Tue, Jun 9 at 8:00pm: Staff pick introduction from Coley | BUY TICKETS
Part of Staff Picks and programmed by Coley, who says: “BABA BOOEY! Produced by comedy guru Ivan Reitman (GHOSTBUSTERS) and directed by Betty Thomas (CAN’T HARDLY WAIT), this biopic based on Howard Stern’s #1 New York Times best seller of the same name follows his meteoric rise from Boston University to WNBC in New York City. After conquering radio, TV and print, this film cemented Stern as the self-proclaimed “King of All Media.” Howard Stern is a national treasure and the greatest entertainer who ever lived.”
Based on a best-selling autobiography, this comedy drama is the surprisingly sweet-natured life story of a controversial radio personality. Howard Stern, who stars as himself, is a nerdy New York kid who dreams of a disc jockey career despite being a self-loathing klutz who lacks a traditional broadcaster’s voice. A strikeout artist in college, Stern’s romantic travails end when he meets and marries Alison (Mary McCormack), a beautiful social worker. Stern’s early career at several radio stations is undistinguished. Bored, he makes his life the centerpiece of his show, including his obsessions with sex and bathroom humor — and he finds willing cohorts in news reporter Robin Quivers and producer Fred Norris. After an abortive tenure at a Washington D.C. station that loathes his high-rated antics, he lands at NBC in New York. Again, Stern clashes regularly with executives, especially Kenny “Pig Vomit” Rushton (Paul Giamatti), who runs roughshod over Stern’s team. At home, Stern’s tendency to discuss the intimate details of his marriage takes a toll, reaching a meltdown when he jokes about Alison’s recent miscarriage on-air.
“What can I tell you? It works. PRIVATE PARTS is a comic firecracker with a surprising human touch.” —Peter Debruge, Rolling Stone “Although I remain dubious about Howard Stern, I’m bullish on PRIVATE PARTS…which suggests that I’m either a hypocrite who refuses to own up to what makes me bust a gut for fear of appearing incorrect, or that a bunch of talented filmmakers has brought off the shrewdest piece of spin doctoring since TRIUMPH OF THE WILL. (It’s the kind of analogy Stern would love.) Whatever the truth, the picture is bad fun — wilder and more raffish than THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT and without the First Amendment puffery.” —David Edelstein, Slate Magazine “A top-notch film…with fully developed characters and engaging conflict. It’s an absolute must-see.” —Chris Gore, Film Threat
