If you dig Al Franken, you'll probably enjoy this movie, playing at Cinema 21 through Thursday (disclosure: I do the C21 website). It's a documentary about Franken's brief journey from comedian-activist to talk show host/activist, from the days just before Air America was formed through the crushing defeat of Kerry on November 2, 2004. There are also amusing clips of Franken debating Ann Coulter (too brief in the film, unfortunately) and Bill O'Reilly (again too brief). The best segment of the film is Franken at the 2004 Republican National Convention, where Sean Hannity wanders by Franken's broadcast table and winds up debating him on Air America for 20 minutes.

Otherwise, the film merely shows Al giving speechs and telling jokes, Al with then co-host Katherine Lanpher (who cried after their first broadcast; "I always cry after the first time," she confesses.), Al at home or in his car, Al musing about running for US Senate in 2008, Al telling an old Buddy Hacket joke. Intermixed are flash-backs to Franken's days on "Saturday Night Live" (e.g. Al Gore appearing with Stuart Smalley in 2003). If you've never liked Al Franken, you'll find this film tedious, but if you like him at least a little and/or are a fan of Air America radio, you'll probably enjoy it.

Andrew

ahh . . . ahem, what's your review of "Short Bus"?

Anyway, I was wondering about the Franken doc, it got a few pans, most recently Willamette Week. Since I like Franken, I'll probably like the film is what you're saying?

I wouldn't call the Franken movie fantastic, more of a fan piece. Yeah, I think you'll enjoy it. But I've been a fan of Franken's since the early SNL days.

I walked out of "Short Bus" about 2/3 of the way through because I was offended by the lack of interesting characters or compelling acting. The film seems positively amateurish. Then again, it's difficult to find actors who both have talent and are willing to have real sex on camera.

I have seen a few good movies at C21 this year: "Going South" with Charlotte Rampling, a revival of Melville's "Army Of Shadows," and the documentary "This Film is Not Yet Rated" about the film ratings system. Oh, and "Strangers With Candy" was hilarious.

Andrew

thanks for the comments . . . I'll try to see the Franken doc.

as for short bus, I think its a must-see for filmmakers (and perhaps fans of the director) because of its branching into new territory, but beyond that, ho-hum! (I could have done better -- but I say that about nearly all films! )

I saw "Not yet rated". Strangers With Candy is/should be out on DVD soon.