Sunday, August 26, 2007

New Stand-Up Video

I've finally been able to convert an old video of one of my better stand up sets from back in the day. This weekend I've added two new videos to my YouTube account that are of a 15 minute set I did in October 2004 as part of the Red Stick Comedy Block filmed by local TV station, WAFB. This set never aired because Swamp Mama's closed down (to become The Roux House) shortly after filming this episode. WAFB wanted the episodes to be filmed in a location that would be open when the episodes aired, so we later re-filmed the episodes at SoGo Live, which ironically enough is closed now also. The episode filmed at SoGo aired in November 2005. That was the infamous set where after I had finished my 15 minutes, the cameraman informed me that the camera malfunctioned and none of it was taped. So I had to get back on stage and tell the same exact jokes to an audience that had just heard them 5 minutes prior. Awkward. Anyway, my performance in the below set at Swamp Mama's was a bit unpolished as I constantly check my cheatsheet on the stool, but the material is great. The 15 minute set is broken up into two videos on YouTube because they have a 10 minute limit on uploaded videos. Enjoy!




Watch the second part.

Sunday, August 5, 2007

The Bourne Ultimatum

Jason Bourne is back for another round of heart pounding, edge of your seat, “no way that could happen” action orgasms. He continues to defy death time and time again for at least another hour and 51 minutes. The end cap of this exciting trilogy deserves every percentage point of the 94% it is getting on Rotten Tomatoes. Attention retards behind the making of Transformers, please report to your local theater to see how an action movie is supposed to be made and don’t forget to take notes. The Bourne Ultimatum is intelligent through and through and does not slow down along to the way to make sure the lowest common denominator is following along. This film is proof positive that great acting and action flicks can indeed get along. Everyone from Joan Allen to even Julia Stiles turned in great performances that showed that these actors were completely on board with director Paul Greengrass in making a quality, thought provoking action film. Although it is still a little awkward to accept Matt Damon’s transformation from Will “It’s not your fault” Hunting to a ninja-like Jack Bauer, you can’t say he isn’t good in this role. This chapter of the Bourne trilogy is more emotional than the others. Numerous uncomfortably tight close ups of the characters faces shows the turmoil and transformations as they question loyalties, accept hard truths and lose faith in ideals. Greengrass has a knack for making you feel like you’re there. The tension leaps from the screen and enters the theater creating a feeling reminiscent of his previous achievement, United 93. As the characters toil with corruption and question institutions so do we. How much liberty are we willing to give up in order to feel safe? How far should the government be allowed to go in the name of security? Are there factions of our government that are better left top secret? These are the questions real politicians, soldiers, and citizens are wrestling with today. I guess it’s comforting to know that Jason Bourne doesn’t have any better answers than we do.