Customer Reviews

God Said, Ha!

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There's two types of humor, in my opinion. There's surface humor: that's slapstick, the Farrely brothers, Jim Carrey (most of the time), Airplane!, and Carrottop. Then there's deeper humor, that can be funny on the surface, but has something deeper beneath it: The Cohen Brothers, Being John Malkovich, Catch-22, George Carlin...you get the idea.

Julia Sweeny's one-woman-show-turned-movie (produced by Quentin Tarantino) is that second type of humor; deeper, and funny in a way that not only makes you smile on the outside but (pardon the cheesiness) also smile on the inside. This show/movie, "God Said Ha!", is basically the story of how her brother got cancer (lymphoma) and moved in with her, so she could take care of him. Pretty soon after, their parents move in with them, and Julia Sweeny does a great job of immitating her mother in such a way that we laugh, but also recognize the truth in her recreation.

Some of what Julia discusses is terribly upsetting; like when her brother has to have a spiget-like thing installed in his head so they can get the medicine directly into his cranium. But her brother retains his humor throughout this terrible experience, and after the doctor tells him that everyone who gets the-spiget thing in their head really loves it, he goes around the house saying, "I absolutely LOVE my (i forget what its called!)." (It's a lot of funnier when Julia tells it).

Recently, my mom's really good friend Stephanie had to have a tumor the size of a honeydew removed. I told my mom to tell Stephanie to rent this movie, because it's a lesson in how to use humor to get through life's most awful situations. So if you have a few dollars to spare, or just need some cheering up, make "God Said Ha!" your next movie purchase.

Since I've had cancer, lots of people give me books on the topic. It's not often I actually read one all the way through, and the only one I really LOVED was "Bald in the Land of Big Hair" by Joni Rodgers, because it's really hilarious and not about cancer so much as it's about the rollercoaster of life. This book is a close second to "Bald" -- funny and able to be really cool about life and death issues. I couldn't stand that Pat skit on SNL, but Julia is a wonderful writer!

As an Oncology Nurse I was surprised to find myself laughing out loud to the point of tears. Having been in the places where Ms. Sweeney explores her experiences, she gave me a whole new appreciation for what we expect our clients to do. Everything she said happens. The world from the practitioner is one way, but it's seeing the story through both her brothers and then Ms. Sweeney's own journey which made me realize some of our shortcomings and how we also excel. I love working in Oncology ... that sounds strange I'm sure, especially when you hear that I'm a pediatric specialist. Hearing Ms. Sweeney's story put back my belief in all that we do to help and what we expect our people to live through. Yes, it's mostly a hellish ride, but there are those moments when laughter is just the only response. I admire Ms. Sweeney's courage, I love her humour, and appreciate that she was able to take such serious events and share them in her own style so that we, the audience can be with her through this rollercoaster ride of emotions. This movie is for the cancer survivor, the lovers of those who have fought the battle, and those friends who never knew what to say when all you had to do was simply be there. ENJOY!

I wandered into this movie in Los Angeles in February and found myself riveted and thrilled by this woman's honesty and humor. I have never written one of these before, and feel ridiculous, but, you MUST see this performance.

Julia Sweeney's God Said Ha! is a marvel of a book. The book is about Sweeney's life, and her struggles. One minte it's funny, the next is heartbreaking and touching. The real beauty of the book, and Sweeney's wonderful writing, is that the book can be heartbreaking AND funny at the same time. The book deals with her brother Michael's bout of cancer. He moved in and she took care of him, while maintaining her sucessful career. Then, in a horrib;e twist of fate, Julia learns that she has cervical cancer. The same kind of cancer that claimed the life of Sweeney's SNL peer Gilda Radner. Luckily, Julia survived. The book also touches on her parents, who are told about in a truly hysterical way. How many parents are like this?. The book is a swift read. It's very easy to get into and read in almost one sitting. I actually got to meet Ms. Sweeney on a few ocassions. My family babysat her niece and nephew. She came to my house as well. We were also lucky enough to be invited to the premiere of her 'Pat' movie, as well as a reading from the book by Sweeney herself. She is a sweet, lovely person. This book is sweet as well. A good read. Trust me.

I loved this movie. It's funny, sad, and perfect. I recommend it to anyone.

Julia Sweeney's battle with her brother's cancer, her mom and dad moving in, etc. make for a wonderful performance piece that earns its laughs and tears. By the time it was over (way too soon), I felt like I'd spent a lifetime with these people.

Julia Sweeney manages to do what seems impossible: to find hope and humour in a devastating situation, as she supports her brother's ultimately unsuccessful battle with cancer, then faces her own experience with cancer. This book is witty and frank, and it brought both tears and laughter as I read it. For anyone facing cancer, or struggling to cope with the disease in someone they love, this book will provide a cheering diversion. It's a great "waiting-room" read, too, and should be a staple in every cancer clinic and hospital library.

When I tell people to rent or buy God Said Ha, naturally they think I am being irreverent! Such is not the case.

This one woman show based on the true story of Julia and her family is poignant, hilarious and heartbreaking.

After Julia's divorce and relocation to California, privacy seems to be a hard thing to fine. Her brother had passed out in a public building and was rushed to the hospital. Not having medical insurance because of poor health, her brother had been going to the clinic where his disease was not diagnosed.

Pretty soon Julia's parents are living in her small house and chaos prevails. Not only is Julia taking care of her brother but dealing with the inevitable problems of too many people in too little a space.

Julia's brother is in the end stages of cancer. Before long Julia also develops cancers and requires a hysterctomy. Will the chaos ever end!
But Julia's great since of humor about her situation shines through the entire one woman show.

After seeing the show I also read the book. I would recommend this as a follow up of this great one woman show.

I must also add that without saying so, this is the best recommendation for legislation for health insurance for everyone!

julia sweeney has taken a hideous life situation and turned it into a bittersweet one woman show. its uplifting, life affirming and touching. julia has accomplished the difficult task of taking circumstances that could have done someone else in and turn it into a touching and funny show. bravo!!!!