh Roberts - alternated on sketches and bits. If the word given was "unicycle", they were weaving about in a hilarious circus sketch. A few lines fell flat, but all in all, their talent was astounding.

Ray and I agreed we'd go back - after all with a new audience, it's a new show every time.

www.FourDayWeekend.com

Phyllis Diller: Opening Comedy Doors

Phyllis Diller (1917-2012) died Monday at the age of 95. She began her comedy career after age 40. I first remember her as a kid, when I was allowed to stay up and watch Ed Sullivan. Who was this woman waving a cigarette holder, hair looking electrocuted, with an infectious cackle, and a husband named Fang?

She was hilarious with great lines, superb delivery, and self deprecating humor. She opened the comedy door for women. A lot of comedy is in the act, but when I read some of her lines, they stood on their own. I appreciate good writing and a chuckle. Hope these make you smile and remember a funny lady.

My husband fell in a river right in front of me and drowned. I rushed to the bank but he had already withdrawn all his money.

A terrible thing happened to me last night again - nothing

The only thing my husband and I have in common is that we were married on the same day.

Whatever you may look like, marry a man of your own age: as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight.