Punching the Clown (2010)
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86% of critics liked it
(14 reviews) -
77% of users liked it
(2,913 ratings)
A modern-day troubadour learns the whimsical rules of the record industry after moving out to Los Angeles and becoming the subject of a vicious rumor. Henry Phillips travels through the heartland singing his satirical folk songs to anyone willing to give him the time of day. In the wake of a booking… More A modern-day troubadour learns the whimsical rules of the record industry after moving out to Los Angeles and becoming the subject of a vicious rumor. Henry Phillips travels through the heartland singing his satirical folk songs to anyone willing to give him the time of day. In the wake of a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, however, Henry decides that it's high time he moves to a place where people can appreciate his twisted sense of humor. A few days later, Henry is crashing his brother's couch in L.A. But while his brother can't get an acting gig to save his life, Henry finds success almost overnight. A few solid shows later, and Henry gets a record deal, some radio airplay, and a positive write-up in a local paper. Not only that, but the pretty barista Henry's been admiring from afar finally seems to notice that he actually exists. Unfortunately, L.A. can be a fickle town, and when Henry becomes the unwitting subject of a nasty rumor, the success he's worked so hard to achieve suddenly begins to slip from his grasp. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Gregori Viens
- Genres
- Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Oct 22, 2010 Limited
- On DVD
- Jan 18, 2011
- Studio
- Level 33 Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Richard Brody, New Yorker
The comic folksinger Henry Phillips stars in this wry, poignant, smartly satirical comedy as himself, and puts himself into uneasy situations in which he doesn't always come out as the hero.
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Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
Every aspiring performer will appreciate Gregori Viens' unassuming comedy, which cheerfully skewers industry pretensions and media-fueled trends.
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Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Familiar show-business satire is enlivened by genuinely witty, off-kilter humor.
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Mike Hale, New York Times
[If it] isn't entirely successful, it's partly because the music -- late-night satire swathed in gentle folkie chords -- and Mr. Phillips's modest but knowing manner don't quite match up with the "Star Is Born" clichés of the plot.
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Kyle Smith, New York Post
Punching the Clown is welcome proof that there remains at least one industry in which the US can compete with New Zealand: the parody folk-song business.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Henry Phillips
as Himself
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Ellen Ratner
as Ellen Pinsky
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Wade Kelley
as Captain Chaotic
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Matt Walker
as Matt
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Guilford Adams
as Fabian
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Audrey Siegel
as Becca
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Mik Scriba
as Joel
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Evan Arnold
as Don Chase
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Mark Cohen
as Stupid Joe
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Derek Waters
as Dave the Intern
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Paul Willson
as Bill
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Cissy Conner
as Kitty
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Michelle Anne Johnson
as Jane Crown Jones
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Christopher Fairbanks
as Daniel
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Conrad Angel Corral
as Mitchell
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Mike MacRae
as Car Heckler
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Beth Kennedy
as Booker
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Ed Pepitone
as Eddie
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Jennifer Seifert
as Carrie
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Suzie Rose
as Abby
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Nikki Glaser
as Olympia
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Ryan Stout
as Johnny
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C.B. Spencer
as Paige
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Philip McNiven
as George
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Rick Batalla
as Lucas
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Mike O'Connell
as Cray
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Mary Linda Phillips
as Dottie
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Bill Wiley
as Sam
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Steve Sheridan
as Phil
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Simone Carter
as Fan
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Robert Balderson
as Jack
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Lisa Valenzuela
as Rita
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Travis Clark
as Travis
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Eddie Berke
as Bartender
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Nora Gruber
as Jennie
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Warren Herr
as Café Manager, Café Manager, Caf Manage...
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Matthew Morgan
as Last Cigarette Guy
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Robert Babish
as Owen
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Sean Masterson
as Kurt
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Gregori Viens
as Lawyer
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Jim Hamilton
as Barfly
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Judd Fish
as Skinhead
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Fay Gauthier
as Protester
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Joe Kelley, Jr.
as Bar Patron
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Nathan Hillen
as Big Cat
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April Wade
as Party Guest
