What can I say that hasn’t already been said in ads and by every other critic across the country? Nothing, except that PP is an unexpected surprise hit. I was actually hoping for the same kind of bizarre antics from Stern’s New Year’s Eve Special and while there are elements of that (the computer-generated ballooning breasts from the opening) the shock is that this is a top-notch film. While PP does contain the lesbian-toilet-poo-poo-homo-butt kind of humor you would expect, (Ba Ba Booey) underneath that, there is a real movie there with fully developed characters and engaging conflict. It’s an absolute must-see. I told my mom she should go see it. (My dad was already planning on it.)
It was a blast to see PP in a screening room with about 15 other critics and hear for the first time *gasp* laughter. Normally critics screenings are the worst: no popcorn, no crowd to react to the movie and especially no sense of humor. This screening on the Paramount lot was lively and I’m surprised that the stuffed shirts in attendance didn’t stand up and give the film a standing ovation based on the loud guffaws in the room. What’s interesting now is all the speculation surrounding Stern’s next movie role. He has expressed interest in playing a real character and that will be a good thing, because, let’s face it, Stern is no looker. And that’s what makes him interesting to watch–we’re so used to seeing lead actor/clones that all have the same stellar good looks. Stern’s mug is a breath of fresh air in the world of Mel Gibson wanna-be movie star freaks. (Puh-leeeeze)
