Customer Reviews

I'm No Dummy

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I was lucky to have seen this film at the 2009 Seattle film Festival.It was truly a wonderful adventure into the art of ventriloquism. An eye opener and new respect for the technical, mental ,creative and much comical talent of the professional ventriloquist.The film was as entertaining as it was very fascinating into the history and understanding of the true art of ventqriloquism.You are educated at the same time you are throughly enjoying many belly laughing moments.Well worth your time and even better the 2nd time around. Annette E.

Let's be clear--this is not a stand-up routine. It's more than one-liners and "bits". So much more than that.

There's pathos here. Humor. Insight. History. Most of all there's ventriloquism. If you ever wanted to see what it's like to be a ventriloquist from a ventriloquist's perspective then you'll love this film. Peppered throughout with stand-up bits, I'm No Dummy looks at the life-and-times, the ethos, and the talent behind this often misunderstood art form.

Documentaries on the whole can oftentimes be dry and boring. Not this film! It's fun and laced with humor. If nothing else you'll come away enlightened and enriched and with a much greater appreciation for venting.

P.S. Those reviewers who were supposedly "mislead" obviously didn't read the DVD box. It may not have said "Documentary" in over-sized neon on the box cover but the makers certainly weren't trying to disguise this film as anything but what it is--a wonderful, thoughtful, often funny look at the world of ventriloquism.

A big thumbs up! Highly recommended.

It is always easy to take a dark and kooky look at the art of ventriloquism. Those stereotypes of crazy ventriloquists have been fodder for "Twilight Zone" episodes and scary stories for years. This is the first documentary that looks not at the quirky surface of the presentation of the art, but the art itself. Bryan Simon (director/writer/producer) dug deep to try and find out what draws artists to this particular art rather than music or some other more traditional expression. Since ventriloquism is closely associated with comedy the doc. is filled with genuine laughs, not laughing "at" but laughing with. It could be the first time this particular subject matter has been treated with such respect and insight.

Simon has found a way to help us learn as we laugh with examples and interviews of modern day practitioners of the art as well as vintage performers. He has done what most investigators could not; he has made the sometimes creepy extremely credible. Watch it for the insight, watch it for the history or watch it for the performances or watch it for the laughs, but you will probably watch it over and over again.

I saw this film at the Seattle Film Festival and I was very pleased with the film. It was insightful, informative, entertaining and very funny. I, like most people had a preconceived feeling about ventriloquism. I thought it was an art that had lived its time and had a very small place in today's entertainment industry. I knew of Jay Johnson from Soap and I had heard of Jeff Dunham, but until this documentary I didn't know the extent of talent, preparation and popularity there was to venting.

This is a great film and I highly recommend it.

I went to see this film in Seattle and was really surprised at the artistry involved in ventriloquism. I've always avoided the ventriloquists like the plague on the Strip and having seen the likes of Jeff Dernham (who headlines this documentary film) on Comedy Central, I never knew how fascinating and brilliant ventriloquists could be. This movie changed my mind about the art form. It takes real skill and it can be downrght hilarious. Jay Johnson is leaps and bounds the best on the planet. Smart and inciteful. But also great are the clips of ventriloquists no longer with us. (That "Bottle of Beer" guy is awesome.) The film examines whether or not it's a dying art and with the popularity of Jeff Dernham, who performs quite a bit in the film and provides some interesting incite on the art and craft of "ventng", as they call it, it seems stronger than ever. Fans of Dernham and Johnson will get a kick as these performers pull the curtain aside and give us a rare glimpse at what goes on in that trunk. The film is well put together and moves quickly. It's for anybody who likes ventriloquism or offbeat comedy. Defnitely a change of pace and a real treat. I ordered two copies!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie beginning to end. It was educating, interesting, and entertaining all at the same time. The documentary helped me to appreciate the art of ventriloquism and the talent of those who perform this lost art. Bryan Simon did a fantastic job incorporating interviews, clips, and commentary into a great film. I would recommend this movie to my friends.

It's obvious that these 1 star reviews, that all say the same thing (Dont feature Jeff Dunham), are plants from Jeff Dunham's management. I doubt any of them actually saw this film at the Seattle Film Festival. There is a current law suit pending in which Jeff Dunham and team are trying to block the release of this film and falsely saying that Jeff does not appear in the film or participated willingly which he does and did. [...] this is fantastic little piece and Jeff is every much a part of it as are the other ventriloquists featured. Really and truly worth the watch so don't be fooled by the petty infighting between the companies. As one fan to another this is worth it. Just wanted to shed a light on the subject.

It is about time someone took the time to highlight such a wonderful art form. This takes a fantastic and funny look at ventriloquism...taking me back to my childhood watching ventriloquists on Ed Sullivan, to current talents like Jay Johnson and Jeff Dunham.

The film shows the depth of expertise required that must then be blended and balanced perfectly with the skills of the best stand up comedians can bring to the stage.

Documentary - so what? It was FUNNY and AWESOME!

I'm No Dummy is a fascinating documentary of the world of ventriloquism. I learned a lot about the art's history and current status, while never feeling like I was "being taught" I found it thoroughly entertaining and would recommend it to kids and adults alike. When done well, which is is throughout the film, I couldn't help but to be convinced that there were two independent, living thinking characters on stage. This illusion both amazes and amuses. I loved the Jay and Bob skits as well as Jeff Dunham, Lynn Trefzger clips. Tom Ladshaw, a terrific ventriloquist in his own right, provided good insight to the history of the art and the older films of Edgar Bergen & Charley McCarthy and and the fantastic Jimmy Nelson, Danny O'Day and Farfel gave praise to the legends of the art.
If you have any inkling of interest in this fun form of entertainment, see I'm No Dummy, you will laugh at the jokes, and yourself for being drawn-in to believing that the Dummy is No Dummy!

In today's world of electronic gimmicks and reality shows that pass for "entertainment" how refreshing it is to discover a documentary that celebrates one of the most underrated art forms of all. From the great Edgar Bergen to the hilarious Jeff Dunham, this documentary delivers a delightful and thoroughly entertaining look at the world of ventriloquists.

What comes across in Simon's fine piece of filmmaking is the love these artists have for their craft. And their love is infectious. You'll come away with a smile on your face and an even greater appreciation for the magic that these artists weave time and time again

Amply filled with classic clips from the ages, this will surely be the standard reference for all those who fondly remember the joy that the Charlie McCarthys of this world have delivered over the decades and continue to do so today.

I can't recommend this documentary highly enough. An unexpected gem that will fascinate and delight you whether you're seven or seventy.