Lots of Ha Ha

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on May 1, 2007 2:09PM

We're used to the Reader throwing out a curve ball now and then and rubbing some people the wrong way, but nevertheless we raised our eyebrows after reading its four-star review of Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters. If nothing else, it takes a certain amount of chutzpah to put a Cartoon Network-derived feature right up there with A Woman Under the Influence or even A History of Violence. Despite the controversy which (briefly) swirled around the film, it hasn't gotten all that much attention since being released. The Reader's review, written by Brian Nemtusak, persuasively argues that "A taste for this kind of nothing isn't just cultish, it's acquired." We think he has a point. To cite but one example, it wasn't until we'd seen Vertigo for the third time that we really "got" it. Jimmy Stewart is to Frylock as Kim Novak is to Meatwad ...

Continuing in a comedy vein, tonight at the Landmark Century is May edition of the Midwest Independent Film Festival and the focus is on, well, comedy. First up is the premiere of "Cop Show," a comedy pilot from the oddball team of David Pasquesi and Tracy Letts. Also premiering (in a festival setting) are Parts I, II and III of the internet sensation "Chad Vader," chronicling the misadventures of Darth's brother as he slaves away as the day-shift manager at the Empire Market grocery store. The shorts by Wisconsin filmmakers Aaron Yonda and Matt Sloan have been downloaded millions of times and were written up by the likes of the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. We're definitely wondering how the YouTube phenom will hold up on the Century's big screen. The evening's program includes five other short films and videos. Admission is $10, with a cocktail reception beforehand at 6. The screenings begin at 7:30.

Happy Couple via FOUND Magazine