Heckler (Jamie Kennedy) : DVD Review

Punters often forget, or sometimes don’t even realise, just how tough it is to get up in front of a group of strangers… let alone make that group of strangers laugh. Yet most are more than happy to yell out and make that job even tougher.

Heckler, a comedy-documentary by Scream‘s Jamie Kennedy explores the increasingly critical world we live in, and investigates hecklers and the entertainers who endure them – folks like Russell Peters, Lewis Black, Craig Ferguson, Bill Maher, Paul Rodriguez, Roseanne and many more.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ
Much like the far superior Comedian (which followed Jerry Seinfeld’s return to the stage, and explored the darker side of what it takes to be a comedian) Heckler shows just how nasty and mean the fight is between those in the spotlight… and those in the dark.

For the most part, Heckler is a wonderfully crafted look behind the curtain of both sides of the argument and a fine companion piece to the aforementioned Comedian.

However, what should be a near bullet proof subject for an unbiased documentary soon becomes a fairly childish and vain outlet for Jamie Kennedy to try and find someone who doesn’t think he sucks the big one.

It’s this sort of self obsessed, sad, (and often angry) insecurity which makes Kennedy so unlikeable and probably explains why he is so disliked by nearly every reviewer he comes across.

It could also have something to do with the fact the flicks of his that are being canned are flicks that… well… stink like shite.

The Son Of The Mask, Malibu’s Most Wanted - I mean, I’m against reviewers and bloggers (like ourselves) shalacking a product for shits and giggles without thinking of the impact of the artist… but come on…

If you are trying to sway people your way, try and find a piece of work you’ve done that ISN’T UNIVERSALLY HATED BY CRITICS AND VIEWERS ALIKE.

Heckler is a flawless and fascinating documentary (if you exclude the scenes with Jamie Kennedy) and is well worth checking if you are a hardcore “process and behind the scenes of stand-up” comedy fan.

Because Heckler is brilliant.

Sadly, most of the films early work is let down by Kennedy who just ends up looking rather sad and pathetic and does himself no favours in winning any potential new fans.

WATCH OUT FOR
Rare footage of the late, great Bill Hicks abusing a heckler at one of his shows as well as the infamous CNN footage of Andrew “Dice” Clay yelling profanities at an interviewer for not doing his homework.

Now – while the following clip isn’t from Heckler itself… it is yet another fine demonstration of the eternal “audience vs heckler” battles which occur – and  also a perfect example of why the comedians are the comedians, and the hecklers are the idiots paying money to sit in a crowd.