From Bogans To Giant Bunnies With A Sense Of Purpose
The Age
Thursday April 10, 2008
LET THE JAMES BEGIN 2/5.5
Pony, 68 Little Collins Street, city, until Saturday CINEMA FIASCO 3/5.5 Astor Theatre, 1 Chapel Street, St Kilda, tomorrow and April 18 JAMES De Leo has a wry sense of humour, but I'm not sure if it's suited to stand-up. His show is based on his own life - as many comedians' routines are - initially about being mistaken as Middle Eastern or even Indian, despite his Italian background. It's not until he moves onto his opinions about Cashed Up Bogans that he gains momentum.Interspersed in his show are recorded parodies of a lifestyle TV show on the art of facial hair grooming, and this is where De Leo's talent really lies. These snippets have some great funny moments, and work much better than his live routine, because they have a purpose. More development in his stand-up material wouldn't have gone astray.THERE'S something joyously naughty about sitting around with friends and pulling a really bad film to bits - and that's exactly what Geoff Wallis and Janet A. McLeod are doing on a Friday night at Melbourne's atmospheric Astor Theatre.Armed with microphones and cutting wits, Wallis, McLeod and a guest celebrity commentator (last Friday was Toby Sullivan) go to town on cheaply made 1970s horror films. First in their sights was Food of the Gods, featuring giant rats, wasps and chickens. They rip it to shreds, with hilarious results.Look out for other classic turkeys in coming weeks - Night of the Lepus (giant rabbits) and The Thing With Two Heads. Enough said.
© 2008 The Age