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  • Discover this gross-out ’90s high school movie by…



    All you need is mobil­i­ty and life beyond this bor­ing room and the lim­i­ta­tions of this stu­pid com­put­er. I, my love, will give you that free­dom. I will give you a brain. I will give you immortality!”

    The speak­er is the pri­apic, chain-smok­ing Dr Gun­ther Wachen­stein (Ter­ry Kiser), address­ing the robot­ic dinosaur that he keeps in a ware­house and hopes to ani­mate with a human brain trans­plant. A Franken­stein-like mad sci­en­tist par excel­lence, if some­what out of place and time in mid-’90s Cal­i­for­nia, Gun­ther hopes to cre­ate a lucra­tive fran­chise of cyber­net­ic body frames that will house the brains of the oth­er­wise dead, whether humans or pets, and this T‑Rex is his improb­a­ble prototype.

    Get more Lit­tle White Lies

    Yet Gunther’s words here come with a metacin­e­mat­ic res­o­nance. For Stew­art Raf­fill (The Ice Pirates, The Philadel­phia Exper­i­ment, Mac and Me) was offered, out of the blue, the use of an ani­ma­tron­ic tyran­nosaur for a spe­cif­ic two-week peri­od, and while the writer/​director could sniff oppor­tu­ni­ty, he had very lit­tle time in which to throw togeth­er a screen­play that would flesh out this giant mov­ing prop with a plot, with brains, and maybe with the kind of immor­tal­i­ty that box office suc­cess can bring. Maybe – although Raf­fill also had enough self-aware­ness to make Wachenstein’s com­put­er-savvy tech­ni­cian Bob­by (John Franklin) qui­et­ly dis­miss his boss’ grand ambi­tions with the com­ment: What a crock of shit.”

    This is the para­dox of Tam­my and the T‑Rex: it is utter­ly dumb, but smart enough to know just that; and while no gag is too low for its brand of any­thing-goes screw­ball, it real­ly does bring a lum­ber­ing kind of life to its hybrid col­lec­tion of ill-fit­ting ideas. Stitch­ing togeth­er ele­ments from 60s B‑movie sci-fi, the high-school movie, the revenge flick, gross-out com­e­dy and the pre­vi­ous year’s Juras­sic Park, it comes with a con­fused iden­ti­ty – con­fused even more by the sur­gi­cal exci­sion of some six min­utes of blood, guts, gore and pro­fan­i­ty for its orig­i­nal US the­atri­cal and home release in a bid to make it appeal more to the fam­i­ly mar­ket. In 2019, Vine­gar Syn­drome restored the unex­pur­gat­ed ver­sion – the so-called Gore Cut’ – whose hero­ine is cred­it­ed as Tan­ny’ and whose title is Tan­ny & The Teenage T‑Rex.





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  • Laser Treatment for Skin Resurfacing: A Detailed Insight

    Laser Treatment for Skin Resurfacing: A Detailed Insight


    Women in San Diego experience wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and other age-related skin concerns. It can be damaging to their confidence and overall aesthetic appearance. However, advanced laser techniques, such as erbium laser resurfacing, can effectively address these problems. This skin resurfacing technique should only be performed under the guidance of trained technicians. They can treat scars, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and other skin irregularities by directing the right amount of laser light pulses onto the affected areas. It carefully removes each skin layer, starting with the epidermis, the exterior layer of the skin. The laser light removes the surface layer while simultaneously heating the underlying layer or dermis, which contains blood vessels, sweat glands, and connective tissues.

    How does this process benefit the skin? The erbium laser boosts new collagen production through heat, resulting in firmer and smoother skin. If you want to refresh your look, opt for skin resurfacing San Diego services offered by reputable medical spas. You can consult a technician to understand how this technology helps. However, you can gather basic information about this technique before visiting professionals. It will help you make informed decisions, hesitation-free. Here’s a quick look at this skin treatment therapy.

    Skin resurfacing procedure

    Like any other treatment, this process will begin only after your needs and medical history are assessed. Your technician will explain the benefits and risks after evaluating your skin condition and other factors. Depending on your skin type and health, you may need to undergo one or more additional skin treatments before the actual procedure. The laser resurfacing session can take about 30 to 120 minutes to finish, depending on the area being treated. A safe numbing cream will be applied to the target area before the laser light is directed. It’s a high-energy laser that penetrates the damaged skin, stimulating collagen production (a protein that helps the skin become bouncy and firm). The new collagen aids in the removal of imperfections from the skin’s surface, including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and sun damage.

    After the session is over, your skin may develop swelling and sensitivity. You may need to limit your sun exposure to avoid damage. Also, you can be instructed to apply cool compresses to reduce swelling and other discomforts. If there is tenderness, you can also consider using aloe vera gel. 

    Best candidates for laser skin resurfacing 

    While many people can benefit from this skin treatment, there are some exceptions. Someone with keloid scars may have to avoid it. Someone with too deep skin color might not be considered due to discoloration risks. Then, it is also not advisable for patients with psoriasis or scleroderma. On the contrary, those who may be eligible include individuals with uneven skin texture, scars, redness, and other similar conditions. If you have developed moderate to severe signs of aging, consider this treatment as a viable option.

    The erbium laser technique used in skin resurfacing causes little to no downtime. Your technician will tailor the therapy to your specific skin conditions and aesthetic goals. However, choosing the right service provider is essential. Only trained experts can be trusted with the expertise required for using laser lights. They can help you prepare for the treatment and alleviate the risk of side effects, too. 

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  • From Cult Classics to Modern Hits — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    From Cult Classics to Modern Hits — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    by Nancy Fernandez

    Stoner movies occupy a unique corner of cinematic culture—a place where surreal comedy, laid-back philosophy, and absurd escapades come together in a hazy, hilarious high. Whether you’re into trippy visuals, buddy adventures, or deep conversations about the meaning of nachos, stoner films offer a peculiar blend of escapism and insight. These movies don’t just entertain, they create a vibe.

    From the early days of Cheech and Chong to modern cult hits streaming on your favorite platforms, stoner cinema has evolved while retaining its core values: chill vibes, irreverent humor, and an unapologetic celebration of cannabis culture. They’re films to watch when you’re high, sure—but also when you just want to unwind and laugh your face off.

    If you’re planning a chill movie marathon, maybe after scoring one of those Florida Dispensary Deals, here’s your definitive guide to the ultimate stoner movie lineup—from cult classics to the latest reefer-fueled gems.

    1. Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke (1978)

    No stoner movie list is complete without this cornerstone of cannabis comedy. The legendary duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong play aimless musicians who inadvertently smuggle a van made entirely of marijuana across the U.S.-Mexico border. The film’s chaotic energy, one-liners, and low-budget charm make it a rite of passage for any fan of the genre.

    2. Dazed and Confused (1993)

    Set in 1976 Texas, Dazed and Confused perfectly captures the freedom and confusion of youth. Directed by Richard Linklater, it’s less about plot and more about vibes, with memorable performances by Matthew McConaughey (“Alright, alright, alright”) and a killer soundtrack. It’s the ultimate hangout movie—and the weed is just one part of its timeless cool.

    3. Pineapple Express (2008)

    Seth Rogen and James Franco’s hilarious chemistry made Pineapple Express an instant classic. Mixing stoner humor with an action-packed plot, the film follows a process server and his dealer as they flee from a drug lord after witnessing a murder. It’s silly, violent, and surprisingly heartfelt—a high-octane twist on the stoner formula.

    4. The Big Lebowski (1998)

    Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski is the spiritual patron of stoners everywhere. In this Coen Brothers masterpiece, The Dude gets swept up in a kidnapping plot he barely understands, while trying to live a simple life of bowling, White Russians, and chill. The film’s cult status and surreal dialogue have made it a favorite among cannabis aficionados and film buffs alike.

    5. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

    This movie took the stoner road trip to a whole new level. Harold and Kumar’s epic journey for White Castle burgers becomes an unpredictable adventure filled with raccoons, racist cops, and a horny Neil Patrick Harris. Beneath its ridiculousness lies a surprisingly smart commentary on racial stereotypes and American absurdity.

    6. Half Baked (1998)

    Dave Chappelle leads this late-’90s classic about a group of friends who start selling weed to bail a buddy out of jail. It’s a goofy, quotable romp with cameos from Snoop Dogg, Jon Stewart, and Bob Saget. The film might not be critically acclaimed, but it’s pure stoner gold.

    7. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

    Not your typical stoner movie, this adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s psychedelic novel takes you on a mind-bending journey through Las Vegas via hallucinogens and anarchic journalism. Johnny Depp’s performance as Raoul Duke is unhinged brilliance, and the film’s surreal visuals make it perfect for high viewing—though it veers into darker territory.

    8. How High (2001)

    Method Man and Redman star as two underachievers who ace their college entrance exams with the help of a supernatural strain of weed. How High is outrageous, stupid in the best way, and undeniably funny. It’s one of the rare stoner comedies that doubles as a hip-hop cult classic.

    9. Smiley Face (2007)

    Anna Faris delivers a hilarious and underrated performance as a struggling actress who eats an entire tray of pot cupcakes. What follows is a chaotic odyssey through L.A. as she tries to complete her to-do list while epically baked. The film’s offbeat humor and Faris’ comedic timing make it a hidden gem in the genre.

    10. This Is the End (2013)

    Though not technically a “stoner movie” in the traditional sense, this apocalyptic comedy is packed with weed, cameos, and absurdist humor. Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, and others play exaggerated versions of themselves trying to survive the literal end of the world—all while getting high and freaking out. It’s as meta and messy as it is hilarious.

    11. Super Troopers (2001)

    What happens when stoners wear badges? You get Super Troopers, a ridiculous and endlessly quotable cult comedy about prankster highway cops with a love for weed and shenanigans. It’s absurd, lowbrow, and beloved by fans of mindless humor.

    12. Ted (2012)

    While not strictly a stoner movie, Seth MacFarlane’s foul-mouthed teddy bear smokes more pot than most human characters in this raunchy comedy. With a bizarre mix of sentimentality and stoner antics, Ted delivers laughs and surprises—and the bong hits never stop.

    13. Dude (2018)

    This Netflix original follows four high school girls during their last weeks before graduation, bonding over weed, friendship, and the anxiety of growing up. While it skews younger and more dramatic, it’s refreshing to see female-led stoner representation in a genre often dominated by male characters.

    14. The Beach Bum (2019)

    Matthew McConaughey plays Moondog, a blissed-out poet living a hedonistic life in Florida. Directed by Harmony Korine (Spring Breakers), this visually lush film is a love letter to carefree living, substances, and eccentric freedom. Moondog is essentially The Dude on a tropical bender.

    Final Puff: Why We Love Stoner Movies

    Stoner movies endure not just because they’re funny, but because they celebrate counterculture, creativity, and companionship. They remind us to slow down, appreciate the moment, and laugh at the absurdity of life. Whether you’re lighting up or just looking for a good laugh, these films offer a temporary escape—and often, a surprisingly thoughtful message.

    So the next time you’re lounging at home, maybe after browsing Florida Dispensary Deals or cracking open some edibles, queue up one of these flicks. You’re in for a good trip—cinematically, of course.



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  • Jurassic World: Dominion | Little White Lies



    But that’s not all! Very bad peo­ple have trained the rap­tors to attack peo­ple when a laser point­er in aimed at them, a plot point so stu­pid it wouldn’t have made it past brain­storm­ing for Austin Pow­ers 3. Final­ly, Biosyn – which is sort of like a more evil Mon­san­to – has used dinosaur DNA to cre­ate a species of locust that only eat their competitor’s crops and will cause glob­al famine.

    So, it’s up to our rag­tag team of two for­mer zoo keep­ers, a pale­ob­otanist, a math­e­mati­cian, a clone of a lit­tle girl and an (admit­ted­ly pret­ty cool) retired pilot to save the day. Sam Neill’s Dr. Alan Grant has pro­gressed so lit­tle in the past 30 years, he is sum­moned from a pale­on­tol­ogy dig – appar­ent­ly in this world hav­ing liv­ing dinosaurs at your dis­pos­al has in no way altered the meth­ods of pale­on­to­log­i­cal research. Said research has altered these dinosaurs, how­ev­er, and now some come in an array of pla­s­ticky feath­ers that ren­der them hope­less­ly cartoonish.

    The film is not so much a nar­ra­tive as a sequence of loose­ly tied-togeth­er chase sequences where every run­ning per­son, car, plane, rap­tor, and larg­er-than-aver­age locust trav­els at the exact same speed. With so lit­tle dia­logue and so much green screen that it’s hard to imag­ine the cast had any clue what the film they were shoot­ing actu­al­ly was, most of the expo­si­tion is giv­en to a flash­back of a woman preg­nant with her own clone, and fran­chise favourite BD Wong who seems utter­ly exhausted.

    Beyond its non­sen­si­cal plot, the film imag­ines the audi­ence will be delight­ed by a myr­i­ad of ref­er­ences to the first film – but in Domin­ion it feels less like watch­ing a beloved band play their great­est hits and more like watch­ing them hawk merch to pay for an expen­sive divorce. Embarrassing.

    Lit­tle White Lies is com­mit­ted to cham­pi­oning great movies and the tal­ent­ed peo­ple who make them.

    By becom­ing a mem­ber you can sup­port our inde­pen­dent jour­nal­ism and receive exclu­sive essays, prints, month­ly film rec­om­men­da­tions and more.





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  • Episode 200 of “The Cinephile Hissy Fit” Podcast — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    Episode 200 of “The Cinephile Hissy Fit” Podcast — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    For their historic 200th episode, two detective-minded film critics, two dream theory dads, and two noir-loving teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome Chicago-based film critic and artist Jeff York of The Establishing Shot and Pipeline Artists to compare two examples of poisonous Hollywood settings separated by decades and mere blocks of postal addresses. Our trio compares the dangerous and pervasive themes to be found in David Lynch’s revered 2001 fever dream Mulholland Drive versus Billy Wilder’s salaciously seminal 1950 dark comedy Sunset Boulevard. The interpretations and lasting effects run quite the gamut in this extended discussion. Come learn more and stay for the mutual love and respect that fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast!

    ABOUT OUR GUEST

    Jeff York has been writing film criticism online since 2011. His movie blog The Establishing Shot is read in 27 countries. He’s a contributing critic, editorialist and illustrator to Pipeline Artists magazine. And he’s a frequent guest on various film podcasts too. In the past, he was the film critic for Creative Screenwriting magazine online from 2017-2020, an Examiner film critic from 2011-2016, and the host of the movie review podcast “Page 2 Screen” from 2015-2018. Jeff has also been a featured critic at RottenTomatoes.com since 2019. He hails from the world of Chicago advertising and journalism and his caricatures and cartoons have graced hundreds of periodicals including the Chicago Tribune, Automobile, Playboy, and W magazine. Jeff’s illustrations have filled eight books so far and original caricatures of his hang in the homes of Spike Lee, Bryan Cranston, Antonio Banderas, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many other celebrities. Jeff is also an optioned screenwriter and currently has projects under consideration by various studios, including Netflix. He was an original charter member of the Chicago Indie Critics and has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1990.



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  • How Poker Forces Your Brain to Process Uncertainty in Real Time

    How Poker Forces Your Brain to Process Uncertainty in Real Time


    Poker entails risk, quick judgment, and decision-making with incomplete information. Anyone who has played a few hands knows you spend more time guessing what you do not know. It is not a stretch to say poker turns decision-making under pressure into a real science.

    How the Brain Tackles Poker’s Split-Second Decisions

    Processing uncertainty in poker runs deeper than the ability to read bluffs or count outs. Every hand asks a player to weigh tells, bet sizing, stack depth, and the standard poker hand rankings. A player might decide between calling an all-in with top pair or folding when the board is full of potential draws.

    Poker demands attention to more than the cards shown. Observing how previous hands played out, piecing together betting frequencies, and tracking position can change how uncertainty is solved at the table. One moment calls for a snap decision on a coin flip. The next, a player may need to pass on a high pair because the story does not add up.

    The Nuts and Bolts of Uncertainty at the Table

    Poker never gives you the full picture. You know your cards and the community cards. Everything else is up for debate. Playing hand after hand means your brain is always weighing clues, spotting patterns, and trying to stay a step ahead.

    A sweeping study with over 35,000 players and millions of hands showed expert players handle information differently. These players act unpredictably and mask their true actions from others. Every bet, raise, or check is meant to deceive or extract information from opponents. That is a real-time blend of psychology, math, and people-reading.

    Real Stakes, Real Pressure

    Tournaments and cash games reward players who can calculate odds, anticipate outcomes, and still keep a poker face. Each hand is about calculated risk. Let’s say you hold a flush draw and an opponent bets big. Do you chase your draw and risk your stack? Or fold and wait for a better spot? Get it wrong and sit out the rest of the night.

    This kind of decision-making improves skills that go beyond cards. You become comfortable acting without all the details. According to research, that habit builds discipline, sharpens risk assessment, and helps you see consequences before you act. Poker is full of real-time pressure. You only get a few seconds to figure out what to do and have to trust your judgment.

    Pattern Seekers and Bias Breakers

    Longtime players get used to working with incomplete facts. They start to see patterns in betting, timing, and player habits faster. Spotting when someone suddenly bets bigger or slower can tell you plenty about the strength of their hand. Missing these details will cost you.

    But even regulars are not immune to mental traps. The confirmation bias, for example, can push a player to believe in their first read and ignore fresh evidence that their guess was wrong. Good players work hard to see past these blind spots. They review hands, talk hands out with other players, and always try to see what they missed.

    Adaptation and Learning

    None of these thought processes comes overnight. Players build this toolkit through thousands of hands and constant feedback. The best spend hours studying their own mistakes, watching others, and reading up on strategy. The goal is to become more adaptable and make fewer costly errors.

    Online games have increased the tempo. Shorter turn clocks mean faster judgment calls. There is less time to second-guess and more room for sharp thinking. Players who think quickly and adjust to new information win more over the long run.

    Real Life Benefits

    Professional players like Maria Konnikova have spoken about how the discipline learned at the table shows up elsewhere. Bankers, negotiators, and even sports coaches report benefits from putting poker skills into action. You get better at finding clues, weighing the odds, and not folding under stress.

    Science backs this up, too. MRI scans and clinical research on gamblers suggest that high-stakes poker changes how the brain reacts in risky situations. Profitable players display better emotional control and handle stress without letting it ruin their game.

    Poker forces you to juggle uncertainty, risk, and split-second thinking every hand. Each session pushes you to make smart decisions with limited information. Regular play fine-tunes pattern recognition, silences mental biases, and pushes you to adapt strategies quickly. The same skills that keep you in the game also help in any area where decisions come fast.



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  • Little Home Improvements That Make All the Difference — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    Little Home Improvements That Make All the Difference — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    When it comes to making your home feel more comfortable, stylish, or functional, sometimes it’s the smallest changes that have the biggest impact. You don’t always need a full renovation to refresh a space. Thoughtful, affordable updates can transform your everyday living experience in subtle but meaningful ways. From lighting tweaks to sensory touches, here are a few ideas to consider.

    Get the Right Fit with a Lamp Shade Reducer Ring

    Lamps are one of the most versatile ways to alter the mood of a room, but finding the perfect shade to match your existing fittings isn’t always straightforward. A lamp shade reducer ring solves the common problem of mismatched fittings between lamp bases and shade openings. These handy little rings allow larger European-style shades to fit standard UK lamp holders, giving you more freedom when choosing a new shade.

    Instead of having to replace your lamp entirely or settle for limited designs, a reducer ring opens up your options, making it easy to experiment with style, colour, or fabric. It’s a small detail, but one that can quickly update a room without major cost or effort.

    Create a Welcoming Atmosphere with Home Diffusers

    Fragrance plays a powerful role in shaping the atmosphere of your home. A carefully chosen home diffuser can add a constant, subtle scent to any room, enhancing both comfort and cleanliness. Whether you prefer calming lavender in the bedroom or a zesty citrus blend in the kitchen, diffusers are a simple yet effective way to set the mood.

    Many modern diffusers are elegantly designed to fit with a range of interior styles, from minimalist glass bottles to rustic ceramic vessels. Reed diffusers require no electricity and last for weeks, making them both practical and decorative. They’re an excellent finishing touch to create a space that feels thoughtful and well cared for.

    Upgrade Your Switch Plates and Handles

    One of the most overlooked improvements in the home is the hardware we use every day—light switch plates, door handles, and cabinet knobs. Replacing these small elements with modern, coordinated alternatives can lift the feel of a whole room. Brushed brass handles, matte black switches, or even ceramic drawer knobs can turn functional fittings into eye-catching details.

    These updates require minimal tools and time, yet they bring a polished, cohesive look to spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways. It’s a great way to refresh your home with very little disruption or expense.

    Use Mirrors to Expand Space and Light

    Another clever improvement is the strategic use of mirrors. Placing mirrors in the right spots can make small rooms feel larger and lighter. Positioning a large mirror opposite a window, for instance, maximises natural light and visually expands the space. Decorative wall mirrors can also act as art pieces, adding depth and interest.

    Whether you opt for a full-length mirror in the hallway or a collection of smaller ones in a living room, this trick works in almost every setting. It’s simple, stylish, and incredibly effective.



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  • Elio — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    Elio — Every Movie Has a Lesson







    MOVIE REVIEW: Elio — Every Movie Has a Lesson























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  • American Comic Star Joe Kwaczala on the Secret to Filming Authentic Stand-Up Scenes

    American Comic Star Joe Kwaczala on the Secret to Filming Authentic Stand-Up Scenes


    Joe Kwaczala is a Los Angeles-based comedian and the writer-star of the mockumentary American Comic, which follows two stand-ups, both played by Kwaczala, as they navigate the modern comedy world. Directed by Daniel J. Clark, the film premieres Sunday at Dances With Films. In the piece below, Joe Kwaczala describes getting the comedy world right.—M.M.

    I made the film American Comic for a number of reasons, but on some level, it all goes back to this:

    “HOW ARE THEY GETTING THIS SO WRONG?!”

    This is me every time I’m watching a movie or TV show that incorporates stand-up as part of the story. It’s one of many things I’m yelling, really: “That doesn’t look like a comedy club!” “Audiences in a room that size wouldn’t sound like that!” “That wouldn’t get a laugh!”

    I’ve been a comedian for more than 15 years, and I’ve always been fascinated by how fictional narratives can never seem to figure out how to portray stand-up on screen. I started to think about this more intensely as I prepared for production on my debut feature film American Comic.

    In writing the script, I had drawn on countless experiences from my career to create a This Is Spinal Tap-like mockumentary satire of stand-up. With that being the premise, it was crucial not only to show stand-up on screen but for it to also feel authentic. If history is any judge, I was setting myself up for failure.

    Joe Kwaczala on the Pressure to Get American Comic Right

    So the pressure was on to figure out a way to make this work. My tactic? To reverse-engineer it. By analyzing what doesn’t work, it would hopefully become clear what to avoid, and I could forge my path to success.

    I thought about my main problems with depictions of stand-up comedy and landed on three areas: the setting, the audience reactions, and the material. When one of those doesn’t come across correctly, it all goes south. So I had to nail all three.

    Among comedians, there might be varying opinions on the ideal setting for a stand-up show, but most will agree that intimacy is key. That means close quarters, low ceilings, the audience’s proximity to the stage and to each other. A lot of comedy clubs are designed with these qualities in mind.

    Also Read: The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, Including Dances With Films

    But what do film productions need? Lots of room! To fit lights, cameras, and anything else the crew requires. Naturally, if a scene takes place at a comedy club, they will want to find (or even construct!) a location that gives them the space they need to film, and as a result, you get an environment with negative intimacy. The solution to this problem was pretty obvious: We had to shoot at real venues.

    But what about the crew? Some of these actual stand-up rooms wouldn’t be able to accommodate even a small film crew. So we didn’t have one. Well, kind of. I collaborated on American Comic with director Daniel J. Clark, who made one of the great fly-on-the-wall documentaries of all time, Behind the Curve. He and I decided that for these particular scenes, the crew should consist of just him and a camera, filming the action in a corner of the room.

    American Comic director Daniel J. Clark (left) on set with writer-actor Joe Kwaczala. Photo by Caroline Clark.

    That way, we could take advantage not only of the physical dimensions of these real spaces but also of their less tangible, lived-in qualities that would be impossible to recreate anywhere else.

    Obviously we were not the first people to think, “Let’s film our stand-up scene at a stand-up venue.” But even if they’re also using a real location, a typical production is still likely to utilize fake audience reactions. And that’s the next thing about stand-up on film that just doesn’t work. Productions will bring in extras and try to conduct them like an orchestra: “Laugh hard at this part, giggle at this joke, boo at this guy.”

    This process goes against human nature itself: Laughter is involuntary! So this forced nonsense is undoubtedly going to feel wrong. Daniel and I realized the only way around this was to film during real stand-up shows.

    At this point, I’ll remind you that American Comic isn’t a documentary. It’s a narrative feature film with a story about fictional characters. I play the two lead roles, and they were written to be comedians with styles very different from my own. And if we wanted to avoid fake laughs, that meant these characters needed to earn real ones.

    We also didn’t tell these audiences I was in character. For it to feel real on screen, we needed real reactions. So that means there were dozens of stand-up shows that happened in 2024 where audience members had no idea that one of the comedians they saw was actually me playing a movie character. Sorry!

    Although in that regard, I guess the movie is kind of a documentary.

    This leads us to the final piece of the “Stand-Up Authenticity Puzzle:” the material. Anyone can get on-stage at a stand-up show and bomb with a bad joke. But the comedians I’m portraying in this film are supposed to be up-and-coming with some potential for success, so I had to write jokes for them that would work in front of actual audiences.

    To further complicate things, these characters are awful, uninspired hacks. So my task as a writer and performer was to come up with jokes that I personally don’t like but still could get laughs. A tricky needle to thread! So I did what any good comic does with new material: I workshopped the jokes at shows and open mics and tweaked them based on the response. In fact, these characters and their jokes started doing so well that I started to worry: “Oh no. Is this what people like?”

    I’m really proud of what Danel and I accomplished with American Comic. In the end, the hunt for authenticity was simple. Instead of taking stand-up and bending it to fit our filming process, we took our filming process and bent it to fit stand-up. Obviously, I’m hoping what we do in the film will be appreciated by general audiences, but I’m hoping the extra care in our treatment of stand-up will resonate especially with comedians. The ideal reaction?

    “HOW ARE THEY GETTING THIS SO RIGHT?!”

    American Comic premieres Sunday at Dances With Films in Los Angeles.

    Main image: Actor-writer Joe Kwaczala in a still from American Comic, shot and directed by Daniel J. Clark.



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  • Camera Ambassador Unveils Two-Day Industry Event and Grand Opening Celebration — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    Camera Ambassador Unveils Two-Day Industry Event and Grand Opening Celebration — Every Movie Has a Lesson







    EVENT: Camera Ambassador Unveils Two-Day Industry Event and Grand Opening Celebration — Every Movie Has a Lesson

























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