Laughing Boy

Ahhh, good movie. Funnier than I was led to believe. The main character reminded me of a guy I grew up with. Tiffany Grant was GREAT as a new mommy who was WAY too excited about her very ugly child. Don't miss the stereotypical TV Evangelist either! Fun-Ny!!!!

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 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.

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.

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.