Monty Python Live! (Mostly) - Geek Girl Review

DEAR PYTHON (MONTY)
By Emily Plunkett

If there’s one thing I never expect Monty Python to do, it was to make me cry.  The bastards.

This past July, the legendary British comedy group reunited for 10 live performances at London’s O2 Arena.  This came after years of pesky fans repeatedly asking quite nicely for something special that would allow them to reminisce on the jolly ol’Python bits they fell in love with some time ago.  And of course, like true hipsters, the moment they announced the whole thing last November, everyone began making the obligatory jokes about the fact that the combined age of the group is 357 or how it just would never be the same without the long deceased Graham Chapman, how they should just let things be, blah, blah, blah.

But of course, this is Monty Python we’re talking about.  The same Monty Python in which the last time they gathered onstage for a reunion, they brought an urn full of Chapman’s “ashes” to make the reunion complete - and then proceeded to spill the contents of the urn onto the stage; which were then then swept under the rug, vacuumed, etc. So when they announced the new live show, they wasted absolutely no time taking their own shots over what they were about to do; possibly even quicker than the notoriously harsh British media could.  When it came time to actually to see what they had come up with during a screening at the South Keys Cineplex on July 31, I personally had an ounce of faith that this quintet of septuagenarians could pull it off.

After all, that’s what I’ve always loved most about Monty Python: their absolute fearlessness, which was on full display at O2 Arena. It’s always been there.  You can see it in the very first episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.  There is virtually no laugher from the studio audience.  They are baffled by just the level of absurdity the program offered.  Random pig squeals, sketches with no clear punchline.  Just pure...well, I don’t know.  Whatever it was, it was on display for the British public to fall in love with and the actors on the screen gave the impression that they just didn’t care if anyone laughed at all.  What they wanted to do was out for everyone to see and we could take it or leave it.  Eventually there would be a word to describe this brand of brand of humour.  Pythonesque is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “denoting or resembling the absurdist or surrealist humour or style of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, a British television comedy series.” That’s right.  An entire word was added to the dictionary to define and describe the humour of Monty Python.

Back to the show at O2.  I knew there would be bits that would feel somewhat uncomfortable.  Python animator turned genius film director, Terry Gilliam, had given interviews where he called the reunion “depressing,” and he noted that they all had careers that were far beyond Python. In fact, it was no secret that the main reason they were reuniting is because they’ve been hit with lawsuit after lawsuit.  

But you know what?  Even Gilliam’s contributions in no way felt forced.  He looked like they were having fun.  They all looked like it.

There were moments that I was wondering how they were going to handle on stage, and was absolutely stunned on how beautifully they made it work.  Six-foot-four, number two ranked British comedian of all time, John Cleese, has had hip replacement surgery and cannot do the classic Silly Walk sketch. But! Eric Idle just happens to be a songwriter and they were adding dancers to the show anyway. So why not write a new song based on the sketches and give it to the chorus line?  There were also several moments where the actors forgot their lines. I couldn’t keep track whether it was Cleese or Terry Jones who forgot their lines more frequently.  They took the piss out of one another’s circumstances.  The classic “Penguin on the Television” sketch made mention of the many travel documentaries made by the ever so good natured Michael Palin.  During a cross-dressing judges sketch, Idle and Palin asked who handled the Cleese divorce.

And Carol Cleveland! Oh how they wouldn’t forget her!  Still the sexy, big chested, vixen they chose from day one and never let go! She was just so delightful and happy to be performing with the guys!  And she wasn’t the only “cameo” of sorts.  Every night during the run of the show, guests were brought out during “Blackmail” to round out the tribute.  On the last night – the one broadcast to the world – the special guest was Mike “Austin Powers” Myers, who couldn’t believe his eyes as to where he was and what was going on around him.

The nod to their departed colleague came during the Parrot Sketch.  “He’s climbed the ladder to meet do meet Dr. Chapman!” screamed Cleese to Palin’s shop keeper before they both paused to allow the audience to catch the reference and to give the heavens a thumbs up.

Nothing about it felt forced.  Nothing about it felt wrong.  It wasn’t just some old fart rock band that’s decided to give it a shot.  This was a thought out celebration of everything Monty Python is about.

At the very end, as they came out for the encore to lead the audience and the rest of the cast and crew in a sing-along of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Idle mentioned that the show was being broadcast in cinemas around the world and this would be the last time they would ever perform together.  He wanted everyone, in every theatre, to sing along.  And even on the encore presentation I attended, the audience sang.  As I sang, I choked back the tears of pure happiness and joy knowing for damn sure Idle wasn’t joking.  In true, right before they told the audience to “PISS OFF,” the sons of bitches rubbed it when they inscribed “MONTY PYTHON 1969 – 2014” across the stage.  This was Monty Python’s swan song. And it was as perfect.

Is it truly pathetic that I cried as hard as I did?  Probably, but I don’t care.  I felt privileged and honoured to have seen the performance.  

And so, to John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Michael Palin, I say thank you for everything.  If this is truly the end of Monty Python, I am honoured to have known you and your comedy.  May your work always inspire me and remind me to be fearless in all I create.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Emily Plunkett is a recent graduate of the journalism diploma program at Algonquin College. As a freelancer, she’s written for the Ottawa Star and the Sarnia Observer. Notorious for being a Beatlemaniac, a record collector and something nobody can really put a finger on, she enjoys a good Sunday afternoon with CBC Radio chatting away, her knitting in hand and her cat, Levon, snoozing at the end of the bed.

Capital Geek Girls Ladies Night Wrap-Up

CAPITAL GEEK GIRLS AND THE COMIC BOOK SHOPPE LADIES' NIGHT

By Emily Plunkett

Although the sign said closed, confused onlookers into the Bank St. Comic Book Shoppe last Sunday saw the store buzzing with business – with one very distinct feature.

Hosted by Capital Geek Girls, the Comic Book Shoppe held its fourth ladies-only night.  The store was open after hours on August 10 for female and female-identified shoppers.  While participants browsed through the store for a special find, they could also have their fortune read by the Rune Dice, enjoy Cici and Co. donuts or participate in open gaming.

Participants Emily Drohan, Ameila Bone and Zeyna Bnourbianbachi were drawn to the event by the promise of a panel presented by Ottawa cosplayed and CGG contributor Critical Miss. They were not disappointed.

“I'm breaking out the sewing machine and I'm really bad at it,” said Bnourbianbachi, a budding cosplayer.  “I was really interested in [learning how to] save money.”

Between manicures and presentations, ladies were also treated to the ongoing August birthday sales as presented by the Comic Book Shoppe.

Store manager, Angie Kuehl says that events like girls-only shopping creates a distinct community.

“We felt the need to create a safe environment that female and female identified cliental could actually be comfortable in the space and not feel judged by knowing and not knowing [the products].” She said.

“We still get a bit of a geeky atmosphere going. There is a lot of us geek girls [around] that warrants this. It's so successful,”

Kuehl says she is unsure when the next ladies-only event will take place, but one thing is for certain, word will get out and the event will continue to grow.

“It's one of those things where there's a lot of it in Ottawa, but you’re not really aware of it, unless you're already a part of it,” said Bone.  “So it's nice to kind of get that hand that's coming out and [saying] ‘Join us, it's not that much of an insider's club.’”  

Editor's note: We would like to thank everyone  who volunteered and attended ladies night. It was a great time and we loved chatting with those of you that we met.  CGG contributor Lee A. Farruga also attended and wrote about her experiences here.  

Emily Plunkett is a recent graduate of the journalism diploma program at Algonquin College. As a freelancer, she’s written for the Ottawa Star and the Sarnia Observer. Notorious for being a Beatlemaniac, a record collector and something nobody can really put a finger on, she enjoys a good Sunday afternoon with CBC Radio chatting away, her knitting in hand and her cat, Levon, snoozing at the end of the bed.

Remembering Robin Williams

We here at Capital Geek Girls  were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Williams. A few of the writers were able to put that sadness into words to share.

Credit: Eva Rinaldi 

MARIE VICTORIA ROBERTSON

A good friend of mine posted a very apropos quote when the news broke about Robin Williams’ passing:

“A clown needn’t be the same out of the ring as he has to be when he’s in it. If you look at photographs of clowns when they’re just being ordinary men, they’ve got quite sad faces.” –Enid Blyton, Five Go Off in a Caravan

I think that sums up exactly why this death is such a shock. My favourite Robin Williams movies were always the funny (or at least, light-hearted) ones—Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, etc. While I was never a huge fan of his stand-up, I know so many people who just loved his manic onstage energy and I can see why. 

He was funny, and he made so, so many people happy. There is something incredibly sad about a comedy icon fighting such severe depression that he felt suicide was his only way to find peace. How could someone who so easily brightened everyone’s lives be feeling so much darkness himself?

We can only hope he finally found his peace. His memory and his movies will always be with us.

LEE A FARRUGA

I had just spent an enjoyable evening with my girls and husband watching mindless television. I decided to check my computer for emails and updates. What I found was the news about Robin Williams – and I cried – a lot.

I grew up with his comedy and his quick wit. He made me laugh so very much. Mork and Mindy was one of my absolute favorite shows growing up. I was 13 years old. It had a huge impact on me. I have always stuck to his comedic roles likes Mrs. Doubtfire and The Birdcage. I have never been able to watch any of his serious work. Why? Because I knew he battled demons that I didn't want to see in his serious face.

Because I see it every time my husband has a dark day due to the same demon or my youngest has a down time because she's inherited her dad's depression. I know the constant fight that's involved. I know Robin Williams fought the good fight for all his 63 years. I cried because he lost the fight. Depression won.

 

I don't generally swear but... Fuck Depression!

COURTNEY LOCKHART

In her official statement, Susan Schneider asked that we not focus on her late husband’s death. Instead, we should focus on “the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.” 

So here goes: 

When I was a kid, It was Aladdin sing-a-longs in the car, Hook screenings with my cousins, and learning the Batty Rap at recess with my best friend- I still remember most of the words to all of these to this day.

When I was a teenager, It was watching Live on Broadway for the 23rd time in my buddy’s basement. We threatened to hold an intervention to get him to watch something else, but never did.

When I was in school it was watching Awakenings to discuss ethics, What Dreams May Come in philosophy class and Flubber on the field trip coach bus. 

As an adult, it was listening to him discuss his humanity, flaws and struggles on various podcasts and talk shows, then watching my young nieces and nephew discover the magic of his movies for the first time. 

Unlike most artists that I have mourned, Robin Williams didn’t represent a singular phase of my life. His talent and brilliance were a constant. The idea that he is gone is difficult to process and it just doesn’t seem fair. 

EMILY PLUNKETT

This one hurts.

Beyond the fact that it’s Robin Williams that passed – like, THE Robin Williams who has made us piss our pants laughing for the past 40 odd years – I cannot get over the fact that we lost another soul to depression. 

As much as we didn’t know him personally, we knew his work.  For children of the ‘90’s and beyond, he is Mrs. Doubtfire, Alan Parrish, Peter Banning and the Genie. Mork, Adrian Cronauer, Patch, Sean Maguire to fans of his generation and his plethora of critically acclaimed awards.  When an artist encompasses so much of our pop culture spectrum, we feel the loss.  The world is crying right now.  I know this because my social media feeds have exploded with tributes from fans and personal friends of the actor.  

What I noticed immediately is that all the posts I’ve read are filled with reminders that we should never take depression for granted.  And I couldn’t agree more.  I’ve been there.  I know that pain and have come back from the brink; and now the whole world is reminded on such a deeply personal level that the pain of depression is so powerful and encompassing.  Williams probably knew what he had as a husband and a loving father, whose last post to Instagram was a photo of himself and his daughter as a child.  But when you’re in that much pain, it all flies out the window, and internal lies of depression takes over. 

It’s so real for so many of us, and yet it takes the death of an international superstar for us to have this conversation. 

Let us hope that this heartbreak will lead to more who suffer from mental illness and depression to seek help and for the discussion of suicide to break free of its taboo so that we don’t have to lose another beautiful spirit.  After all, the next spirit the world loses won’t be famous, but someone will have loved it as much as the world loved Robin Williams; and the cycle of heartbreak will repeat

THEA NIKOLIC

I am deeply saddened by this loss of a great talent. He was a man a tremendous abilities that the world will sorely miss.

If you, or someone you know, are battling depression or anxiety you can call the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region at 613-238-3311.

Ottawa Comiccon Media Launch

GEEKS TAKE OVER BYWARD MARKET IN ADVANCE OF COMICCON WEEKEND
by Emily Plunkett

It was all about Daleks, Degrassi and Delorians in the streets of the Byward Market on Thursday as Ottawa got ready to celebrate the return of Comiccon.

On hand to welcome the highly successful event was a who’s who of characters.  Cosplayers portraying Harley Quinn, Darth Maul and Black Widow shook hands with interested passers-by who were also treated with a good look at the featured Back to the Future Delorian and Ghostbusters Ecto-1 vehicles.  Pat Mastroianni, who is best known for portraying Joey Jeremiah on Degrassi Junior High, helped event organizers kick-off the celebration.

“I'm so pleased and so excited to be here,” said Mastroianni during a press conference held at Brothers Beer Bistro on Dalhousie St.

“Ottawa Comiccon is not only a celebration of something we grew up with [and] fandom of superheroes and characters from comic books, but it's also about pop culture. I think it's terrific that we can celebrate something as iconic as Degrassi, which is part of Canadian pop culture.  It's wonderful to be able to celebrate that.”

Ottawa mayor Jim Watson was also on hand for the opening.  He was pleased to welcome the highly successful convention back to the Nation’s Capital.

“When this weekend is over, whether you live in Ottawa or have travelled as far away as Zeta-Alpha 2, I encourage you to tour the city's other attractions to see what all the excitement is about,” said Watson before getting photos taken alongside the on hand cosplayers.

Ottawa Comiccon runs from May 9 through May 11 at the Ernst and Young Centre. 



Emily Plunkett is a recent graduate of the journalism diploma program at Algonquin College. As a freelancer, she’s written for the Ottawa Star and the Sarnia Observer. Notorious for being a Beatlemaniac, a record collector and something nobody can really put a finger on, she enjoys a good Sunday afternoon with CBC Radio chatting away, her knitting in hand and her cat, Levon, snoozing at the end of the bed.

Farewell, Harold Ramis

by Emily Plunkett

WHO ARE WE GONNA CALL NOW? 

As the comedy world remembers him for his unparalleled contributions to film, Harold Ramis’ small, but crucial role in geek culture is something we as geeks must take a moment to celebrate. 

Born in Chicago, IL, on Nov. 21, 1944, Ramis’ began writing while he was attending college in St. Louis, MI.  He landed freelance positions with the Chicago Daily News, which lead to a position with Playboy as a joke editor; all the while, he auditioned for Chicago’s famed Second City, where he would meet John Belushi.  Through Belushi, Ramis would meet the likes of Joe Flarherty, whom he would later star and write alongside with on the legendary Canadian sketch comedy show, SCTV, and Bill Murray, who would become a frequent collaborator within movies such as Caddyshack and Groundhog Day.  His name would also become associated with National Lampoon, when he contributed to The National Lampoon Radio Hour, wrote the 1978 smash National Lampoon’s Animal House and directed 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation. 

Although this resume of comedy classics is enough to make any film buff stop at the news of his passing, it was his co-creation with Dan Aykroyd that plastered Facebook front pages upon the news of his death on Feb. 24 due to complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis.  Ramis co-wrote and stared as the deadpan and seriously nerdy portrayal of Dr. Egon “Don’t cross the streams” Spengler in 1984’s Ghostbusters and its 1991 sequel, Ghostbusters II. 

In the 30 years since its release, Ghostbusters has become a cornerstone multimedia franchise that has included the films, animated television shows, comic books and video games.  There have been strong rumours and frequent updates from Dad Aykroyd teasing of a third film that would see a new generation of Ghostbusters enter the official canon.  Clubs such as the Ontario Ghostbusters are as dedicated as the Capital City Garrison 501^st Legion Stormtroopers in giving back to the greater community through their dedication to Ghostbusters cosplay.  The entire idea of a franchise that celebrates both science fiction and comedy was the doorway this author needed to become a geek in her own right. 

So, alongside the ‘80’s movie buffs and the sci-fi geeks, I remember Harold Ramis and celebrate my love for Ghostbusters.  Because no matter the time of year or the situation, it’s his movies and creations I call when I need a good laugh.

Emily Plunkett is a recent graduate of the journalism diploma program at Algonquin College. As a freelancer, she’s written for the Ottawa Star and the Sarnia Observer. Notorious for being a Beatlemaniac, a record collector and something nobody can really put a finger on, she enjoys a good Sunday afternoon with CBC Radio chatting away, her knitting in hand and her cat, Levon, snoozing at the end of the bed.

FUNSTRAVAGANZA A HIT AT THE COMIC BOOK SHOPPE

by Emily Plunket

For a few special hours this February long weekend, board game enthusiasts took in some free play at the Comic Book Shoppe on Bank St.

The Table Top Gaming Super 2-Day Funstravaganza, held at the Capital Geek Girls Headquarters, attracted folks of all stripes for two days of open board and card game.  Games featured included King of Tokyo, Elder Sign and Munchkin.  New games were presented to new and interested players by store employees and a team of volunteers. 

Volunteer Derick Bragg showed willing participants how to play Pathfinder Adventure Card Game. Based on the popular roleplaying game of the same name, Pathfinder takes players through adventures using cards.

“I really enjoy the volunteering probably because I enjoy games and board games – games of all kinds, whether it’s computer games or board games.  I love games,” said Bragg.  Bragg, an IT consultant, says he frequents several board game events held across the city, including the weekly Monday night meet up at the Royal Oak on the corner of Bank St. and Gloucester St.

Store manager, Ange Kuehl, explains that says the event over the February long weekend was aimed at all ages as a fun activity for the long weekend, but says similar events are held roughly every six weeks.  She says the events promote new games and into games the store offers.

Kuehl says the popularity of board games is tied to Wil Wheaton-hosted TableTop series, where various celebrities demonstrate new and hot games, but says events such as the Funstravaganza and the Royal Oak meet-ups have made more people aware of the activity.

When asked where the appeal of board games lies, Kuehl says “I just think it brings people together.  It’s like more of an interaction with each other.”

“Some [games] could be really crass and funny; and then other ones can just be more team building.  Other ones can pit you against one another. There’s just such an array of different choices out there that you can pretty much fine something for everybody.”

Emily Plunkett is a recent graduate of the journalism diploma program at Algonquin College. As a freelancer, she’s written for the Ottawa Star and the Sarnia Observer. Notorious for being a Beatlemaniac, a record collector and something nobody can really put a finger on, she enjoys a good Sunday afternoon with CBC Radio chatting away, her knitting in hand and her cat, Levon, snoozing at the end of the bed.

Classic Flicks and Guilty Pleasure Movies for Winter Blues

by Emily Plunkett

WINTER BLUES MOVIES

Polar vortex. Two words striking fear across North America. But don’t fear! Just sit in and break out your DVDs!

No two geeks are created equal and making sure that as many genres and styles are represented, this list includes something for the Brit-pop fan, sci-fi fan and more; but most important, this list of blues-busting films for the geek heart follow the same theme of fun, warm and light entertainment for a cold and wintery afternoon.

A Hard Day’s Night 

Long before Harry Potter and Doctor Who made their introduction to American audiences, the Beatles were the first kings of Brit pop culture. This film is akin to a nice warm cup of tea after a bubble bath and the worst day at work possible. This movie offers comedy, music, unapologetically British dialogue and cinematography – all of which is just so good, you forget that in the end, this was a hastily put together rock flick with the sole purpose to cash in on the first wave of Beatlemania.

Independence Day

Back in 1997, Independence Day ruled the summer. Action-packed, adrenaline pumping, alien ass-kicking big name actors, you name it, ID4 has it. Fifteen years later, the visual effects have aged, the dialogue is corny and there are so many clichés that creating a drinking game from them would prove fatal to your liver - but it sucks you right in. By the time you realize that every actor is playing their typecast (Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, Jeff Goldblum as Jeff Goldblum, etc), the movie is over. It’s just fun, pure and simple. So what if they absolutely had to make you cry when the family dog jumped out of the way of the massive city destroying fireball, you had a good time watching it and you regret nothing.

Dumb & Dumber

Dumb & Dumber makes people without an ounce of humour in their bones laugh their ass off. The pairing of Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey proved to be golden as they flawlessly bounce joke after practical joke off of one another without skipping a beat and 20 years later, we’re still quoting Harry and Lloyd…and shaking in excitement for the sequel scheduled for release later this year. Perfect for those afternoons that you just need something to make you cry laughing!

The Emperor’s New Groove

Disney animated feature films are always a good bet on a slow Sunday afternoon, but instead of reaching for those Disney Renaissance classics (Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Lion King), go for the relentless laughs of The Emperor’s New Groove. Featuring the voices of David Space, John Goodman and Eartha Kitt, the film departed from the 90’s slew of musicals and artistic masterpieces and treated the Disney faithful to a fast paced family comedy.

The Tick

Alright, so The Tick isn’t a movie, but in this day of binge TV, the forgotten, but lovingly rediscovered series needs to be mentioned. This live-action series based on the satirical 90’s comic and animated series of the same name is exactly what you want from The Tick franchise, right down to the realization that the roll of the Tick was made for star Patrick Warburton. The entire show can be streamed on Netflix.

Got other favourites? Comment below!

Emily Plunkett is a recent graduate of the journalism diploma program at Algonquin College. As a freelancer, she’s written for the Ottawa Star and the Sarnia Observer. Notorious for being a Beatlemaniac, a record collector and something nobody can really put a finger on, she enjoys a good Sunday afternoon with CBC Radio chatting away, her knitting in hand and her cat, Levon, snoozing at the end of the bed.