Funny Fecker Comedy, Jokes, Laughs and Good Times

The Inbetweeners Movie was laugh out loud funny. Laugh out loud isn’t a term I even enjoy using. I only break it out for special occasions usually. Most people loved the movie and rightly so. It’s not often you get a British comedy film that does that well at the box office. What made it even more fascinating is that it was a film that said farewell to the lads of our favourite E4 series we all grew to love. We, as audience members, went home satisfied knowing that Will, Simon, Neil & Jay went from boys to men. All within the space of 97 minutes.

So, we were all surprised when it was announced that they The Inbetweeners would be returning for a second movie outing. This time, in Australia. I was sceptical, mainly because lightning doesn’t usually strike twice. Recently the teaser dropped, and it puts us right back into familiar territory with a reworked classic quote from the show.

Yep, you heard right. ‘Bus Wankers’ has evolved into ‘Fire Wankers’. It got me thinking. What kind of wanker am I? I do spend most of my time in comic book shops. So, I think ‘comic book wanker’ would be appropriate. I also play a lot of video games, ‘video game wanker’.

Lets hope that the gags we are yet to see aren’t all reworked old ones. I’m pretty sure they won’t be. The Inbetweeners Movie 2 opens in the UK on 6th August. We don’t have too long to wait until it arrives. Fingers crossed that lightning does strike twice. What did you think of the trailer? Loved it? Hated it? Indifferent? Sound off in the comments and let us know if you like. Also, what kind of wanker are you?

I’ve always had a bit of a weird thing for really imaginative adverts. Really good ones are considered by me works of art that not only manage to sell a product, but also have great narrative. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in thinking this but I am yet to meet someone who has the same view. Just the other week I was watching an episode of Millionaire Matchmaker (if you haven’t seen that show, you really should, it’s amazing) and during the ad break I was greeted with this odd, delightful piece of work about a boy named Barry, who happens to be made out of biscuits.

As I was watching I wondered where the heck this was going, when his head crumbled to pieces and fell off his body, nothing but laughter. Then, his mum baked him a new head! Seriously trippy stuff. That music too, just adds to the weirdness. ‘Barry biscuit boy, sets out. Run to the lake to splash about’. It further evokes that fable likeness. The important lesson here is: if you are a boy made out of biscuit don’t swim in a Cravendale lake for too long otherwise you’ll lose your head. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint but biscuit boys don’t exist. Which means the true lesson of this fable is never dip and dunk your biscuits in milk for too long.

Love the ad, found it hilarious. I’d be more than happy to see more of Barry.

 I finally got the chance to attend a Manford’s Comedy Club. You’ll be please to hear that it was pretty fucking epic. I knew it was going to be good, but not that flipping good! Probably one of the most entertaining Thursday night’s I’ve ever had. What also sweetened the deal was that I was travelling VIP…OK, I embellished a little bit. It wasn’t really VIP, it was just a free ticket. Although, I did get to pay a visit to the green room and help Jonathan Mayor take off his top. Which was an interesting and unexpected experience.

The venue was packed with folks eager to see what Manford’s Comedy Club could deliver. From the second the MC, Jonathan Mayor, stepped onto the stage the night was certain to be a winner. His banter with the crowd was full of filth, but the best kind of filth and they loved. It really got the room full of roars of uncontrollable laughter and  pumped for the first act Ellie Taylor.

I’ve seen many episodes of Snog Marry Avoid and  heard great thing about Ellie’s stand-up, and it didn’t disappoint. I would love to go into more detail, but there is no doubt that she’ll be appearing at another Manford’s Comedy Club at different venue. Then, Alex Boardman blew the crowd away with his relaxed comic bitterness regarding smacking other peoples children, cheap supermarkets, and the price of drugs vs inflation. Two great acts down, one more to go.

Finally, the climax of the night had arrive. Taking to the stage was The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue. I wish I had the ability to accurately explain their act. Put quite simply, it involves snippets of music stitched together, phrases on large laminated cards, and a bit of slapstick. The whole thing was very beautifully choreographed. Some would argue that it isn’t stand-up. If that is the case, it doesn’t matter.  Just because it isn’t what we are used to, doesn’t mean it isn’t good or shouldn’t be on the same stage as stand-up.

All in all, it was a great night. I advise you check out the Manford’s Comedy Club website and see if they have any shows coming to your area. You won’t regret paying only £10 to see brilliant acts. Will I be going again? You bet your bottom dollar I will.

I’ve played a ton of video games over the years. I’ve also played some pretty obscure stuff. I’ve played generic stuff, driving, beat em up, even a tiny bit of strategy. Never been into those odd simulator titles, where you do something like flying an Aeroplane or a Farming Simulators. That all changed today when I came across this amazing funny trailer for a game called…Goat Simulator. No, you are not tripping, you read it right. Goat Simulator. What the heck do you even do in the a Goat Simulator? I watched the trailer and to be honest I don’t even know. It hilariously spoofs the trailer for Dead Island which appears below. Give it a watch.

 

Now have a look at the Goat Simulator trailer.

They are pretty much identical if you ask me. The highlight was seeing a goat jetpacking across the street with a human tethered to it. I can honestly say I’ve never seen that in a game before. The other mad shit that goes on in the trailer really makes me want to play it. It’s just a ridiculous concept. Which is what I’m all about. I sense that this game will be at it’s best when other people are around. It’s just an opportunity to blow shit up, be silly and enjoy doing it. I think this would really appeal to those who play things like Saints Row.

So, is this a simulator game changer, is it bringing something new to the table? Or perhaps just a massive novelty featuring a goat flying through the air? Fuck knows. But I can’t help but watch this a bunch of times and laugh at how stupid, yet intriguing it is.

Somehow the internet has made goats a comedy hero. I’m going to have to check out trailers for other simulators and see if they are as fun as this.

So, if you are in the loop you’ll be aware of the new comedy brand launched by Jason Manford, Manford’s Comedy Club. What is the mantra of Manford’s Comedy Club? Well it’s pretty simple, getting quality comedians from the circuit that your average punter may not have heard of, and bringing them  to venues across the UK across for an affordable price. Most of us are still very much feeling the pinch. The idea of making seeing stand up comedy affordable (around £10) and providing a high quality acts is definitely a gap in the market that hasn’t been filled…until now, that is.  Just take a look at the acts who will be performing in the near future http://manfordscomedyclub.com/comedians/

The first Manford’s Comedy Club show  (or at least the first under the new name, it was previously Flashlight Comedy) will be taking place tomorrow it The Loft in Matlock. The Loft is a great little venue built for entertainment purposes. In other words it’s perfect for performance based…perfomances? Anyway, the MC for the night will be Colin Manford, Jason’s younger brother and a very funny dude in his own right. He’ll be introducing Alex Boardman, Lewis Jones, and the headline act Steve Shanyaski. Looks like it will be a good night and the beginning of something very special.

The success of the Manford’s Comedy Club brand  means that it can only expand. Which can only be a good thing, as long as the quality and value for money continue compliment each other. I believe this will continue to be the case as it looks like Jason is hand picking acts in order to ensure this. Keep an eye out as Manford’s Comedy Club may be coming to a venue near you very soon.

To view the current list of venues and gig dates, use the link below.

http://manfordscomedyclub.com/tickets/

Twitter: @ManfordsComedy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manfordscomedy

You probably weren’t aware of this, but Dara O’Briain hosted the BAFTA Games Awards. Why would you probably not know this? Well, because it wasn’t on TV as it appears that the big wigs that make the decisions think  that gamers are too busy sat in the dark being anti social. How wrong they are. The ceremony was streamed live online for the entire world to see and it was a super classy affair.  Anyway, back to Dara. He was a great host, his gaming related jokes were fantastic. I would go into why this is great, but you may as well see for yourself.

 

See, I can tell you’re thinking the same thing I did “that Metal Gear Solid gag was brilliant”. Yep, it was. It’s also clear that Dara is  and has been a gamer for a very long time. Be sure to check out the other 2 parts to the ceremony.

Having a high profile comedian present the BAFTA Games Awards just further adds to it’s credibility as a whole. Maybe the ceremony will make it’s way to TV in the next few years.

I probably would have done a better job writing about this. But I’m severely congested. Right, I’m off to down a whole load of Cold & Flu Pills, drink my weight in Orange Juice and slurp on some super hot Chicken Soup. Did you watch the awards? Did you even know this ceremony existed? Did you know Dara O’Briain was a gamer? Leave a comment.

We…are the Crystal Gems

We’ll always save the day

And if you think we can’t we’ll always find a way

That’s why the people of this world believe in…

Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, and Steven

If there is one thing Cartoon Network is famous for it’s…well, cartoons. Obviously. On top of that, it’s known for really odd and somewhat surreal comedy cartoons. I have no shame in saying that I watch Cartoon Network everyday. There is nothing better than seeing a Blue Jay and a Racoon working in a park having crazy adventures in Regular Show. Or going on quest 1000 years from now with the last human and a magic dog in Adventure Time. By the way you should check out both of those shows, they’ll have you in stitches.

Earlier this week I saw a new(ish) show by the name of Steven Universe. I’d seen some people chatter about it online but never bothered to actually give it a watch. Also, it looked very girly. But for reasons unknown I decided to give it a whirl and I fucking love it. Seriously.No bullshit.

Firstly, that intro intro makes me feel so happy and fluffy on the inside. Secondly, Steven reminds of when , as a child, your good intentions and enthusiasm don’t always lead to good outcomes. Thirdly, it’s a funny show. I’ve got to be honest though, at first I didn’t really find the show that funny. But it took a few episodes to warm to the characters and their personas. After that, I began to see that the show didn’t have to be ‘in my face’ in order to make me laugh. Steven Universe takes a much slower and subversive approach which is great.

If you are bored with the like of The Simpsons and Family Guy then give something like Steven Universe a go. You’ll find it refreshing, especially with the bite sized episode length of 10 minutes. It’ll be coming to the UK on Cartoon Network very soon.

If there is one thing I’m confused by, it’s that no one decided to make an offbeat comedy movie (biographical or fictional) about Chris Sievey/Frank Sidebottom when he was still alive.  Earlier this week the trailer dropped for Frank starring Michael Fassbender as the film’s titular..hero? Yeah, hero. The first thing I noticed whilst watching the trailer was that this version of Frank is American. I instantly thought ‘this is going to be odd’. Seconds later I realised ‘that isn’t actually so bad and I suppose it works’. The rest of the trailer is kind of weird. But the good kind of weird. The kind of weird that leaves you with intrigued and wanting more. There are a lot of random memories that I have of Frank Sidebottom appearing on TV, somehow I think Fassbender has nailed this.

What is even more interesting is that the film is based on a memoir by Jon Ronson, one of the film’s writers, who was a member of Chris’s/Frank’s band. The basic outline of his time with the band and how that journey began is detailed in this article Jon wrote for The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/jan/12/frank-sidebottom-movie-michael-fassbender-chris-sievey .

Frank obviously will be quite different in many aspects, and has somehow won me over well before it’s theatrical release. Anyway, check out the trailer. It looks like so much fun. Keep your ears open for Frank’s most likeable song ever.

Well, we didn’t have to be Mystic Meg to see that BBC Three was going to take an axe to the face. Just by closing the channel and making it accessible via iplayer, the BBC save a whopping £85m. Which means they’ll need to save £15m elsewhere in order to meet the £100m of cutbacks they need to make. Considering that TV and the internet are still very much in the process of merging, maybe it isn’t so bad. But why is this important to the wonderful world known as comedy? What has BBC Three ever done for comedy? Put quite simply, it has been a place for new comedy to grow and flourish.

I can’t remember a time when comedy wasn’t at the centre of BBC Three. One of my all time favourite comedy sketch shows, Monkey Dust, was a born on that channel. Graham Duff’s Ideal also had a decent run. Then you’ve got the big hitters like, Little Britain, and Gavin & Stacey, which graduated from BBC Three and managed to enrol themselves into BBC One. Which isn’t easy and must be applauded. Also, with shows like The Mighty Boosh and Being Human you can’t deny that BBC Three programming does have the ability to have more than a cult following. It has done so numerous times.

I have no idea how the iplayer version of BBC Three will work, but lets hope it will enable a return to the glory days when BBC Three was experimental and willing to take risks. It’ll be interesting to find out and see what new comedy talents arrive. Will shows like Russell Howard’s Good News and Bad Education survive one of the weirdest TV cullings in history? Will production companies want to even produce comedy for an “online” channel? Heck knows. Guess it will be fun finding out.

Ah well, looks like the 16-34 demographic will be taking one for the team.

Meant to post this a few weeks ago, but didn’t. Be a shame for it to go to waste.

Outnumbered returned to our screens last weeks for it’s final series. For some weird reason, it’s the only family oriented comedy show I watch and think “I wish I had three very distinctly different children”. I don’t know why, it’s not like I’m broody. But more than anything I’d like a child like Ben. He sees the everything in such a different way from everyone else. Think about it. A kid like that could show you all the strange facts you didn’t know about, that the world has to offer. Not only that, but the little dude (not so little anymore) is pretty much fearless and takes everything in his stride.

Thinking about it, maybe I wish I was Ben. I was so timid and scared as a child. It was actually quite pathetic. Perhaps I want my children to be everything I wasn’t when I was there age. As, I’d hate the idea of having to put up with my childhood bullshit from a creature I helped to create.

It was surprising to see that Outnumbered hasn’t gotten stale at all. Maybe because It’s a pretty realistic depiction of a family, although very middle class. All families have their up and downs. I like seeing that even the Brockmans aren’t some kind of picture perfect cookie-cutter mold. The youngest member of the family, Karen, is having difficulty adjusting to a new school. Ben is auditioning for a school musical of Spartacus, but we are told he has a horrible singing voice. And finally there is Jake, who has gotten a tattoo of…a spider? The parents, Sue & Pete, attempt to deal with all of these situations accordingly. It isn’t easy for them as there is no parenting manual. They try their best and that is all they can do. It makes me feel relieved that there is no such thing as being the perfect parent. As long as you love your kids and try  to raise them as best you can, then you’re doing it right.

Check out Outnumbered on Wednesdays, 9:00pm on BBC1.