Louis C.K.'s comedy is shameless laughs
By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
An intriguing documentary, a footnote for "Sopranos" fans and some raw comedy are all in this week's DVD column.
A Tale of Two Pizzas
Writer and director Vincent Sassone recycled "Romeo and Juliet" by placing two feuding families in Yonkers, NY, and making the object of their conflict over whose pizza is best.
The result is a film with an entirely predictable script. Although the film looks good and scenes are cleverly linked with some great animation, the movie just isn't too interesting.
Fans of "The Sopranos" might want to see the film because Vincent Pastore and Frank Vincent receive top billing for their roles as the feuding pizza makers. Both actors walk through the undemanding parts. There's nothing special here.
Playing the young lovers Robin Paul and Conor Dubin are saddled with stereotypical parts that are never fully developed.
At least Sassone keeps his story rolling along at a good pace as the film comes in at 82 minutes a relief in this day when most directors want to edge toward the three-hour mark.
For more information, log onto www.ataleoftwopizzas.com.
Louis C.K.: Shameless
A friend of mine had raved about Louis C.K.'s HBO series "Lucky Louis," but this HBO comedy special was my first exposure to the stand-up comedian. The guy is funny, potty-mouthed, but funny.
His stage person is that of a somewhat angry working class guy who is facing a receding hairline, the age of 40 and a growing waistline. He doesn't have too much tolerance for people younger than him and has resigned himself to a loveless marriage. Yes, that is pretty fertile ground for comedy.
In many ways his clear blue-collar roots and frequent use of profanity remind me of the great Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, although Connolly actually swears less.
The hour-long performance is also accompanied in the DVD by a half-hour show the comedian did for HBO.
It's funny stuff, but it's not for everyone.
Big Easy to Big Empty
Granted the president's and Congress's approval ratings are at an all-time low, but this half-hour documentary from journalist Greg Palast might cause them to sink further.
Palast is an American reporter who has done much of his work for British television. He has come to prominence here for the book "Armed Madhouse."
Palast and a small crew went to New Orleans last August to see how much progress had been accomplished in the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. His footage should enrage you.
The failure of the Bush Administration is made far worse by the lack of over-sight from other federal officials. Although the film is impressive, Palast seems to want to only tar the president, while his investigation should include local and state officials as well.
While that omission is important, what is more important are the images and interviews from New Orleans that sum up the plight of the city and its people.
Log onto www.gregpalast.com for more information.
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