Private Parts

I was working as an usher at my local cinema when I first saw this movie, so I saw it quite a few times and it seemed to get better with every viewing. The story is of American disc jockey Howard Stern and his rise to superstardom. It has a great script with good scenes especially the one through the end titles.

I SO enjoyed this movie.

I watched this movie without realizing until close to the end that Howard Stern was playing himself.

I was a radio announcer myself, during the period when Stern got going. This movie has the 'feel' of reality to it. I recognized so many of the people I worked with in this movie. Every radio station has some of them. The studios of the period were just like this.

Of course, this movie was severely compressed in time and space. Radio is like warfare: lengthy periods of utter boredom punctuated by periods of pure panic. We don't need to see the slow bits. Each hour of on-air radio presentation requires something like three hours of preparation: we don't see the hard work that goes into such a show.

We do see a very funny and entertaining movie. Don't forget, I was in the industry at the time this all happened: and this one feels 'real' to me.

Many autobiographical pieces by "stars" turn into awful sycophantic schmaltz-fests. This one didn't. It could have been awful. Most of this kind are. This one... is excellent.

And if you've never worked in broadcasting -- it's still very funny!

This film documents the life and times of radio talk host Howard Stern. While his younger years are displayed in a hit and miss fashion, the years concerning his radio heyday are nicely done. He started out as a local d.j., merely spinning records and doing weather. Becoming bored with this format, he chooses to do a more spontaneous show which causes trouble with his employers. When he reaches the top of the pile at NBC, his antics become even more outrageous which catapults him to enormous fame. Vulgar, but very funny. Go on and watch it.

I am a big fan of Howard, and I'm sure fellow fans will also have a kick-a** time with this hilarious biopic of Stern's road to stardom. This is obviously not a professional biopic. There's even one scene, where Howard plays himself AS A TEEN!! He tries to patch it up in the voice-over by saying, "For this movie ya just have to believe." There are many hilarious antics, and if you're a fan of Stern I'm sure you will not stop laughing! If not, I can't say you'll have the time of your life. I've heard many critics say that this movie is even suited for those who disapprove of Stern's behavior. I can't say I agree, and for those who want to take the critics' word for it and give this movie a shot--enter at your own risk. Expect lots of Stern's typically crude, offensive, tasteless humor. Of course, you also get to see his sweeter side, and learn that his personality on radio does somewhat differ from that in real life. Just like Andrew Dice Clay, his crude actions are exaggerated, and he really isn't exactly like the pottymouthed jerk that the general public sees (or hears, in Howard's case). The open-minded moviegoer will probably come to that realization after viewing this movie, but others will be so turned off by Howard's crude antics that they won't feel compelled to sit through the entire running time--approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.

"Private Parts" is based on Howard's autobiography, so this is pretty much the life of Howard through the eyes of...Howard. Yet I can't say this movie is a glorification of Stern--though he obviously boasts jokingly about his God-like status among his many followers (And I'm one of them--GO HOWARD!!!). Personally, I still think there are a lot of closet Howard fans out there who are simply opposed (better yet, act like they're opposed) to him because they would feel humiliated to say they're not. There are hypocrites out there, and I know some of them. So for those of you who locked yourselves in that closet--get out and rent this movie! Stop your whining!

Many of Stern's fellow cast members on the show appear as themselves--Fred Norris, Jackie Martling, Robin Quivers, Gary Del'Abate. The other actors are good as well, especially Paul Giamatti who plays the NBC manager with a short, short fuse who springs from his seat if Howard were to utter the word "penis." Just his facial expressions alone crack me the hell up! I've never seen Howard's real wife Allison (I just found out she appears as an NBC operator, but I have to watch it again to spot her on screen), but Mary McCormack, who plays her, is absolutely BEE-U-TI-FUL!! Nice casting, Betty Thomas. She is stunning to look at, and the chemistry between she and Howard is electric. I sometimes forget that she's just PORTRAYING his wife.

If you're in the mood for Howard's comical vulgarities, gratuitous nudity, cool 80s music and a damn entertaining comedy that will never tire out--"Private Parts" is DEFINITELY worth seeing!! If you're not a Stern fan, I'm pretty sure you'll be croaking more than a sick frog, so don't start preaching your blasphemous thoughts on Howard. We really don't have the time.

My score: 8 (out of 10)

This movie is for everyone including those who "think" that they don't like Howard. It shows Howard as a regular guy who can do some outrageous bits. Some bits you like, some you don't. The two thoughts that I was left with leaving the theatre is 1) he is devoted to his wife and family, 2) he is a success story despite so very many obstacles. Love him or hate, all but the most prudish will enjoy this.