DVD REVIEW: HECKLER (2007)

HECKLER is a documentary about, of all things, heckling. From people yelling out in comedy clubs, to film critics and bloggers, they are all covered.

The film focuses on Jamie Kennedy, an actor who, having starred in MALIBU’S MOST WANTED and SON OF THE MASK, is a favorite target of critics. There are also interviews with countless celebrities.

Among those interviewed are comics Patton Oswalt, David Cross, Bill Maher, Lewis Black, Kathy Griffin, Tom Green, Pauly Shore, Roseanne, along with critics Leonard Maltin, Richard Roeper and others such as Carrie Fisher, George Lucas, David Wain (WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER), Jewel (who has one of the funniest responses to a heckler) and Mike White (CHUCK AND BUCK).

There is a lot of great footage here. For the interviews alone, it is worth seeing.

The problem seems to be with the editing of that footage. And to even say anything negative about this film goes against the message of it. But, here goes.

There is a scene where Jamie Kennedy goes to see Carrot Top and reads him some of his reviews. Unfortunately, and I never thought I would say this about Carrot Top, the scene is too short. He is read some nasty reviews of his work and offers a quick, thoughtful comment and they then move on to someone else. I’d rather have seen more with him. What does it means for him to be the subject of such scorn? But the scene ends.

In what could have been an interesting bit, Kennedy goes to confront those who have written negative reviews of his work (mostly internet critics). The confrontation, unfortunately, turns into mainly childish, and rather obscene, name calling. Basically a Hollywood star bullying unpaid bloggers. Sure, that is what they did to him, but did he have to stoop to their level?

The film is a rather one sided attack on critics. (They mock Roger Ebert by showing a clip from BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS). Joel Schumacher actually tries to defend BATMAN AND ROBIN as being “a comic book film” and critic David Denby, who didn't like it, as being out of touch. Umm, no.

I wish some of those complaining were a bit more realistic, by saying that “Ok, maybe that film wasn’t good, but did they have to be so mean to me?” Instead, every negative is undeserved and seen as a personal attack.

There is a lot of film criticism and blogging out there that is mean spirited and not productive. That is a problem. I don’t consider myself part of that (and would like to officially apologize to Carrot Top for my past mocking. He can be a funny stand up sometimes).

This is a worthy documentary, just not a great one. It has enough to make it worth seeing.