Laughing Boy (2000) User Reviews

It is a FARTSY movie

[padmababu67 · 7/10 · 21 November 2002]

Enjoyable movie. Satirical and true in some scenes. In the end you wonder if you yourself wear a MASK. Characters and actors and actresses did a pretty good job. Lines were hilarious. It was a very good indie movie. I rated it at Six but I am a harsh critique it could and should have been rated a notch higher at 7.5 two thumbs up for Director.

Laughing Boy is fun and sexy, I'm jealous.....

[michpep · 7/10 · 28 January 2000]

I really enjoyed the special screening of Laughing Boy at the Rice Media Center. Joe Grisaffi displayed a perverted sense of humor that everyone has but rarely want to share publicly. Cody MacKenzie (Joe) took us on a journey of saying and doing what he felt in an over grown childlike attitude. The next time I'm invited to an Office Party, I'm chanting down with accountants and up with sex.

Boy, I really didn't laugh that much but I was somewhat impressed by the film's originality

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 4 February 2007]

Cody and Judy are a modern couple. They love and tolerate each other but definitely have their aspirations as far as the future is concerned. Judy wants Cody to advance at his company while Cody has his eye on an attractive female co-worker, Elizabeth. As luck would have it, Elizabeth and her husband are giving a high-profile party. Judy is delighted, as she wants to be seen and heard in a place that counts. Cody is also happy because he may get his opportunity with Elizabeth. The trouble with Cody is, however, he says and does almost anything he wants to do, and not always with good manners or tact. As the party goes on, Cody finds a way to insult the almost-fiancé of a beautiful but husband-desperate girl, a television evangelist, and other party goers. How could this possible advance his career or win him points with Elizabeth? The plot here is almost non-existent, as most of the film is Cody talking to the party attendees or into the camera itself. A good deal of the humor is, as one can guess, sexual in nature or candid put-downs of modern existence. Some of it is funny and some of it is offensive. However, there is a certain originality expressed, as Cody truly offers opinions that fly in the face of modern decorum. Then, too, the film's running commentary format and scene slicing has an offbeat quality that is fresh and fun. This film will have its fans, no doubt, as any interesting indie film would. But, for those who want to play it safe, especially where offensive material is concerned, this is not the film for you. Instead, fans who want to see a sample of independent film making, without serious objections, might want to try My Big Fat Greek Wedding, My House in Umbria, or Greenfingers.

laughing boy withstands the wiener test of good movies.

[kwiener · 2 May 2000]

i was very impressed with the movie laughing boy...iam not as long winded as some others and will not get into charaacter development or any other movie cliche reviews..

i'll make it short and sweet. first class direction, good acting good plot, good photography and editing. this movie is one of those movies that is worth seeing, not only becuse it was produced and directed by a hometown houston boy, but also because it is a good movie. in todays times with film budgets soaring way past the 100 million dollar limits, it is good to see that good movies can still be made by people who are out of the hollywood loop and on an extremely tight budget. people who make movies because they love making movies and are not at this very moment in it for the money...although i'm sure that brazil grisaffi would take some money if you gave it to him..

good movie....go see it if you can..........out

Extremely Disappointing

[RachelRGreen · 1/10 · 4 January 2010]

I could barely get though this film. I expected smart comedy but the humor in Laughing Boy is slapstick and juvenile. There are a handful of lines that could have been vaguely amusing if they weren't so poorly delivered, but for the most part the jokes are scatological, crass or just plain stupid. Maybe if you are a fan of Monty Python or SNL or Strangers With Candy you would like this film, but if you're looking for a really sharp and witty movie, look elsewhere.

The only thing worse than the jokes in this movie is the acting. All the characters are over-exaggerated caricatures. I've seen bad comedies but Laughing Boy was downright painful to watch. And the bizarrely interspersed animated segments definitely don't help.

Excellent character driven film

[bayoucity · 10/10 · 29 January 2000]

In this film the main character, Cody, is in love with his boss and is anxious to impress her at a party full of pretentious co-workers who despise him. The film, which takes place primarily at the party, is full of interesting and colorful characters. The well structured script has plenty of humor and enough turns to keep you interested between laughs. The final scene gave me a belly laugh and quite a surprise. The music was great and the animation used to illustrate Cody's fantasies was top notch. I would rate this tightly directed, well photographed film by Grisaffi as excellent; one of the best all around films I have seen in a very long time.

Underappreciated gem of cult comic flavors!

[brownbunnyboy · 9/10 · 4 March 2002]

What can I say? I think "Laughing Boy" is highly original, filled with sprit, and very well-written. Joe Grisaffi has acting chops to boot. The fantasy sequences are funny as all heck, and the whole dinner party is very well-mapped out. There's a lot of great atmosphere in the film too. About the only thing that was missing was some nudity and perhaps a drug reference or two. Other than that, the film is brilliant. A truly indie film that shines (and laughs!) over the rest!

Proof that not all masterpieces are made in Hollywood

[gungho7 · 10/10 · 26 September 2000]

I attended the screening of Laughing Boy at the NY Independent Film Festival in Santa Monica. Brazil Joe Grisaffi III has done a marvelous job of directing and acting in the title role. My hats off to Joe and the entire cast for their wonderful performances.

Two thumbs up. Four stars. Downright hilarious.

report from the Toronto Indie film festival

[akito01 · 9/10 · 25 November 2000]

I had the great pleasure of seeing this film with a small but very appreciative crowd at the Toronto Indie Film Festival. As if often the case, the quality of a film has little relation to the actual number of people who see it, and I thought this was a brilliantly fun piece of work. Near the beginning, I noticed a lite-bright sign underneath the bed reading 'Save Ferris', which perfectly matched my impressions early in the film in terms of how it reminded me of Ferris Beuller's Day Off. There was also something of the ol' Chris Elliot in the character of Cody, with his completely guileless sledgehammer wit, aiming it blithely at everything from 90's-style social climbing to televangelicals. Also worth mentioning is the performance of Tiffany Grant as Alicia Dimsdale, which is one of the best set-pieces of the movie. No matter what outragously rude thing Cody would say, she'd just give this brief frozen-stare pause, then continue right on what she was talking about ('Anyway...'). In a film with so much broad humour ('He threw his pants at me!'), it also manages to be quite clever in it's cultural references, even Shakespeare -appropriate, since the ultimate message of the film can be best summed up in the immortal line -'To thine own self be true'.

Proves how important directing is to comedy

[lvecrft · 10/10 · 26 May 2002]

Here's a film that could've been more annoying than anything else given the obnoxious nature of the title character. But director Grisaffi knows when to reign things in as well as when to let them run wild. All performances are above average (another sign of good direction), and the story moves at a brisk pace despite the story's stage origins...not an easy feat for those familiar with other stage-to-screen projects. And if nothing else, it's worth a look to see some excellent comic timing via Grisaffi's performance as the title character. An actor that knows how to direct himself is a rare bird indeed.

The film was skillfully constructed and funny and yes, I am her mother.

[caquack · 9/10 · 6 March 2001]

The film was belly laughing funny combined with such sad vignettes. Have we not all been in such homes, at such parties with the Laughing Boy? The set decoration was excellent. Was that my home in suburbia they were in? Or was it yours? The Church Lady was particularly well cast. Dear god(small g), please do not have Cody kiss me either. I recommend this well written film.

Great effort from first time feature film director!

[tifgrant · 10/10 · 9 November 2000]

Joe Grisaffi assembled a real quality cast and crew to work on a low-budget production that is really snowballing into an indie success story. With practically NO budget, and having to do most of the work himself, Grisaffi has emerged triumphant!

Definitely a fun piece worth seeing.

It a voyeuristic romp through one man's life full of intrigue, fantasy, sex, love, and laughs.

[Kathlyn · 9/10 · 28 January 2000]

This is a VERY FUNNY MOVIE!!!!! I laughed and laughed. The actors are hysterical. The plot is imaginative and intelligent. The music is lively and makes you want to clap your hands.

Be sure and stay for the credits because there are a few surprises as they scroll past.

Take a date, take a friend, take your dog, but GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!

We need more Codys in the world.

[flmkrdan · 10/10 · 24 October 2000]

If only we had more Codys in the world. What I liked about this film is that it is true to itself. How many times have we met people that are like Codys co-workers. They are all ways too pompous to enjoy the true humor that life gives us. The animation added a cool eyecandy as well. Thanks for letting us have a good laugh. Dano

A very funny movie

[Rona-6 · 10/10 · 13 June 2000]

This is a great film. It is extremely funny, while pointing out the tribulations of relationships and the trials of office politics. The animation sequences add a unique element to Cody's fantasies. The context for the "Planet of the Apes" line was awesome, it is one of the funniest lines of all times in my opinion.

Clever juxtaposition of live and cartoon scenes, all hilarious.

[Kkeithqu · 10/10 · 6 March 2001]

Surprised me on the overall quality and enjoyment of this film. Surprised because it is not in public release and I expected something akin to a home video. This is a real film with great performances and a clever, funny script.

It should be in general release to give others the chance to enjoy!!

I really enjoyed this movie.

[rking-3 · 9/10 · 3 February 2000]

I really enjoyed this movie---It gave me a very rare chance to just sit back and enjoy myself. I would praise this movie to everyone, it is simply a great piece of work. The only complaint I have is that the popcorn sucked---well you can't have everything.

Great movie

[styling73 · 9/10 · 3 July 2005]

Recently saw Laughing Boy at the Alamo Draft House for a benefit on Sunday June 26, and I loved it! You can't help but love the couple in the movie for being who they are. Cody is hilarious and quick to comment in a funny way on some one or something no matter what. No one is safe. Cody's wife and her so desperately wanting to fit in with the crowd at the party they are attending also is not safe from what her husband will do to torment her with embarrassment. Great is also the Televangelist woman who is a riot. Love her lines at the end of the movie. All in all it was a fun and funny movie to watch Keeps you laughing from start to finish. Genius! A must rent, A must buy, A must see!

I guarantee that we'll be hearing more in the future about Grisaffi.

[rlhubbard · 8/10 · 13 March 2005]

If you've ever been dragged to some function attended by people that you generally despise, but you've been forced to hide your feelings, rictus mistaken for a smile as you desperately attempt to get through the evening without taking a bite out of the weasels that surround you - if you've ever been accused of being a "smart ass", of "not being a team player" or have ever heard the phrase "some people just don't belong" - well, LAUGHING BOY is the movie you've been waiting for... and a tasty slice of revenge it is.

This is easily one of the year's best films that you haven't heard of - until now.

Great female leads!

[penguinlove2000 · 10/10 · 4 October 2000]

Laughing Boy was an extremely enjoyable film! I especially liked the performances of the two female leads, Anne Quackenbush (Cody's wife) and Therese Kotara (the party hostess). These two women are extremely talented and fun to watch, and I felt that they portrayed very real characters. I truly look forward to seeing them again on film. And I'd also love to see Grisaffi (Cody) on a sit-com. Grisaffi did an excellent job with this project, both performing and directing, and especially in casting these two actresses. Kudos!!

Funny, Funny, Funny!!!

[fxmech · 10/10 · 24 May 2002]

Very well done comedy with excellent performances by the entire cast. Laughing Boy's comedy timing will catch you off guard and keep you laughing uncontrollably days after you watch the film!!!

Quirky, silly humor

[tvchick1 · 10/10 · 8 April 2002]

This is a good movie to watch with a pizza. The humor is wacky, but doesn't overpower the development of the characters.

It's fun and thoughtful, and overall quite a good flick.

This is a Great Independent Movie!

[gotime · 19 March 2003]

This is a great independent feature, and well worth watching. It's about a day in the life of a guy that just can't seem to stop trying to be funny. He ends up going to a friends party where not everyone is such a huge fan of his sense of humor. And the fun begins. You may end up loving or hating this guy by the end of the movie, but either way, you will have had a good time doing it. It's just packed full of gags, and good times. This is what TRUE Independent Movie Making should be about. Great entertainment, very well put together, and very well acted. Joe Grisaffi is the director and lead actor in it, and does a great job at both.

Excellent Indie Picture !

[moviekites.com · 9/10 · 11 June 2000]

I had the pleasure of attending an advance screening of Laughing Boy. This independent feature certainly exceeded my expectations, much to my delight!

The sound is a little rough, but after a distributor is lined up, apparently it will be re-mixed.

All told, Laughing Boy has a solid script written by George Douglas Lee (based on his play) and some excellent unknown actors, including the director in the lead role. Now wait, Grisaffi pulled this off quite well!

It took a while for me to warm up to the film (a lot of dry humour), but once it got going (with intelligent and riskier humour) I was converted to an avid advocate of this film. Grisaffi was concerned about some of the religious humour in the film, but I thought that was some of the best - especially the crucifix/Jack in the Box drive-through.

The incorporated cell animation sequences were fabulous, and really added to the feeling of Cody's (the lead character) fantasy.

Grisaffi has accomplished a lot with only $50,000 so far, and I wish him the best with this feature. I also encourage you all to go see Laughing Boy, and support independent film!

living proof

[ejhopster · 29 May 2002]

Laughing Boy is the living proof that indie films can be just as good as those big budget Hollywood productions. Because its an indie film the script needs to be entertaining enough to make you keep watching,(since there's no way costly special effects can distract the audience). Joe Grisaffi succeeded to do so in a very convincing way. Laughing Boy is about the loner who refuses to live according to the unwritten rules of suburban life. We follow him in this struggle which erupts at a party. Trying to be rebel he acts as a clown. A spot of recognition for the non-conformist inside all of us. Obtaining a copy of this movie shouldn't be to difficult and it's certainly worth it.