Male Comedian Monday: Heywood Banks

Photo Credit

The first time I learned about the comedy of Heywood Banks was back in fall of 2007, when my community theater began preparations for their 2008 production of "Swamp Opera ," a musical based on the poem "Froggy Went A-Courting." The composer of said musical was the man pictured above, Heywood Banks. I never actually met him, but I did see him at the movie theater once. That was kind of exciting. 

Fast forward to a few years ago when I really got into stand up comedy. I remembered Mr. Banks and gave him a youtube search. I was not disappointed. I love this guy! He is hysterical! Heywood Banks is not your traditional stand up comedian. He sings his comedy. I could listen to him all day. 

Never Trust A Puppet is probably my favorite of his songs. I swear it gets funnier every time I listen to it. I am usually reduced to tears. 

Bed, Bath, & Beyond I find this song so amusing and true to life, except for that one boyfriend I had who was way more domesticated than I am. 

The Yoga Song I actually just heard this one for the first time, but I love it. I do quite a bit of yoga and this is so relatable and hilarious!
Here's Heywood Banks' Website

Weekend Movie Review: Absolutely Fabulous The Movie

Photo Credit

Sweetie Darlings, if you're reading this in the United States, there's a change you're not familiar with the British 90's sensation known as Absolutely Fabulous. Ab Fab was a sitcom on BBC airing between 1992 and 2012, starring the hilarious Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley as Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone. Edina and Patsy are two flamboyant hard-drinking, drug-abusing middle-aged ladies, always chasing the newest fads in an effort to stay cool and to relate to their younger peers. They are complimented by Edina's air-headed assistant, Bubble, and counterbalanced by Edina's moral and conservative daughter, Saffy.

I happened upon Absolutely Fabulous by chance at my local library. I saw its simple, unassuming title on the pink spine of the dvd case and picked it up out of curiosity. I saw Jennifer Saunders and I was immediately intrigued as I've always loved her work on French & Saunders. Honestly, she is one of the funniest comedians ever! Anyway, I loved the show right away! When I found out, earlier this year, that an Ab Fab movie was in the works, I was incredibly excited. Unfortunately it's only playing in select theaters. Long story short, I had to drive about an hour away to see it, but it was definitely worth it. The theater was absolutely gorgeous (as a side point) and I look forward to seeing more movies there in the future. Here's a link to the theater's website, if you're interested.

Absolutely Fabulous The Movie was a wonderful throwback to the 90's sitcom, but also had a fresher, updated, modern feel to it. Edina is still desperately chasing trends and trying to fit in. Patsy is still too cool for school, perfecting the art of resting bitch face. Bubble's outfits are more ridiculous (and fabulous) than ever. And Saffy still serves as the eternally frustrated voice of reason. This may be Edina and Patsy's biggest adventure yet, as they find themselves on the lam in the South of France after accidentally pushing Kate Moss into the Thames.

There are dozens of cameos (rumored 64), including Gwendoline Christie, Chris Colfer, Lily Cole, John Hamm, Emma Bunton, Lulu, Stella McCartney, Dame Edna, and Dawn French. (I could continue, but there really are so so many cameos.)

I loved this movie and wish it was showing in more American theaters. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone, although it might be helpful to catch up on a few old episodes just so you're familiar with the characters and premise.

Here are some fun Ab Fab links from Buzzfeed (one of my favorite websites to browse mindlessly):

A Guide To Being More Absolutely Fabulous (with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley)
18 Things You Didn't Know About Absolutely Fabulous (with Julia Sawalha, aka Saffy)
Are You More Patsy or Edina?
21 Signs Patsy Stone Is Your Spirit Animal
19 Signs You Might Be Edina Monsoon
19 Times Absolutely Fabulous Summed Up Being In Your Twenties
22 Of The Best Put-Downs and Comebacks from Ab Fab
20 Valuable Life Lessons from the Ab Fab Ladies

Weekend Movie Review: Ghostbusters (2016)

Ghostbusters Official Trailer

How do I begin to talk about Ghostbusters?? To clarify, I'm a huge fan of the originals. I grew up watching them. I re-watched the first one just a few months ago. But I was not, by a long shot, offended by the remake. I absolutely understand people being offended that Hollywood would remake a classic, but I cannot deal with the haters who are pissed because of the female cast. These ladies are hysterical! Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones are some of the funniest ladies in tv and movies right now. They may very well be the four most versatile actresses I've ever seen and they are definitely some of my favorite people!

A word about the new version of the theme song: when I first heard this recording by Fall Out Boy (featuring Missy Elliot), I was totally against it. Like surely we could have stuck with the original Ray Parker Jr. classic! Buuuut, in the context of the film it kind of clicked for me. It really works with this movie. The attitude of the song really compliments the attitude of the characters. And it's still pretty catchy!  Here's the original version too, for comparison and nostalgic enjoyment. 

I don't want to get too into the plot because of spoilers, but I will say the plot is a bit different than the original. I was almost disappointed by that, but honestly, I think it's better. This way it's not a total makeover of the classic film, but more like a continuation of the original films. I can't see any reason the original Ghostbusters films and this new one can't co-exist harmoniously side by side. 

Anyway, here are some youtube clips:

The Cast of Ghostbusters Find Chris Hemsworth Annoyingly Perfect

Kate McKinnon & Leslie Jones Interview

Melissa McCarthy Interview

Kate McKinnon Interview

Sneak Peak at the truly epic super battle showdown

Hannah Gadsby

I believe Hannah Gadsby was the first comedian I posted on here way back in 2011. I feel like she's definitely worth posting again. To be honest, I have kind of a crush on her. I think she's hilarious and absolutely gorgeous, a point I mention because she does do a fair amount of self-deprecating jokes regarding her body (but, like, in a confident way).

Anyway, here's some more recent Hannah. Definitely worth watching! This girl is fantastic!

2015 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
2014 Comedy Up Late
2014 Melbourne Comedy Festival All Stars Supershow
2012 Melbourne Comedy Festival

Leslie Jones

I think Leslie Jones is one of the funniest people alive! Whether she's doing stand up, Saturday Night Live, or co-starring in the new Ghostbusters movie (which, I regret to inform you, I still have yet to see), she never disappoints! Game of Thrones fan? Her live tweets about the show were hysterical!

There are so many hilarious Leslie Jones videos out there, it was really difficult for me to decide which ones to use, but here are a few of her shining moments...

Ghostbusters Character Vignette - Patty (Leslie Jones)

Leslie's Inner White Girl (Saturday Night Live)

Leslie's Perfect Man (Stand Up)

Leslie Answers Some Fans' Questions

Leslie and Seth Meyers watch Game of Thrones (her commentary is hysterical! Warning: S6 spoilers!)

It's been a while

It has been several years since I've written on this blog. I guess I just got busy. Idk. Whatever. Anyway, I think I'm going to start posting some more stuff on here. I've got a few comedians in mind. I think right now is a pretty good time for women in comedy. Lotta talent out there!

Joe DeVito, Last night at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

Headliner

Last night at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Joe DeVito (with Andy Beningo and Sal Demilio) made me laugh so hard I was in pain! He is DEFINITELY a comedian worth checking out!! You may have seen him on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Chelsea Lately, or Last Comic Standing, as well as a number of other TV appearances.

My date and I got to meet/hang out with him after the show. He's a really nice guy, who definitely takes his humor with him when he leaves the stage.

Joe DeVito's Website
Joe on youtube

Other Acts of the Evening

Andy Beningo was hysterical as last night's MC. He has been named "Best Comedian" by the Detroit Metro Times and last night I could see why! His jokes were witty and happy with a touch of self-deprecating. A very enjoyable act! You may have heard him on air on the Bob & Tom Show or on Sirius XM Radio. He was the warm-up act for Betty White at the Gilda Laugh Festival, and has performed at the Great American Comedy Festival and the Detroit Comedy Festival. He has appeared on the Comedy Time Network as well as Comcast Cable.

Andy Beningo's Website
Andy on youtube

Sal Demilio is definitely a new favorite of mine, so I was super excited (when I friended him on facebook) to find out he actually lives in Ann Arbor! Hopefully that means he'll be performing at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase again sometime soon! He can soon be seen playing the role of wise guy Italian landfill company owner in the movie "Intent," starring Eric Roberts as Detective Gordon. "Intent" has been described as a combination of Silence of the Lambs and CSI. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it when it comes out in Spring 2012.
You can also buy Sal's CD, "Fettuccini Salfredo" for $15 online in the "Acting and Voiceovers" section of his website. (I'm thinking it would make a great Christmas gift! *wink wink*)

Sal Demilio's Website
Sal on youtube
Watch the trailer for "Intent"/Buy Sal's CD