flugust 2003 Vic Lippucci—Comedy Review Theresa Brodie OP Contributor I had been to Lafflines only once before and that was for a friend’s stagette, which meant that someone else had made all of the arrangements and I didn’t have to think. This time, on a mission for the OP, I found myself unsure of how everything worked—reserva- tions? First come, first serve? In addition to that, I had invited my sister to join my husband and me at the show. Unfortunately, she was (as usual) running out the door at the last minute and didn’t actually know where Lafflines was. While I sat and anxiously waited for her to arrive, the first comic popped up on stage. I half-listened to him while I kept my eyes on the door, watching for her silhouette. Lafflines is small and dark, which I think is a major factor in the appeal of a comedy club. There’s some- thing secret and intimate about it. I could swear I smelled cigarettes, which would complete the stereo- typical comedy club atmosphere but since there's a smoking ban in effect, I'd have to say that I was wrong. Then again, that smell sort of hangs around, especially in a place that was open for at least 10 years before the ban came into effect. Not feeling all that focused on the show? Now you know how I felt. When my sister finally arrived and joined us at the table, I wish I could say that I settled right in, kicked back, and immersed myself in the show. Instead, that waiting and worrying, in addition to a lack of cash for alcohol, put me on edge, unable to loosen up and enjoy myself. There were three comics on before Lippucci and they were a blend of funny and not. There were a cou- ple of memorable jokes—and I'd be willing to share them with you, but I fear I'd be borrowing material without proper authorization. By the time Lippucci came out, I was still feeling a bit frazzled. I could take a hint; this night was going to be a write-off for me. My hubby, on the other hand, enjoyed himself thoroughly. Lippucci’s jokes about his very Italian family had my very Italian husband in stitches. Where I could relate on the outskirts, since I am an in-law to “la famiglia,” he was deep in the throes of “Oh man! That is so funny!” (Translation: “Oh man! That is so true!”) You know, the jokes about mothers whacking their children with slippers and how it really just shows how much they love them. And tales of fathers out shopping at Home Depot in stained white under- Culture ¢ the other press © shirts, jogging pants, and shiny black dress shoes. I can't wait to see my husband evolve into that! At the end of the night, it seemed the crowd had enjoyed themselves. Lippucci put on a good show. I’m just sorry to have missed out—mentally anyway. Lippucci was born in Vancouver and now resides in New York City. He is an award winner of two come- dy competitions, the Just for Laughs Homegrown Comic Competition and Vancouver's Funniest New Comic Competition. If youre interested in checking out a show at Lafflines, their website warns, “Reservations are rec- ommended for any of our shows. We do sell out and the only way to guarantee a seat is with a reservation.” Tickets are $10 - $15 depending on the day of the week. Upcoming shows include The Wet Spots’ vaudevillian musical comedy, August 1 and 2, and Shawn Farquhar’s comedy magic show, August 8 and 9. Lafflines is located at 4th and Columbia, next to The Columbia SkyTrain Station. You can visit their website at . Colleen Smith OP Contributor Summer Blockbuster or Sitcom? Reese Witherspoon’s sequel as the fashion-loving Elle Woods is summer fare light as cotton candy. The latest antics in this new installment include cheer- leading Washington interns, a 60s-inspired musical-protest sequence and, in the one scene that generated the biggest laughs on the evening I attended, gay dogs. Combined, these components represent the thin plot for Legally Blonde 2, Red White and Blonde. Released as a “summer blockbuster,” though, what more should an audience expect. LB 2 begins pretty much where the original left off; Elle has her man, now her fiancée, played by the increasingly popular Luke Wilson, and she’s also enjoying her budding career as a successful lawyer looking forward to a pro- motion. As in the first movie, it’s not long before Elle challenges the status quo of her employer. She gets fired (but then quits), and heads to Washington, DC, in the hopes of writing a new bill against the testing of cosmetics on ani- mals. Enter Elle’s new boss and supposed ally played by Sally Field, as well as the restrained comedic skills of Bob Newhart. The 70s’ sitcom staple plays a veteran DC doorman, who has picked up a lot of politicians’ pooches’ poop and, therefore, has the inside scoop. Both Field and Newhart add a familiar quality to the movie and are well cast, showcasing their experience within this light genre. The plot of this sequel isn’t complicated, but there are the usual backroom shenanigans that can toughen any Gucci-toting girl’s heart. The references to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington remind you of what this movie is not; howev- er, despite the lighthearted nature, the story, with its charming qualities makes watching it quite painless. Without a doubt, the popularity of the LB movies is the audacity of the main character, Elle Woods, adeptly portrayed by Reese Witherspoon. Her flawless timing and delivery of perfectly written lines highlights Ms. Witherspoon's talent and the script’s synchronicity with her character. Elle’s appeal is reminiscent of comic heroines with comparable individuality from the previous generation: Marlo Thomas in That Girl and Mary Tyler Moore's character from her WJM newsroom days. Could a television spin-off be pos- sible for Elle Woods? This movie has sitcom written all over it. LB 2% success is ensured due to the effective combination of Reese Witherspoon alongside veteran actors with solid talent, which helps to create the movie's naive charm. Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde genuinely offers frivolous escapism and is a great alternative for families bored with the usual animated and action fare. Contact the Student Services Centres at Douglas College. We provide: XCareer information and resources XCounselling — career, personal and educational XPeer support and assistance XServices for First Nations students XServices for students with disabilities XWomen’s Centre http://www.otherpress.ca ¢ Page 21