WHEN JEWS WERE FUNNY (Released to The Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

When Jews were Funny—a significant and well-done documentary film—contains terrific interviews with 37 of the best of our standup comedians including Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, Eugene Mirman, Bob Einstein, Andy Kindler, Shelley Berman, and David Steinberg. This is a good, informative watch, a winner of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Alan Zweig believes Jews are not as funny now as in the past and attempts to prove his point with archival footage and live interviews with Jewish comedians.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Alan Zweig for directing efforts. Kudos to Musical Composer Michael Zweig for outstanding musical accompaniment Thank you to Executive Producer Perry Rosemond for making the film possible. Cast include: Marc Maron, Shelley Berman, Rodney Dangerfield, Howie Mandel, Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Einstein, Eugene Mirman, Jack Carter, Judy Gold, Norm Crosby, Andy Kindler, Alan King, Shecky Greene, Jackie Mason, David Steinberg, Elon Gold, Henny Youngman, Aaron Berg), and David Brenner.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary is highly entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RUSH HOUR 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rush Hour 2 teams Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. While the movie increases its comedic elements over the last film, it also greatly increases sexual scenes not appropriate for most audiences. There is no lack to action scenes throughout the story. The timing is exceptionally well-done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two law enforcement agents become involved in violent interaction with Hong Kong mobsters. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brett Ratner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roger Birnbaum, Jonathan Glickman, Arthur Sarkissian, and Jay Stern for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, John Lone, Ziyi Zhang, Roselyne Sanchez Alan King, and Harris Yulin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie upped the suggestive scenes over the first Rush Hour movie to a highly mature, sophisticated level. The comedy element increased, but there is a price paid due to sexual content. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers