Brian Bentley

I’ve been in L.A. for the last week studying improv at The Second City and I’ll be here another week taking yet another class and filming a short film. I really love improv because it’s not about being big and over the top funny, but about paying attention and letting the audience lead the scene. Last night was the culmination of our week long Immersion Workshop as we put on an hour long show.

It’s been a blast so far and I’ve met some incredibly talented people. I haven’t worked in a group like that and had so much fun and learned so much about people in a week ever. All 18 of us bonded very quickly and made some lasting friendships. Fortunately for me, 4 of those people have joined me for the Film Lab this week so we can carry the momentum over into the film.

I’m sans camera this trip, sorry, but I have had some celeb sightings: Lisa Ling (at Fred Segal), Todd Bridges (getting gas next to me in Venice), Vanessa Angel (from TV’s “Weird Science” also at Fred Segal). Why so many trips to Fred Segal you ask? Because it’s right next door and has a good cafe for the daily breakfast break.

More as it happens…..

“Clerks 2″
Run time: 1:37

The sequel to the critically acclaimed independent feature that cost $27k and put Kevin Smith on the map, “Clerks 2″ is not just a sequel. Hell, “Clerks” isn’t necessarily even required viewing to get the point. What is necessary is good listening skills (Smith’s dialogue is notoriously bulky) and a thick skin. You will get all sorts of inappropriate swear words, conversations and images. I, however, find this kind of stuff extremely amusing so I had a fun time, and I also loved the two homages to “Silence of the Lambs” and one of my favorite all time films, “Bacheor Party”.

I’m a big Kevin Smith fan so the streak continues.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

“Strangers With Candy”
Run time: 1:37

The prequel to the critically acclaimed Comedy Central series featuring Jerri Blank, a 46 year-old ex-junkie, ex-con who returns to high school in a bid to start her life over in effort to revive her dad from a coma. Did I mention it’s presented like an after school special?

Second City alums Amy Sedaris, Steven Colbert and Paul Dinello co-wrote the film, which was produced by David Letterman’s Worldwide Pants company.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone that has an offbeat sense of humor or finds the laugh in the wrong things. You will love this movie.

Rating: 4 out of 5