Big Lebowski...screens at Insomniac Cinema! Midnight! January 30th!

Urban Achievers

When "The Big Lebowski" screened at "Insomniac Cinema" a few months ago, there was a big turn out at the midnight show in West Hollywood.

Frankly, I don’t recall encountering such a boisterous rambunctious crowd of filmgoers descending on a movie house with such fan frenzy in recent days.

"The Big Lebowski" topped the "Rocky Horror Show" - for all-out enthusiasm - in my estimation.

In fact, at one point, the over-anxious crowd of young hipsters stormed the Theatre.

Yeah, when the usher’s back was turned - off refilling the popcorn machine, I guess - the gang of merry pranksters surged forward in a bold-faced effort to snap up the best seats in the house.

What rollicking fun - in spite of the fact I was nearly trampled in the long cramped hallway - on the way to Theatre No. 2.

Well, get ready for another round of boisterous rowdy conduct tomorrow night at the Regency Theatre in West Hollywood (Fairfax & Beverly) when Big Lebowski hits the silver screen once again!

"The Big Lebowski" is a Coen Brothers’ offering!

The hilarious comedy is the off-beat tale about a laid back, down-and-out guy, who goes by the moniker of "Dude".

His pals are a motley crew keen on bowling - so much so - they’re in a bona fide rag-tag league.

On the heels of a case of mistaken identity, the Dudereno (Jeff Bridges) gets mixed up in an intriguing scenario with a millionaire’s wife, a subsequent kidnapping, and a gang of wacko characters who spill out of the woodwork and pound on him without warning.

There’s a whole posse of zany characters in this movie - a gang of loser nihilists, a high-brow conceptual artist and her hired hands, and some white-trash thugs a little slow on the uptake.

The one-liners are real zingers; in fact, the best COEN gems to come down the pike in a long time.

In fact, they’re so choice and so memorable, that the filmgoers (who’ve obviously caught an infectious bug of some kind which compels them to take in each and every screening when it rolls around) are inclined to scream out the dialogue verbatim with wicked glee in sync with the characters on screen.

Dudes, there appears to be a cult following for "The Big Lebowski".

In fact, the film spawned a book with a forward by Jeff Bridges.

The hefty tome is rife with trivia, interviews with fellow achievers (Patton Oswalt, Tony Hawk, Powerpuff Girls creator Craig McCracken), tips on how to Dude-ify your life, a Little Larry flipbook, a guide to the film’s locations, Lebowski Fest Highlights, and a lot of what-have-you.

And - did you know? - there’s a "Big Lebowski" Film Festival every year.

Check out the dudes below in Louisville (KY) at their annual event.

Dudelicious!

By the way, friends of Jeff Bridges who maintain his web site, recently e-mailed me that they intend to launch a scintillating PODCAST in the future for "all things" Big Lebowski.

Will keep you posted on the much-anticipated fan-appreciation tributes and opportunities to interact with the Big Lebowski gang!

'Til then, mark your calendar "Lebowski", for the witchin' hour tomorrow night!

See 'ya there, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Insomniac Cinema...Chinatown screens at midnight! Actors Jack Nicholson & Faye Dunaway rivetting...

On Friday, November 14 at the witching hour - Chinatown - will screen at Insomniac Cinema at the Regency Theatre in the Fairfax District.

If you haven't screened this period thriller starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway - hustle over to the theatre - and snap up a ticket.

The ultra-dark murder mystery was not only directed by Roman Polanski at the height of his creative powers, but also features a remarkable stand-out performance by legendary actor, John Huston.

Jack Nicholson plays a seedy Private Dick - Jake Gittes - who is hired to investigate a case of alleged infidelity.

When the subject of his sleuthing ends up dead, instead of walking away empty-handed, Gittes is inclined to investigate further.

Something doesn't gel, he figures rightly.

In a complicated - but thoroughly intriguing plot twist - Gittes uncovers a scam masterminded by Noah Cross (Huston) to buy un-watered (unwanted) land on the cheap and sell it off later at inflated prices.

A mysterious young girl surfaces along the way - who appears to be of particular interest to Faye Dunaway's character for some inexplicable reason - and the crotchety old-letch, Noah Cross.

In a bizarre reveal at the end, a shocking truth about the Cross family, is enough to turn the stomach.

Intense, suspenseful - and highly original - Chinatown is a masterpiece of filmmaking - worth catching.

P.S.

Throughout the film, Nicholson sports a ubiquitous bandage on his nose, which should signal how offbeat and quirky the award-winning film is at the heart of its ominous beat.

Info: www.regencymovies.com

I.O.U.S.A...documentary on U.S. Debt a downer! But, educational...

Not surprisingly, I.O.U.S.A. turned out to be a big downer!

When the lights went up, I scurried out of the movie theatre vowing to cut up all my credit cards, never spend a penny needlessly again, and think twice about who I vote for in the upcoming election.

In addition to shaking me into a reality zone - the well-produced documentary on National debt - educated me, too.

No wonder, I.O.U.S.A. has been dubbed the "inconvenient truth" of the economic sector.

The first shocker unfolds on the screen when former U.S. GAO head - David Walker - points out some disconcerting facts about the nest-egg called Social Security.

Until now, surplus funds being collected from wage-earners, have been used to pay off debt elsewhere on the negative fiscal landscape.

But, when baby-boomers start retiring and collecting their old age benefits, those trust funds will swiftly vanish.

The end result? A devastating financial crunch.

If that news wasn't disturbing enough - the dilemma regarding foreign trade - will surely smack you up one side of the wall and down the other!

As most historians know, this country's great fortunes were built on the sweat of the backs of American workers, who produced quality goods and services that were exported to foreign nations for top dollar.

But, in recent years, the contracts have been consistently farmed out.

Now - there appears to be an imbalance in the import/export trade - which is crippling the economy by the ba**s, daily.

But, figures outlining the staggering sums of greenbacks owed to an ever-increasing number of foreign nations, is the most distressing of all.

Like China, for example.

No wonder the President found it difficult to "boycott" the Olympics!

We're into those suckers for a few billion bucks!

In what amounted to - "fiscal wake-up tours" - Walker traipsed around the country to spread the word at cozy speaking engagements for the enlightened few just a scant few years back.

On those occasions, he made no bones about it.

He compared the U.S. to the final days of the "militarily overextended" and "fiscally irresponsible" days of ancient Rome.

Sound familiar?

Originally, Walker preached his message of financial doom-and-gloom to mostly half-empty rooms.

But, the interest picked up, when Walker was featured in a "60 Minutes" probe.

At this juncture, a handful of backers - a private-equity billionaire, Walker, and a Baltimore newsletter editor - came up with the idea to produce - I.O.U.S.A. - with the specific aim of convincing Americans the National debt was creating a looming economic crisis that must be acted now.

Did you know the National deficit now stands at about $9.6 trillion and that it is climbing by the minute?

If you include all the unfunded entitlement obligations — such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and so forth and so on - it's actually $53 trillion, Walker asserts stone-faced to crowds who sober at the thought.

And, it the debt will only get deeper as we get older, he alleges.

"The debt has increased our risk of being held hostage by foreign lenders."

On the heels of this frightening thought, he is inclined to joke, though.

"The financial condition of the U.S. is worse than advertised."

The nation's debt now accounts for 66 percent of the gross national product.

But unless things change, as the compelling film underscores, the cost of aging baby boomers will push that proportion to 244 percent by 2040 (twice what it was at the end of World War II at our highest level of national debt).

Consequently, Walker and his financial wizards recommend broad entitlement overhaul, tough budget controls, conservation of energy and - ultimately - urge that Americans not buy things they can't afford.

The debt is so troubling, investor Warren Buffett stiffly warned in the searing hour-and-a-half doc, that it may result in "political instability".

That's one reason why you should look very closely at the political candidate you intend to vote for this upcoming election!

Do Obama and McCain intend to address the issues?

More importantly, do they have any solutions to curb the out-of-control scenario?

Not everyone agrees that we're totally doomed to financial extinction, though.

Arthur Laffer, a developer of the famous Laffer Curve - argues that if taxes rise too high - people lose incentive to work. He surmises that as long as the debt level stays where it is, it can be financed down over time like a landowner with a mortgage.

Tell that to Americans on the verge of losing their homes!

For those keen on being primed about fiscal responsibility - I.O.U.S.A. is screening at the Regency Theatre (Fairfax District) - for a bargain afternoon matinee rate of $3.50.

Check it out, but take along some anti-depressants.

You'll need 'em!

Reefer Madness! Take your bong, Michael Phelps...

After an announcement that John Conyers (House Judiciary Committee) would be investigating the DEA in respect to recent Paramilitary-style raids on local pot dispensaries - the country's top Drug Czar released a notice to the public warning that the habitual use of marijuana could heighten depression - and ultimately - result in an ongoing development of mental and emotional problems.

If you're in the dark about the veracity of those statements - you may want to take in a screening of "REEFER MADNESS" - when it next screens at a local theatre near you.

After all, "Reefer Madness" is a wicked hilarious twist on the whole controversial subject.

The cult classic was originally conceived as a propaganda tool to quell desire for the evil drug among troubled rebellious youth - with the ultimate aim - of curbing any bold-faced effort to legalize the leafy substance for use in polite social circles.

In fact, the 1936 exploitation film revolves around the fictional tragic events that ensue when a handful of naive high school students are lured by dreaded pushers to smoke "marijuana".

For instance, the filmmakers focus on a hit and run accident, manslaughter, suicide, rape, and - in at least one instance - a descent into madness.

The film was directed by Louis Gasnier and starred a cast of mostly unknown actors.

"Reefer Madness" was originally financed by a church group and crowned with the inspiring title, "Tell Your Children".

The film was intended as a morality tale and - likewise - cleverly crafted to warn teenagers about the alleged pitfalls of using illicit drugs such as cannabis.

As fate would have it, soon after the film was shot, a visionary producer - Dwain Esper - bought the unreleased project and re-cut the raw footage for distribution on the exploitation film circuit.

Early on, the film never garnered much attention, though.

But, in the 1970's, it was rediscovered and gained a persona of its own as a piece of unintentional comedy among cannabis smokers.

Today, it is in the public domain in the United State, and is considered a cult film which has inspired a musical satire (playing off-Broadway in 2001) and a Showtime feature film titled - "Reefer Madness" - based on the musical.

Don't forget to take along your "Volcano" when you screen it, Michael Phelps!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Insomniac Cinema...comics resort to toilet humor! "Planet 9 from Outer Space" screens...

At the Insomniac Cinema screening of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" the other evening, management thought they would try a new experiment at their midnight show - live comedy!

Well, I guess you could say it went over like a lead balloon!

The audience responded to the little sideshow much like they would a nasty rash -maybe because it was the witchin' hour and they were tired - or due to the fact they were all hyped up and anxious to take in "Plan 9". I don't know!

The first comic was pleasant enough, but his jokes lacked bite - and humor!


Pre-requisites for a comedian, I expect.

However, he was such a sweet little nerdy-type, that the tough audience just kinda' batted him off like a pesky little insect, not annoying enough to crush underfoot.

But, the second comedian, well - when things didn't fair well - he went for the jugular!

It didn't help matters that there were three hecklers in the crowd who were funnier than he was. In fact, for a moment, I thought they were a plant - a part of the act - corralled to spice up the spot a tad.

At one point, the comic - from Denver - asked the one annoying teen (who was killing his act) - what sign he was.

After a long groan from the audience, the lad finally coughed up,

"I don't know".

"Tell me the month you were born," the comic urged.

I guess that was the surprise hook he needed to snare the pimply teen, 'cause the lad fell for the bait and offering up the month.

"Oh, you're an a**hole," the comic quipped, without batting an eye.

Ba-dump!

Gotcha.

Typical of comics desperate for a laugh, he resorted to a tactic spelled out by well-known comedian, Red Skeleton who once astutely noted,

"Today's comics use four-letter words as a shortcut to thinking. They're shooting for that big laugh and it becomes a panic thing, using four-letter words to shock people."

But, the spot went downhill from there, fast.

In a desperate effort to get a laugh - the comic, who's name I can't recall (it was that memorable) - made a derogatory comment about the mold in the old theatre stirring up his sinuses.

Nope, still no cigar from beyond the footlights.

But, two strikes.

First lesson: don't annoy your audience. Second, don't insult your host.

At this juncture, it was a real struggle for the man dressed to the nines in "full Denver" (white belt & white shoes ensemble) to win over the respect of anyone in the room.

He now thumbed through a small booklet as he growled,

"Well, enough of the foreplay."

Couldn't he remember his jokes? Or was that a manual that cited the rules and regulations to abide by when an audience gives you up for a loser and goes astray?

Then, he went off into the deep end, never to return.

"Well, I'll tell a faggot joke. To gay people, the word faggot is like the "N" word is to a Black person. Except, I'd rather deal with an angry gay person than an African American - they're less scary."

No response, not even a - "nice a**" - from the gay men in attendance.

Nada!

So, now he was desperate and went with a pre-historic joke form.

"Knock. Knock."

"Who's there," the audience screamed.

"911."

"911, who?"

"I thought you said you'd never forget?"

Dead silence.

Well, on a positive note, it was good to know that Americans still find it difficult to make jokes about 911.

In the final analysis, the experiment at the Regency failed; in large part due to the fact both comedians lacked the experience, comedic timing, and basic talent to pull the shtick off.

If you query Seinfeld or Leno about their macaroni & cheese days - they'll probably tell you horror stories about one-night gigs around the country - where they handily dealt with hecklers and drunks in dives they did seat-of-your-pants "stand up" in to pay the bills.

Bottom line, the experience turned them into seasoned professionals, capable of turning out a positive result with any dilemma that came their way.


Hence, the reason they sauntered on to fame and fortune in the topsy-turvy competitive world of night-time TV.

In fact, Johnny Carson was a master at taking a bad joke that bombed, and turning it around, into a clever little firecracker that often exploded into a huge laugh.

That not only took a lot of finesse, but skill, as well.

Unfortunately, the two comics at the Regency were out of their league, even in a venue as low-brow as it was.

But, keep at it, kids! You did better than moi.

Years ago, I signed up to do a stint at the Comedy Store. Before they called my name, I dashed out the back door - terrified!

One day, you might strike gold with your oddball antics.

I'll always remember the first time I saw Roseanne do stand up.

"Heh, this lady is good," I recall thinking to myself.

I knew she would hit the big time. And, she did.

Unfortunately, it's usually an uneven temperament, insecurity, and a nasty ego, that does a good comic in.

But, there are always a dozen standing in line to queue up to take their place.

They would be wise to take the advice of Jack Benny who once said,

"It's not so much knowing when to speak, but when to pause."