The Amusing Hypocrisy of the 'Heckler' DVD Cover
Filed under: Comedy, Documentary
A few years back, Jamie Kennedy and a few pals decided to make a documentary about the ways in which comedians deal with rude hecklers. But somewhere about halfway through the movie, the guys decided that hecklers weren't all that interesting, and so they chose to set their sights on ... film critics. Debuting on DVD this week, Heckler spends a lot of time arguing about how pointless film critics are ... but then why does the DVD come plastered with quotes like these?"Hilarious!" -- Variety
"A Must-See!" -- The New York Sun
"Extremely Entertaining" -- Film Threat
...and my favorite: "Insightful" -- Cinematical.com
Now, I'm not trying to bash the film or Jamie Kennedy (and for those who really want my thoughts on the film -- a film in which yours truly is chastised for having the audacity to write a negative movie review -- you can check out this blog post right here), but doesn't this seem just a
Perhaps Mr. Kennedy could explain this to us, and it's something I mentioned in the earlier blog piece: If, for example, I think Son of the Mask is an atrocious piece of junk, then I'm a clueless fool -- but if I think Heckler is "insightful," then somehow I'm transformed into a genius? Can't have it both ways, Jamie. Having said that, I don't mind throwing a little publicity towards Heckler, mainly because it's not every day I'm verbally abused in a documentary film. I'm more confused than offended, frankly, because I've been pretty complimentary towards Kennedy over the years. Even if most of the movies he's in are massive crap-heaps.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-07-2008 @ 5:57PM
Blair Mitchelmore said...
I sincerely doubt Jamie Kennedy was involved in the artwork for the DVD. The distribution company did that.
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9-07-2008 @ 6:18PM
Camperton said...
It's not that surprising. The movie, judging by the trailer, looks like it wants to have it's cake and eat it too. The stand-up heckler part looks good but the calling out the critics part looks desperate like he couldn't figure out how to fill 80 minutes with just one topic. Does he expect to never get criticized for his work?
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9-07-2008 @ 9:10PM
Matthew said...
I found the Heckler DVD is interesting, its not so much complaining as it is really showing the other side of things. The most entertaining though was the actual heckling and hecklers clips through the movie, not so much the critic part.
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9-07-2008 @ 9:00PM
MCW said...
You saw a DVD that isn't out yet?
9-07-2008 @ 8:17PM
Philip said...
I'm not sure what's more ironic:
The cover art of that box, or a film critic who finds himself sensitive to the criticism of people who are sensitive to the criticism of film critics.
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9-07-2008 @ 11:36PM
Matthew said...
;)
You can win a copy of it at Blog about your Blog :)
http://blogaboutyourblog.com/2008/09/04/win-the-new-jamie-kennedys-heckler-dvd/
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9-08-2008 @ 12:34AM
Beanie said...
Hey Scott, Nice goin! You just keep promoting his lame-ass DVD. I think that was the master plan.
The only part of that trailer that looked interesting was the actual comedian heckling, but, i'm sure I can find all those clips on YouTube.
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9-08-2008 @ 7:20AM
-bry said...
What a waste. A movie about criticism and they put good reviews on the packaging? They should've gone with quotes like, "This movie is a piece of..." so on and so forth.
But I have to agree with Blair... the quotes are there because some suit didn't get it. Not because of the film makers.
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9-08-2008 @ 11:16AM
Sokmnky said...
This points to the very basis for the frustration kennedy feels... critics rarely have any knowledge about the filmmaking process... which, yes, even sadly includes the selection of cover art for a DVD cover. The efforts of hundreds, even thousands, of people are involved in each film, and Cinematical's ignorance about that process is kind of amazing. This doesn't mean critics cannot or should not criticize because they don't make movies. It just means they should try to stay a level or two above snarky.
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9-09-2008 @ 11:49PM
Michael Addis said...
Scott,
I directed HECKLER, so I might be a good person to explain this situation. Technically, we would be hypocritical if we put critic blurbs on our DVD and said, all critics are idiots. But our film doesn't say that. And Jamie and I don't feel that way. We say that there is good criticism (thoughtful, well researched) and bad criticism (excessively personal, maybe the critic didn't watch the film, etc). A critic may have given Son of the Mask a bad review and been fair about it. That's fine with us. With HECKLER (released today), we think we made an entertaining, hilarious movie, and therefore agree with critics who say we made an entertaining, hilarious movie. Those reviews seemed well researched and accurate. A bad review of our film isn't necessarily wrong or poorly researched! But putting that review on the cover of our DVD would be a bit stupid, right? I hope your readers watch HECKLER for themselves and make their own decision.
M.
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9-10-2008 @ 12:16AM
Scott Weinberg said...
Fair enough, Mike, and I do know enough about the distribution game to know that producers and directors do NOT plaster the quotes on the DVD cover -- but it still seems a bit hypocritical to me. And with all due respect, to invite some critics to defend their work and not others seems a little specious on your part. Guess your budget allowed for L.A. writers to speak their mind, but not someone on the East Coast.
And frankly, I don't think I've ever gone as personal as "I hate this actor so much I wonder if he should be stabbed in the neck," as Jamie states about me in your film. Furthermore, your research was a bit lacking. If you wanted to trash a critic who got nasty and personal against Mr. Kennedy, you might have chosen one who's done those things. As mentioned in my earlier post, I've always managed to say something complimentary about the guy, even in the nastiest of negative reviews.
Beyond that, I've worked VERY hard for the past ten years to make a small name for myself in this field, and I pride myself on being a complete professional. Yes, I even studied film and journalism in college, because this is the job I wanted, and now I'm fortunate enough to write for some very excellent websites. For your film to imply I'm some clueless mouth-breather -- just because I wrote a nasty review -- is a big slap in the face.
I could have written a vicious diatribe called "The Star of Mask 2 and Kickin' It Old Skool is Angry About Bad Reviews?!?!?! Now THAT'S Funny!!" -- but, again, I like to consider myself a professional.
But of course, as a critic, I can handle being criticized myself. And I stand by that old review of STRICKEN entirely.
9-11-2008 @ 1:51PM
Scott Weinberg said...
Yeah that's what I figured.
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9-14-2008 @ 11:59PM
Michael Addis said...
I don't really have time to debate this point in an email thread. If you want to create a fresh article where you interview me, and debate the points, I'd be glad to. But I don't want to be a footnote in an article calling my film and my actions "hypocritical" Jamie and I approved all the quotes. We stand by them... and I wasn't concerned with what coast the articles originated from. But if you want to dig up the location origins, below are some new quotes about our film. I think Jamie was responding to your snarky comment that he has never been a "master thespian." You can say the same thing about Adam Sandler or Albert Brooks... at one time they said that about Buster Keaton... and probably most men and women who are known as a comic actor. exactly what does it mean to say someone's not a "master thespian?" I can say, you're no Pauline Kael. But that wouldn't be fair. There is only one PK anyway. But my main point re: hypocrisy is this: I agree with the critics who like this movie because we made a fucking awesome movie.
Michael Addis
Fucking Awesome Comedy Director
As promised, here are our latest quotes:
“I found the film and its star Jamie Kennedy absolutely hilarious… I encourage you to buy a copy.” —Ann Thompson, deputy editor, Variety
“An honest, candid, and extremely well-made documentary.” —Ben Lyons, “At the Movies”
“Course, crass, and surprisingly smart.” —Mother Jones
“a raucous look at popular culture… compelling…insightful…” —Mother Jones
“a thoughtful, insightful documentary” —Shecky Magazine
“hilarious…thought-provoking…” —Shecky Magazine
“mandatory viewing for anyone in the business and it's a must own for comedians, right up there with Seinfeld's "Comedian" and a VHS copy of "Punchline!"” —Shecky Magazine
“incredibly entertaining” —Punchline Magazine
“A comedic documentary gem thanks to its skillful and energetic editing, engaging personalities, and a subject that clearly captures the hearts of the
interviewees” —Home Media Magazine
“A fun cathartic screed—it’s the best thing Kennedy’s ever made” –Inland Empire Weekly
“It’s something to which everyone will relate.” —Home Media Magazine
“a spirited film…both funny and uncomfortable.” —Video Business
“an interesting documentary…really funny…heckling stuff is gold” —CHUD
“Recommended!” –DVD Snapshot
“Director Michael Addis crafts an enticing package with ‘Heckler…’” —DVD Talk
"Heckler" pricks a fascinating vein of information…” —DVD Talk
“refreshing and sporadically hilarious.” —DVD Talk
“a funny, insightful, and extremely informative.” —VideoViews.org
“soon to be classic of comedy.” —VideoViews.org
“as drop-dead funny as it is eye-opening.” —VideoViews.org
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10-22-2008 @ 6:02PM
bartholomew garcia said...
I just had to sit through this whine and arrogance fest! WOW - this guy (Kennedy) has the fucking nerve to "confront" people because they thought he wasn't funny-- DUDE !! YOUR NOT FUNNY!!! His stand up clips were like watching grass grow. Perhaps he should watch videos of Pryor or Carlin or any real comic with what they call 'Material" - Here is a sample of the comic "material" Kenedy passes off as comedy - calling a celebrity on the phone..That's THE routine??? REALLY??? Worked hard on that "bit" - and when paying customers were not amused, he whines .... and gets hostle. Really? REALLY! Dude !! Wake the fuck up, man your not funny, you movies suck and well your arrogant on top of it all!!
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