Kudos to SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) for programming the World Premiere of I'm No Dummy. I'm sure there are those that would say "Why a doc on ventriloquism?" I say, "Why did it take so long?" This smart, insightful and very funny documentary is carefully crafted to allow us to discover there is so much more to this misunderstood art and those that practice it. Tony Award winner and star of TV sitcom Soap, Jay Johnson steals the film with his intellectual comedy and flawless technique. Lynn Trefzger and her family friendly puppets are just delightful and Comedy Central star Jeff Dunham believe it or not fills huge auditoriums. Building on the work of those before them, such as Jimmy Nelson, Senor Wences and Paul Winchell, these modern "vents" have reinvented and reinvigorated this much maligned act. As an avid doc watcher it was refreshing to see an intelligent and fun documentary that had real depth. A wonderful doc where the "vents" vent about their work.
6 Reviews
Entertaining and Enlightening Doc
healinhandzman30 May 2009
Who knew? I didn't. These people are geniuses.
Prior to seeing this film I, probably like most people, thought that ventriloquism (now called "venting") was just a person with a puppet making silly voices. This documentary does a great job of not only giving a modern history of ventriloquism but also in giving an appreciation for the diverse talents possessed by these amazing performers who are, at once, entertainers, puppeteers, comedians, actors, and writers; and, have developed the unique skill of being able to "throw" their voice. And the film is hilarious to boot.
"I'm No Dummy" contains entertaining clips of many of the venting greats of the past, such as Senor Wences, Paul Winchell, and Jimmy Nelson, but also many uproarious clips of modern masters Lynn Trefzger, Jay Johnson, and Jeff Dunham, among others, in performance and whom also add their commentary on the technique and the art form.
Yes, I said "art form." After seeing this film I have truly developed an appreciation for the art form that is ventriloquism.
Prior to seeing this film I, probably like most people, thought that ventriloquism (now called "venting") was just a person with a puppet making silly voices. This documentary does a great job of not only giving a modern history of ventriloquism but also in giving an appreciation for the diverse talents possessed by these amazing performers who are, at once, entertainers, puppeteers, comedians, actors, and writers; and, have developed the unique skill of being able to "throw" their voice. And the film is hilarious to boot.
"I'm No Dummy" contains entertaining clips of many of the venting greats of the past, such as Senor Wences, Paul Winchell, and Jimmy Nelson, but also many uproarious clips of modern masters Lynn Trefzger, Jay Johnson, and Jeff Dunham, among others, in performance and whom also add their commentary on the technique and the art form.
Yes, I said "art form." After seeing this film I have truly developed an appreciation for the art form that is ventriloquism.
Awesome film
Will114318 April 2010
I didn't know what to expect when first watching this, and was at first surprised at it wasn't just a compilation of comedy sketches. In fact, this movie was way more than I expected. Extremely interesting. it was even more interesting to learn about Lambchop, as I had watched that in my youth. I thought that part of the documentary was really great. The art of ventriloquism is extremely beautiful and misunderstood, i wish more people would see this movie so that they could really appreciate ventriloquism. I know a lot of Jeff Dunham fans were disappointed in this film because they thought he would be more involved with it, but I thought it was wonderful nonetheless. Not what I expected, but better. For such a mainstream comedian like Jeff Dunham, his art is very underrated and unnoticed. I think once people watch this DVD they will feel more familiar with ventriloquism and it will bring light to many ventriloquists and their talent. Ventriloquism will still be a mystery to all of us that don't know how to do it, but this film makes it very interesting to learn about those who can.
Entertaining and Educational
NINJA23458 May 2010
This Film was wonderfully put together with clips of both current and some of the pioneers of ventriloquists along with the history of "venting". It also did a great job showing us how these talented people actually pull off the impossible art they have perfected. The film kept me interested from start to finish, and has escalated my interest in ventriloquism. The people behind this film should be recognized for their great job in truly showing what ventriloquism is really about. Fans of "venting" must check this film out for a true "behind the scenes look" at what I consider a art that most of us know nothing about. Thanks and job well done.
More than just puppets
kimberlymlawson15 April 2010
I think this film was great, it was very educational about ventriloquism and the talented people behind the puppets. Although it was educational it was also full of clips from "vents" and some great insights from some talented comedians. I was really glad Jeff Dunham was in this documentary I think it made it all worthwhile. Venting is definitely something that some people take for granted or are not really educated about and this really gave a different perspective on some great talent.
I first thought that this would be more clips and stand up materials but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was much more than that! It's going to be interesting to see how Venting pans out in the future considering acts like Jeff Dunham are getting enormously huge. I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for other Ventriloquists, I find them very interesting and entertaining.
I first thought that this would be more clips and stand up materials but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was much more than that! It's going to be interesting to see how Venting pans out in the future considering acts like Jeff Dunham are getting enormously huge. I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for other Ventriloquists, I find them very interesting and entertaining.
The Art Unknown to Most of the world
lee-t-griffin15 April 2010
Although it was an alternative to a movie Bryan wanted to do, He turned it into a great documentary.
It's great that he met vents that he has always admired. It made him starstruck to see them. it also allowed him to get some personal views about people that he always watched growing up.
Great documentary, and totally worth buying. Especially if you're a fan of ventriloquists.
Many clips are shown that may be familiar to those who watch these comedians regularly, but that never get old.
I'm No Dummy is so interesting. It really reeled me into the art of ventriloquism. I'm interested in getting to know and watching performances of the others seen on this DVD. I used to be a childhood fan of Lamb Chop and seeing her on there, with the daughter of the original, Sherri Lewis really fascinated me. I've been a fan of ventriloquism my whole life!
It's great that he met vents that he has always admired. It made him starstruck to see them. it also allowed him to get some personal views about people that he always watched growing up.
Great documentary, and totally worth buying. Especially if you're a fan of ventriloquists.
Many clips are shown that may be familiar to those who watch these comedians regularly, but that never get old.
I'm No Dummy is so interesting. It really reeled me into the art of ventriloquism. I'm interested in getting to know and watching performances of the others seen on this DVD. I used to be a childhood fan of Lamb Chop and seeing her on there, with the daughter of the original, Sherri Lewis really fascinated me. I've been a fan of ventriloquism my whole life!
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