Parties intimes

The true story of Howard Stern's "rise" from schoolboy nerd to leading DJ in the USA. This is adapted from his book and is a whirlwind ride through 30 years, with the main focus being on his career at small stations and his big break at NBC. The fact that it is from Stern himself means that the story focuses on his good sides and tends to brush over the more difficult issues relating to his insensitivity towards his wife etc, but that doesn't stop this being a funny enjoyable film.

Stern plays himself with a great sense of self - most of his jokes put himself down rather than being arrogant. This helps endear the audience to him with great effect and makes him more sympathetic. The comedy is very sharp (and rude) throughout and even if we don't get any great insights at least we have a good laugh.

Stern is good in the lead role (admittedly if he can't play himself what can he do!) And his colleagues are also good as themselves. Paul Giamatti is great as the put upon producer at NBC and the rest of the cast is filled out with weird characters. One complaint would be the copious amount of nudity in the film - I realise that it's a true story but it did seem to be put in just to get the audience at times (well....like Stern's show itself I guess).

Overall this plays like a rude Woody Allen film (funny narrative voice-overs) and it has a certain charm to it that towers over the smuttiness to make it feel a much nicer film than it is. Even if you don't know who Stern is (i.e. most people outside of America) this is a very funny enjoyable film.

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.

This gem of a flick is the great Rockyesque story of shock jock Howard Stern's rise to fame and infamy. I was thinking this film was gonna really suck going by a lot of the movie previews prior to its release, but I was sorely and happily mistaken.

The film is perfectly structured, perfectly written, and it's absolute travesty that Howard wasn't nominated for an Oscar for best actor! Here's what the Oscar nominees shoulda been for this film: Howard Stern for Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Private Parts also manages to take a fresh approach on the old "woman having a noisy orgasm" comedy scene. Yes, this flick is one of the few cases where the movie is actually better than the book. Over, out, and all that jazz.

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 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)