Who R U Poopshooters anywho?

[RenaissanceMan]

Hi Folks,

I'm Antony. I write the Renaissance Man Column here at the site. Just looking to connect with you guys...since I got started here, I've heard from two readers...total. I haven't been able to figure out if that's because no one reads my column, or because you like it enough you don't have anything to say about it.

I'd like to know (whether you read my column or not) about y'all...so let's talk movies.

Since this is the first post, I'll start simple...

What is the best, most underrated comedy flick in history?

My answer:

Groundhog Day. For my money, this movie is stunningly simple and hilarious, start to finish. Most people I know hate it, though.

Looking forward to hearing your answers...

Antony

[Dr3vil]

The ViewAskew U. piece was really nice (of course I'm a dirty, dirty whore for anything askew), I might check it out later, but honestly the biggest reason MPS has been my home page for almost a year is the pornstar quote, most of the good articles I rarely have the time/patience to finish.

[Crystal]

I love your column. I haven't read all the interviews yet but Bernie Mac is my new favorite person...and Shannon Stewart is my new 2nd favorite person. /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif I just read your KS thing last night. Nice work. /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif I haven't e-mailed you because I didn't see anything to comment on. But you're doing a great job. Yours is one of my favorite columns. /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

I LOVE Groundhog Day. I didn't the first time I saw it but now I can't wait for February every year...and what was there to look forward to in Feb. before? Nothing! Thank you Bill Murray. Now, 'Mr. Nanny' starring Hulk Hogan may not be the most underrated comedy but it makes me laugh and I don't know anyone who likes it. Also Jim Carrey still gets made fun of for 'The Cable Guy' which is one of my personal faves. Oh, yah! And 'Oscar' starring Silvester Stallone. That's an ultimate fave too...although I'm not otherwise a Stallone fan.

[Thom_Fowler]

I read your column and interviews all the time, dude.

I've got a book project in the works, interviewing pop personalities about their thoughts on social progress and on my wish list is quite a few people who Kevin Smith has worked with. Chris Rock, Janeane Garofolo and Alannise Morrisette among them.

And a lot of people he hasn't ... Elton John, Bono, Madonna, Margaret Cho ...

[Brucmack]

I'm a fan of your column and Groundhog Day /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

[Kendra]

Don't feel bad Antony - nobody e-mail's me neither.

For my money Freaked is the most underrated comedy in the history of film. Any movie that's got Keanu Reeves as the dogfaced boy and Mr.T as a bearded lady should be lauded in the annals of comedy-dom - but alas, it has been largely ignored. Perhaps like all geniuses Alex Winter was a man before his time.

[mike_sampson]

It's because you suck. Hahaha. Sorry, I'm in that April Fools kinda mood. But seriously, I hardly get any e-mails lately either. It comes in waves. There will be one week where I write something completely innocuous and I get 30-40 e-mails and another where I write something I think will get some feedback and I get maybe 1 if I'm lucky. But of course I'm reading Renaissance Man...

Underrated comedy? How bout POOTIE TANG. "Too cool for words." Maybe my favorite tagline of all time.

[DangerSeeker]

Harold Ramis in general is underrated. I liked Bedazzled, even. Well, not the beginning and end, but that middle chunk? Whew. Freaked was GONNA be my answer, @*#$%. I hear people make fun of Mystery Men quite often, not fair. I guess I'll go with a bad one that still makes me laugh every time. Cannonball Run. I can't help it.

For the record, I've gotten maybe a half dozen responses for my holiday articles, not counting Chris, of course. I just started to understand why comics have been doing away with letters columns.

[Michael_Crawford]

Sometimes there's lots of email - other times there isn't jack. Screw something up and you'll be sure to hear from your readers though, that's a guarantee.

BTW, I prefer to think of myself as a Pooper Scooper, rather than a PoopShooter, although neither brings up a particulary pleasant picture.

Michael
MWC

[DaveM]

Hi Antony, I've read your column and enjoyed it. I'm a lazy bugger, hence no feedback to anyone, but kudos is due.

Groundhog Day is terrific. My fave comedy, of the underrated type, is My Blue Heaven with Steve Martin. Cracks me up every time. "You trying to say capiche? Don't do it, it hurts my ears when you do it."

Keep up the good work.

Dave

[Aaron]

Hey dude, you never emailed me either... yeah I know I dont have a column, but still...

Most underrated movie has to be "Office Space"
For one it has a great (but small) performance from Deidrich Bader, but most of all because Jennifer Aniston actually pulls off an enjoyable part.
who knew eh?

[Sean_Cauley]

I've run several concert reviews on MPS since the summer. I'm usually buried down in the "Music News" section (not that I'm complaining, Ryall /forums/images/icons/wink.gif ; I'm awfully grateful to be e-published). Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page to keep an eye out for my stuff.

I've gotten e-mails hit-or-miss on my reviews. The most response I got was for a review of The Who in concert; I mentioned that the band was pulling a Pearl Jam and selling "official bootlegs," and I got a ton of e-mails asking for the details. It wound up turning me into a shill for Pete Townshend's record company, but at least I was getting responses.

The best e-mail I got was from an audience member I'd described in my review of Paul Westerberg, in an attempt to explain the age range of the crowd. I mentioned a girl who seemed especially young to be wearing the Soul Asylum t-shirt she had on, and that it was cool a parent and teenager were together at the show. Weeks and weeks later, she e-mailed me to say she was flattered to be noticed; turns out her uncle's in Soul Asylum. It was cool to hear from someone I'd mentioned in my story; the only thing cooler would be to hear feedback from an artist I've reviewed (I've yet to experience that).

I'll offer up an underrated romantic comedy: SHOOTING FISH, a British film starring Kate Beckinsale, Stuart Townshend and American actor Dan Futterman. It's about two well-meaning con artists and the girl they've hired to assist them. Worth a look.

[Dave]

You know it sucks that even after my favorite column bit the dust, in no small part to low feedback i'm sure, i still haven't written anyone to tell them that i dig what they are doing.(that column was Blowing Out the Candles by Jason Pritchett) I'm just not that kind of guy, but i should get off my lazy ass and do it, hopefully this board will serve the purpose better, and get the authors the feedback they be needing.

most underrated comedy? hmmmmm, i was going to say Office Space, but that's been said, so...i'll go with Norm MacDonald'd Dirty Work. "Siagon Whore....Nose Biter!" Chris Farley's finest moment.

[The_Locnar]

I've been reading Poop Shoot since it started and I'm sorry to say Antony, I generally don't read your column. Then again, I don't read a lot of the columns on here, just certain ones.

The most underrated comedy I can think of is Sugar&Spice. That's probably just a personal preference thing for me.

[Ryall]

Actually, your reviews start out up on the New Columns section the first day, and then move down to music (and then after that, to the Bottom music listings). I try to keep the Columns section from getting too awfully long and still try to leave a teaser to everyone's stuff up for at least 3-4 days.

But I actually got a couple e-mails praising the latest Rollins/Sigur Ros review I need to pass on, so at least people are finding it, wherever it is...

[Ryall]

Actually, I don't think anyone's left here due to low feedback. I can always check hit counts, and everyone's stuff, whether they receive comments or not, gets pretty widely read. Jason just needed to concentrate on the project itself, as well as his other job, and didn't always have weekly news he could share, so he left the column for now. But columns like that, Rob's Retinal Fetish and Briography have kind of a standing place here -- if they're ever free to do more, they're very welcome.

As to feedback overall, it's a weird thing -- I mean, before this site, I don't think it ever even occurred to me to e-mail someone after I read their column. How often does anyone e-mail, say, Moriarty or Harry Knowles after a movie review? If something really resonates, or really pisses you off, you might take time, but otherwise...I don't think lack of e-mail is any indication of lack of interest. I think it's just extra time that most people don't take--they're either too busy reading things on this site, other sites or doing their jobs. I've never worried on the weeks when I didn't get any responses to the column. Only when I don't have god stuff for the Mail Shoot, which WILL keep going even with these boards here, so anyone's still invited to drop me a line about anything.

[dkholm]

Quick Change . It stars Bill Murray, Gena Davis, and Randy Quaid; plus Phil Hartman, Tony Shaloub, Stanley Tucci, and Kurtwood Smith; it's shockingly not out on DVD (I think Warner Bros. owns it); it was a flop when it first opened; it has a clever heist premise to start with; and it is hilarious.

[Nanaki]

hellos! Im assuming you want evreyone to introduce themselves so... /forums/images/icons/grin.gif Im Bri. I just got into this message board dealie. Nice to meet you people.

[Sean_Cauley]

I kid, I kid, Ryall, about being ghettoized. Actually, the Rollins/Ros review was the first one I consciously noticed being up top (where, thanks to it being the weekend, it stayed for three days). I was quite "made it, ma, top of the world!" about it.

And good call, DK, on QUICK CHANGE. Don't forget Jason Robards doing a good turn in that one, too.

[Perfect_Pitch]

Hey. Only artist to ever send me an email (in regards to a poopshoot piece) was John Schmersal of Enon who thanked me for naming their last album best of 2002. He then said something like "But did you hear the last Black Heart Procession disc?" Of course I had and Enon was still better!

It's so great to have these boards back even if it is a bit self indulgent.
Thanks to the crew for putting em back up!
Dave

[Bizzo]

I actually love Renaissance Man, but then again I liked Full House so that tell you my taste. Most underrated comedy of all time for me is PCU staring Mr. "My god, is he in everything?" Jeremy Piven(sic).

[Aaron]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
It's so great to have these boards back even if it is a bit self indulgent.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah it's early days yet
Everyone is still patting themselves on the back for returning it without much trouble
The group-smugness of it all will pass

[Denyse]

I never emailed to give you feedback, since I gushed all over you when I met you in Philly (and Paulsboro...Kenyon still trying to get you to save his rep?). However allow me to sing the praises of everything I've read since!

And I'd have to go with Waiting for Guffman, for most underrated comedy, as I though it was a classic and no one I know has ever seen/heard of it...

[Crystal]

Kendra said: </font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
Don't feel bad Antony - nobody e-mail's me neither.

[/ QUOTE ]
Last I checked my name was Crystal, not nobody...I sent you an e-mail on September 19, 2002. You asked for recommendations so I sent you the names of my two favorite authors: Christopher Pike and Daniel Handler. I still have the e-mail in the Drafts section of my hotmail. I never got a reply either. Neener.

Other poop-shooters I've e-mail include the defunct Robert Burnett and Jason Pritchett. I've gotten replies from Chris Ryall (2 out of three times), Matt Savelloni, Michael Dequina, and David Thomas. So I do my part.

And I thought of another movie I love that nobody else does: 'Drop Dead Fred'. LOVE that movie.

[Omaru]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
And I thought of another movie I love that nobody else does: 'Drop Dead Fred'. LOVE that movie

[/ QUOTE ]

was that the one with Phoebe Cates and she had the imaginary friend played by Rick Mayall? all I remember is when he slides down the stair rail and hits his nads at the bottom.

[SecretArt]

Drop Dead Fred is really not a good example of the Comedic genius that is Rik Mayall....

[Crystal]

That's the movie, Omaru...and I've never seen the guy in anything else...

[Omaru]

Well he's very well known here in the UK usually for mindless acts of violence comedy like "the young ones" in the early eighties, "Bottom" in the late 80's to mid 90's and "THe new statesman" somewhere between the timeline of those two, but he's also done voice acting for games like "Hogs of war" on PC and PSone, possibly cartoons too, but I cant remember.

[Aaron]

By the way all those titles that Omaru just mentioned are T.V. series
Just to clear that up
I doubt they've been bought by any American Network

[Omaru]

Oh yeah, thanks for pointing that out, they just might have caught `bottom` on bbc america though cause I am sure simpsons made fun of it once.

[ozchick]

Hidy Ho!

I read and enjoy most columns on poopshoot, renaissance man included. tend to avoid the comic ones though as they are usually over my head!

my favourite underated comedy would be look who's talking - i know its total crap but it cracks me up every time! /forums/images/icons/grin.gif

[PeteDewolf]

Heyas,

I'm only a "Frequent Contributor" to The 'Shoot, but I do read and enjoy all the columns by the folks who posted above.

I've gotten a decent amount of feedback from readers. I think what helped me was 1) asking semi-rhetorical questions in my columns. B) Writing on loony topics, that only other loons would connect with. Loons love to give their feedback. (As my replying to this thread has shown.)

As for underappreciated comedy flicks, my favorite has gotta be OFFICE SPACE. I could watch it weekly.

Pete

[lcooney]

Hi Antony,

I read and love your column!

I don't know if it's the most underrated comedy in history, but I thought Kingpin was hilarious, and have found that most others just find it offensive. It makes me laugh out loud every time.

I also enjoy Groundhog Day, though. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Les

[jasonfitch]

Hi Antony, I'm Jason. I read your column depending on what (or I guess, who) it's about. I've only emailed someone on this site once (Ryall) and he got right back to me, which I thought was pretty cool. I've e mailed Mr. Knowles a couple of times and got no such response. I guess we know which site keeps it real (I hope this doesn't get me banned from AICN.) /forums/images/icons/mad.gif As far as underrated comedies go, I love Wet Hot American Summer. I don't know if it qualifies as underrated but I know it played in like 3 theaters and is hillarious. Groundhog Day is pretty cool too (if a little long) Bill Murray might be the funniest, most talented (living) SNL alumnus.

[Omaru]

Heh if theres a film I hate with bill murray in, its probably just because I've watched it too many times. Okay maybe Ghostbusters II and scrooged were his worst.
Ryall has responded my mail too, usually where it matterd and on occasion where it didn't.

[BrianLynch]

SCROOGED was awesome, and Murray was brilliant in it.

[jennifermalin]

yes, "drop dead fred"! i love rik mayall, too.

but my first thought was "so i married an axe murderer."

[jennifermalin]

"the young ones" used to run on mtv here many years ago -- and for a briefer time, they played a few "comic relief" episodes, too. i don't currently have bbc america, but i think you're right -- i believe i saw a few "bottom" episodes on there a couple of years ago.

[RenaissanceMan]

And HOW...wow. I haven't been back to the Shoot in a few days, and I'm a little embarrassed so many of you took the time to reply to my post, and I wasn't even HERE to READ THEM!

Ah well, I'm a renaissance man, not a saint.

Working on my movie pretty hard the last few days after getting the Vincent Pereira piece done, so I hope you guys can forgive a poor sinner.

Seriously, thanks to those of you who took the time to let me know you read my column, and enjoy it. I've been wondering how to add a snap of controversy to the mix...time will tell.

Antony

[Aaron]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
SCROOGED was awesome, and Murray was brilliant in it.

[/ QUOTE ]
Damn straight!
My eyes well up everytime when the kid says "god bless us everyone"
How can anyone not love that film?
I mean, Bobcat Goldthwait with a shotgun! brilliant

[Outer1]

I agree that Scrooged and Groundhog Day were both great films.

Personally I think one of the most underrated comedies is Saving Grace. It was literally non-existent in theaters and I hadn't hear of until a friend brought me a copy. It's one of the best.

[Omaru]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
How can anyone not love that film?

[/ QUOTE ]
because I used to watch it every day after school for about 2 weeks, then I moved over to home alone 2, and other films and I watched them to death. Luckily its one of those films I havent seen since forever so I might watch it if it comes on again now, Home alone 2 too, Tim curry is the coolest in it.

[dEnny]

I always read your column and hype it on the Bendis Board...*sniff guess you never noticed. That's okay. /forums/images/icons/confused.gif

Really enjoyed the Bernie Mac interview.

[RenaissanceMan]

Thanks for the hype, D. I don't frequent many boards (I'm generally not on the net a whole helluva lot...but I VERY MUCH appreciate your telling other people about my column.

I also thought Bernie Mac was a great interview...I couldn't believe how candid he was. I only wish you could all hear the tape. He's a very engaging, sincere storyteller.

[Razorback]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
As for underappreciated comedy flicks, my favorite has gotta be OFFICE SPACE. I could watch it weekly.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is a work of freakin' genius. Anyone who has worked within the "white collar office" world knows that Office Space is closer to the truth than some might imagine. /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif I last worked for a brokerage firm and we quoted that movie daily.

RB

[dEnny]

I'll pretty much see any movie he's in (even Charlie's Angels 2) - he's so hilarious!