Chump Change (2000) User Reviews

An unbiased review NOT FROM MILWAUKEE.....

[merklekranz · 5/10 · 2 December 2008]

The movie see-saws uncomfortably between two almost unrelated stories. Frequent use of narration attempts to cover the fact that there simply isn't enough material here for either a Hollywood farce, or a Milwaukee, sweet girl meets boy tale. The cameo's are rather tepid, especially Jerry Stiller, who nevertheless is highlighted on the DVD cover. The Hollywood half would probably be mildly amusing to someone working in the entertainment industry, while a general audience will be unamused by all the inside jokes. The Milwaukee half revolves around neighborhood bars, quirky menus, and outdated attractions. The acting is fine, especially by Tim Matheson and Tracy Lords, but in the end this is a very average movie, and nothing more. - MERK

Cheeseheads have to love it!

[painfreedoc · 6/10 · 9 November 2003]

This quaint period piece by Steven Burrows is peppered with captivating moments. I suppose it doesn't help in writing this, that the screening I experienced took place at the first Milwaukee International Film Festival to a sold out house of Steven Burrows fans. The spirit of the screening was captivating. Comic self-deprecation flows through the script, however, welcome to Wisconsin! We were rolling in the aisles. Enjoy!

Chump Change

[random_avenger · 7/10 · 9 August 2010]

In a comedy based on the writer-director Stephen Burrows' own experiences in the film industry, Burrows himself plays Steve, an aspiring actor and screenwriter who moves back to his childhood home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after a less than successful career in Hollywood. There he finds a spunky young woman Sam (Traci Lords) renting the house and starts recounting his experiences to her, shown to us in lengthy flashbacks.

The Hollywood scenes are fairly funny with many references to real-life actors and movies. The numerous agents and managers Steve has to meet are particularly crazy, especially Simon 'Sez' Simone (Tim Matheson) with his bizarre and self-contradicting rants about what a movie should and should not be. The industry is presented as a completely impossible working environment, with orders and notes pouring in from every direction to confuse the poor writer who is just trying to do what he's told. There are also funny scenes poking fun at amateur acting classes, poor sketch comedy shows and the unconventional and unpredictable lifestyles of bigwig producers and their entourages.

Even though the hectic pacing and jumping between the Hollywood and Milwaukee scenes may look a bit annoying to some, at the end of the day there's a lot to like in Chump Change. The lead character Steve is very likable and sympathetic and the wintery Wisconsin infrastructure looks cozy and suits the theme of the story very well. Traci Lords may not be the cutest love interest in the history of romantic cinema, but she handles the role well enough. The most fun comes in the form of the many supporting characters though, making the movie well worth seeing to anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes life of film industry.

Traci Lords is sweet

[duke1907 · 27 April 2004]

I am old enough to remember when Traci Lords was arrested for being under aged and starring in adult films. She is the first adult film actress to successfully cross over to the mainstream even though her movies have not always been Oscar caliber. In most of her roles she has played the femme fatale or bad girl. In this film she gets to play the nice girl next door and does a great job. There are times in this film when she smiles or dances and I felt myself falling for her. She was believeable in this movie. It was the first time that I didn't see the porno star, but a real actress. Overall this film is good, probably a B+. The story is funny and Tim Matheson is great (does that guy ever age). The director and star Stephen Burrows is very likable. Hopefully he will do more and use more of Traci Lords. I really liked this movie and I think you will too.

A Wonderful Review of Chump Change

[keaton01 · 1/10 · 26 April 2004]

Wow, the best laugh in the whole movie was the lost extra in the ending scene. Since when do you top bill a cameo? This movie jumped all over the place, which might have been good if it was funny or appeared to have a purpose. I think the romantic portion of the movie was not believable at all and not so outrageous it would be funny, just bad. Traci Lords did a great job even with the awful lines she was given. I don't think anyone in the movie believed in it and you could tell. Give a joke a chance, maybe some timing would have helped, maybe not. If you watch the DVD version the director reads viewer comments and insults their misspellings or otherwise English mistakes, but doesn't realize that what they all were saying is the movie sux. Learn to take feedback, you'll be better for it. If a friend wasn't in this movie I would have stopped watching it.

An education on funny...

[xxltaco · 10/10 · 1 May 2003]

See this movie. Steve Burrows is more committed to the art of funny than anyone I've ever met. His timing is impeccable, his performance is charming, his writing is off-beat, and he's not a pretty boy (at all). I've had the pleasure of working with Steve recently, and this movie is one of the reasons why I even wanted to. See it as soon as it's released (last I heard was later this year).

Whoever gave this film a BAD review has no sense of humor. You can't deny funny when it's there. And funny is all over this flick.

Okay, nuff said. See the film. Even if it's just because Steve's a nice guy. Which he really is.

One of the best comedy feature to come out of Wisconsin

[RJ-15 · 9/10 · 6 January 2003]

Steve Burrows is a great story teller, comedian, author, writer, producer, director. I got to meet and know Steve while he was deciding to film about 1/3 of this movie in Wisconsin (the rest takes place in Los Angeles).

A hilarious rags to riches to rags story, it stars Steve actor in a semi-autobiographical film. Steve's been out in L.A. for over 10 years, and he's been able to get at least 15 named/known Talent to take part in this film, including: Abe Vigoda, Jerry and Mira Stiller,Clancy Brown, and Traci Lords (yes THE Traci Lords). Traci co-stars as a frumpy Wisconsinite in the Milwaukee area in the middle of winter, who wears big sweaters, mucklucks, and a tuke on her noggin. Although she portrays a bitter single woman, Steve charms her with his sad sack stories, discovers she has a heart of gold, and wins her over in the end of the film. Traci Lords has got great acting ability, and I'm glad to see her make the transition to feature films.

This film is filled with classic one liners (Arbys: Where the meats so shiny you can see yourself!), hilarious riffs on the LA film scene (Clancy Brown as the acting coach), and is a true testament that an indie actor/film maker from Wisconsin (Burrows)can make it out in Hollywood. Way to Go Steve! Let's see this soon at the Multiplexes, DVD, or on cable!

A Film Festival MUST!!!

[mikey1969 · 10/10 · 11 February 2001]

I just saw this movie today at the Phoenix Film Festival, and it was one of the best films featured. This was a hilarious movie, well written and well-acted. This film featured Jerry Stiller, Abe Vigoda, Tim Matheson, Anne Meara, and the writer director himself, Steven Burrows. He got up after the movie, and did a nice Q&A session, and explained that the movie was semi-autobiographical in nature. This movie was a great jab at the machine known as Hollywood, where movies deals are made without even a story or script!! Look for Traci Lords as well, in a great performance as a character nothing like some of her previous films(Cry-Baby comes to mind.). I also heard that this movie may just be making it to a theatre near you someday soon!!!

Great Surprise! Great flick!

[jgibbons-2 · 12 February 2004]

This movie blew me away. I had no idea it was going to be this funny. My roomate recently bought it because he knew someone who was in it. I knew nothing about the movie. One night I was bored- by myself and thought I would check it out. I laughed...and laughed...and laughed. Seriously, it was almost too funny. You go back and forth from Wisconsin and L.A. The Wisconsin parts give you a few breaks from the funny but the L.A. stuff makes me pee my pants. T. Mathheson is the bomb. He's incredible. If half the stuff stephen burrows wrote is true then that guy had one hell of an expereince in L.A. Did I mention it is based on a true story. Traci Lords is in it. I've seen other movies with her, but none where she kept her clothes on. She actually rocks as an actress. I wish her the best. Folks, this is a must see.

A Hilarious real life adventure of a man on a comedic journey

[daveb-1 · 10/10 · 30 August 2002]

Stephen Burrows does a magnificent job in this title role while also directing the film. You can see the authenticity of his character. It is great to see Burrows put such heart and soul in to a comedy. The thumb is definitely up for this one. How about Traci Lords? She has come a long way and you see it in this movie. She does a fantastic job. Let's not forget all of the Cameo's! Star after star appear in this one. Let's get this one to the Theater's Miramax! It's time to put a new talent in the public's eye, Stephen Burrows!

Very good

[jamie_likeskylie · 10/10 · 16 December 2003]

I can't believe this has such a low rating. It's really a great movie. It was actually made my Dimension Films in 2000 but will not receive a release, be it on DVD, until 2004. Dimension did not feel it had enough appeal to be a hit. Maybe not, but the performances are really good all round. The film follows a guy who stars in a hit commercial and his bid for Hollywood stardom. It's fresh and very funny. And Traci Lords looks just as beautiful with no makeup.

Really fun movie.

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 29 February 2004]

I recently saw this movie in Bangkok, Thailand. I really enjoyed the show. The movie made me laugh out loud three times, and I found many of the situations very amusing. Tim Matheson was absolutely funny in his role -- especially his drawn out commentary on what is funny in a movie. It is difficult for a first time filmmaker to select a pace that keeps the audience in the movie. The movie moves through a series of funny characters and situations that seem very personal to the writer, but the audience still feels empathy towards his plight.

This movie was very well written and directed and I am waiting to see what this writer/director will do next.

Highly original comedy, absolute must see!!!!

[snake-eyes357 · 10/10 · 31 August 2001]

Chump Change, subtitled, Fame, Fortune, Cheese and Beer, hits the audience from all angles with original dialogue, superb acting, and countless cameos. I had the pleasure of seeing this film in Madison, Wisconsin at a Film Festival. It was clearly the leader of the pack. Steve D. Burrows (writer, director) of Chump plays the leading man Milwaukee Steve. Basically, folks, this movie is incredible. It is one of those movies that rekindle your hope for highly original comedy, and film making in general. I can only hope that it is released on a much grander scale, for it has potential, undoubtably.

So funny because it's so true!

[RJ-15 · 9/10 · 5 March 2002]

I know a bit more about this film than most (I've met and spoken with the director). I've read the script, know the back story (some of the movie is loosely based on the director/screenwriter/actor Steve Burrows' real life acting experiences), and I find it one hysterically funny movie. The director/actor is hilarious.

With the addition of Traci Lords as a winter coat, tuke-headed, clothes wearing, hard working Wisconsinite, trudging back and forth through the snow, I believe this PG-13 comedy feature should go quite far in video rentals and cable distribution, if not a theatrical release.

My only complaint was some of the sound faded in and out during one or two outdoor scenes filmed in Los Angeles. However, I understand the project has undergone a year of post-production to fix any sound and other minor glitches before it makes a national release date.

Steve - it's twitching

[Wonkavator · 10/10 · 7 September 2003]

I can't stop watching this movie. I was lucky enough to stumble onto a copy of Chump Change, and now I'm hooked. Steve Burrows (writer/director/all around funny guy) is a great everyman and foil to the Hollywood whackos he's forced to interact with. Highlights of said whackos include Tim Matheson (Animal House/The West Wing) in an outstanding performance as a Jeckel & Hyde Hollywood producer. Clancy Brown (Kurgan from Highlander; yes, *that* Clancy Brown) has me laughing in tears every time I watch him in his role as a brutally honest/slightly sadistic acting teacher.

Too many great quotes from this movie to list them all here. This movie only gets funnier every time I watch it. The only films I can compare it to in this respect are The Big Lebowski and Office Space. If you need a good laugh, check this one out.

The must see beer and cheese movie of the decade...

[batmason · 10/10 · 29 October 2001]

This movie is one of the funniest films about the trials and tribulations of Hollywood that I have ever seen. Steve Burrows has crafted a very funny film that not only has that "inside Hollywood" feel but touches your heart as well... It features an all-star supporting cast, Steve Burrows not only stars as the film's hero but also wrote and directed the film. If you are a fan of films about making it in Hollywood then this one is for you!

Good work STEVE!

CM

Direct to DVD - Should have been a hit

[nwmariner · 9/10 · 17 March 2004]

Chump Change is a delightfully funny, engaging and touching movie. Poking fun at the movie industry, Hollywood and Wisconsin, all in the same movie, the core of this comedy is the friendship and developing romance between "Milwaukee" and "Sam." Watching their relationship develop, even as they are unaware of it, is a bit of modern movie magic. They talk, we see "Milwaukee" go through a hilarious series of ups and downs as an aspiring actor and writer in Hollywood as he relates the story to "Sam," and have the delight of seeing the insanity of the movie business from the perspective of two people very grounded in reality in Wisconsin. A bit manic at times, ranging from broad comedy to subtle satire, it somehow works and offers the viewer 90 minutes of joy.

Movie in tradition of true comedy

[info-622 · 10/10 · 27 August 2002]

Burrows and his leading lady take you through a comedy adventure so real to life that you almost think that you had been through it yourself. It punches all the human buttons in the spectrum of emotions from failure to success and in the end the ability to laugh at ones self.

Funny beyond belief

[candykids · 10/10 · 23 October 2002]

This is the movie that says it all. Stephen Burrows is a comical genius with the comical humor. Its the story about the real life of the movie making business. A must see movie. The absolute best story of one mans life and his goal to become famous.

a laugh out loud, action, sex, comedy, 10+++++

[steven_towe · 16 February 2001]

I saw the film at the Wisconsin Film Festival in Madison. I had to see it again at the next showing as I missed so much of it while laughing my butt off through the first sceening. I loved the the comedy skits, the script rewriting hell and the Wisconsin scenes. This is one not to be missed. The whole cast is first rate, hillarious!!!

Very entertaining

[michaeljohnmaki · 9/10 · 24 March 2004]

Being from Milwaukee I suppose I am a little slanted, but I found this to be an excellent film. Notice I say "film" and not movie. It was lower budget, which Milwaukee makes the perfect backdrop for. It gave the movie a sense of home and simplicity. It did not show off tourist sites to promote the city, Burrows just used Milwaukee as a tool. A little bit of the Dells, Hayward and La Crosse were thrown in as artistic license and the up north accent was overdone in places, but that's ok, it's a fictitious film! It then compares and contrasts that with the empty craziness of the movie industry. Along with some really humorous situations, this movie is truly a must see.

Truly fresh and original comedy

[datsys · 9/10 · 27 August 2002]

The original approach by this young film maker and comic writer, Stephen Burrows, is truly fresh and original. Music is set exactly for the right mood and the continuing drama and dilemma facing the hero holds the audience interest to the very end.

Very, very funny

[lincoln-19 · 10/10 · 3 October 2000]

I saw 'Chump Change' when it debuted at the Wisconsin Film Festival in Madison last May. It's hilarious. A great independent comedy. The crowd loved it, too. It draws lots of laughs from both Los Angeles' entertainment scene and Midwestern homespun ways. I keep expecting it to get wide release.

Funny takeoff about selling a story

[info-623 · 9/10 · 27 August 2002]

What a way to get into the business. Funny takeoff about trying to sell a story to the suits. Acting is fresh and funny. Thought music fit the story perfectly. Movie shows what its like to be on the other side, trying to get someone to listen to an idea and still having a sense of humor after being flushed. The moral of this movie for me was to keep your sense of humor and stay on the sunny side of the street.

Milwaukee strikes back

[swblackwood · 8/10 · 29 February 2004]

Milwaukeean Steve Burrows (actually from the southern suburb Greendale) tries to make it in Hollywood and "fails" but Milwaukee gets its revenge in this scathing satire of the movie-making biz. It's too funny! As in, "my god, Steve, you're just too funny!" Those who saw "Chump Change" or have heard Steve comment on it will know what I mean. Also, don't forget: in order to succeed, you have to make the producer's penis twitch. "Don't ask me why!" Lots of great cameos from minor stars old and younger. Ann Meara probably has the single funniest line in the movie. I won't spoil it for you but it's her first line. Well, at least it was funny to this raised-and-still-living-in-Milwaukee reviewer. Too bad, it never saw the light of day on the big screen except at the Milwaukee Film Festival in Nov 2003. It was made in 2000, I believe. Judging from all the Milwaukee-shot scenes, it must have been during the record-setting month of December. At any rate, the movie is available from Miramax video. Buy it, already!