Two Words, One Answer.
Freaks Out
 Freak Out! $11.98 this is one of those records that you just have to own for the simple fact that it is such an historic release of "off the wall" rock. the lyrics alone are worth the purchase. that being said, i don't necessarily think its a great rock record. there are a few awesome songs, but mostly they are pretty average. still, even though i only listen to two or three songs on a regular basis, its worth owning.  Freak Out $9.98 Bum-feelers! That's right, if you're reading this right now...you're a bum-feeler! By the way, while I'm saying that I'm laughing hysterically and pointing at you. Yeah, I know you can't see me, just trust me though. At its core, FREAK OUT is a heartfelt story of two best friends, Merv Doody (James Heathcote) and Onkey (Dan Palmer), striving to make their home, the isle of Redwater Cove, a better place. No, I'm lying. It IS about two friends named Merv and Onkey, but the story centers on their pet project of taking a hapless (and very effeminate) escaped mental patient under their wing and teaching him how to be a real serial killer. That is indeed a noble cause. The world needs more good citizens like Merv and Onkey. It's rare that I laugh as much at a movie as I did during FREAK OUT. I think I literally busted a gut. That would certainly explain the stain on my chair. It's so silly and so absurd, but it's absolutely hilarious. It's such a goofy script, yet at the same time it's very intelligent. It's a comical send-up of classic horror films like The Evil Dead, Friday the 13th, and the like. Unlike movies like Scary Movie, it's more than just a satire, much more than just a parody. Those films make the gags the centerpiece and the plot seems more like an afterthought, while FREAK OUT uses the gags to compliment a genuinely funny storyline. So there's plenty below the surface, and it has a much more natural flow to it. The jokes come in bunches, a lot of them random and out of nowhere, but they aren't forced down the audience's throat. Instead, they sneak right up behind you.then smack you in the back of the head. For an independent film, the most surprising aspect for me was the fact that the acting was great! Once I got used to the accents (most likely not a problem for those in the UK), I wasn't distracted by anyone's performance. Heathcote and Palmer have very good onscreen chemistry (perhaps more than we realize?), and are quite believable as best buds. Heathcote is praiseworthy as the loveable loser, and Palmer does a first-rate job as the annoying sidekick who, more often than not, is responsible for getting them into trouble. The dialogue is all delivered with ease and director Christian James does a terrific job guiding the film from behind the camera. Lots of savvy camera work, deftly shot scenes, and solid editing make for a visually stimulating journey, and really go a long way in making you forget this isn't some big-budget production. And as much as it's pleasing to the eye, it's just as pleasing to the ear. Composer Stuart Fox's work on the film is some sweet ear candy. So what have we got so far? How about a great script, cool music, solid acting, some arse piranhas, a few zombies, plenty of horror spoofs, and a serial killer that's a tad light in his loafers. That's enough for me, I smell an Oscar. No wait, that's me, I must have soiled myself during the movie. Regardless, FREAK OUT's a winner and is destined to be a fan favorite!  Tricks to Freak Out Your Friends $14.95 With 50 rude, sick, and mind-blowing stunts, any practical joker or novice magician will be armed with an arsenal of fresh, fun, and easy pranks to play on friends and loved ones. Each trick is fully outlined with thorough directions and colorful, step-by-step photographs and needs minimal preparation?no top hats, capes, or trap doors are required. Jokers will be able to resurrect dead flies, snuff out lit cigarettes on their tongues, swallow table knives, bend spoons with their noses, cut off their thumbs with scissors, and make messages appear on their skin, all to the wonder and amusement of onlookers. Simple yet impressive card tricks are also included for the "prestidigitally challenged." |
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