I'm No Dummy

January. 01,2009      
Rating:
6.5
Trailer Synopsis Cast

Explores and examines the world of ventriloquism through clips, photos and interviews with many of the greatest vents from today and yesterday, illustrating that this perceived novelty act is truly an extraordinary art form.

Jeff Dunham as  Himself
Jay Johnson as  Himself
Kelly Asbury as  Himself
Ronn Lucas as  Himself
Norm Nielsen as  Himself
Willie Tyler as  Himself
Vonda Kay Van Dyke as  Herself

Reviews

Karry
2009/01/01

Best movie of this year hands down!

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ThiefHott
2009/01/02

Too much of everything

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Limerculer
2009/01/03

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

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Chirphymium
2009/01/04

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

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Will1143
2009/01/05

I didn't know what to expect when first watching this, and was at first surprised at it wasn't just a compilation of comedy sketches. In fact, this movie was way more than I expected. Extremely interesting. it was even more interesting to learn about Lambchop, as I had watched that in my youth. I thought that part of the documentary was really great. The art of ventriloquism is extremely beautiful and misunderstood, i wish more people would see this movie so that they could really appreciate ventriloquism. I know a lot of Jeff Dunham fans were disappointed in this film because they thought he would be more involved with it, but I thought it was wonderful nonetheless. Not what I expected, but better. For such a mainstream comedian like Jeff Dunham, his art is very underrated and unnoticed. I think once people watch this DVD they will feel more familiar with ventriloquism and it will bring light to many ventriloquists and their talent. Ventriloquism will still be a mystery to all of us that don't know how to do it, but this film makes it very interesting to learn about those who can.

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lee-t-griffin
2009/01/06

Although it was an alternative to a movie Bryan wanted to do, He turned it into a great documentary.It's great that he met vents that he has always admired. It made him starstruck to see them. it also allowed him to get some personal views about people that he always watched growing up.Great documentary, and totally worth buying. Especially if you're a fan of ventriloquists.Many clips are shown that may be familiar to those who watch these comedians regularly, but that never get old.I'm No Dummy is so interesting. It really reeled me into the art of ventriloquism. I'm interested in getting to know and watching performances of the others seen on this DVD. I used to be a childhood fan of Lamb Chop and seeing her on there, with the daughter of the original, Sherri Lewis really fascinated me. I've been a fan of ventriloquism my whole life!

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kazmineli
2009/01/07

Kudos to SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) for programming the World Premiere of I'm No Dummy. I'm sure there are those that would say "Why a doc on ventriloquism?" I say, "Why did it take so long?" This smart, insightful and very funny documentary is carefully crafted to allow us to discover there is so much more to this misunderstood art and those that practice it. Tony Award winner and star of TV sitcom Soap, Jay Johnson steals the film with his intellectual comedy and flawless technique. Lynn Trefzger and her family friendly puppets are just delightful and Comedy Central star Jeff Dunham believe it or not fills huge auditoriums. Building on the work of those before them, such as Jimmy Nelson, Senor Wences and Paul Winchell, these modern "vents" have reinvented and reinvigorated this much maligned act. As an avid doc watcher it was refreshing to see an intelligent and fun documentary that had real depth. A wonderful doc where the "vents" vent about their work.

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healinhandzman
2009/01/08

Who knew? I didn't. These people are geniuses.Prior to seeing this film I, probably like most people, thought that ventriloquism (now called "venting") was just a person with a puppet making silly voices. This documentary does a great job of not only giving a modern history of ventriloquism but also in giving an appreciation for the diverse talents possessed by these amazing performers who are, at once, entertainers, puppeteers, comedians, actors, and writers; and, have developed the unique skill of being able to "throw" their voice. And the film is hilarious to boot."I'm No Dummy" contains entertaining clips of many of the venting greats of the past, such as Senor Wences, Paul Winchell, and Jimmy Nelson, but also many uproarious clips of modern masters Lynn Trefzger, Jay Johnson, and Jeff Dunham, among others, in performance and whom also add their commentary on the technique and the art form.Yes, I said "art form." After seeing this film I have truly developed an appreciation for the art form that is ventriloquism.

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