‘A Madea Family Funeral’ delivers dull attempt at comedy in typical Tyler Perry fashion
March 15, 2019
With a horrid narrative and writing style, Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Family Funeral” brings nothing new to the table and exhibits Perry’s consistently poor work ethic as a filmmaker. In the 11th and final film of the Madea film series, Madea and her brother Joe (both played by Perry)...
Mike G takes insults for a good cause, raising money for Camp Fire survivors
February 25, 2019
What would it take for you to sit in front of an audience and be publicly ridiculed in the name of comedy? For Mike Griffith, also known as “Mike G Ride,” it took having both a winning personality and it being for a good cause — raising money for Camp Fire victims. The comedy roast of the Chico...
‘F is for Family’ is good, unclean fun
December 9, 2018
At this point, raunchy tv comedies are a dime a dozen. Finding one that actually makes good use of its mature rating is difficult. "F is for Family" not only has clever jokes that hit most of their marks, but it also shows that character growth is possible without losing the core focus of a show.This show follow...
Comedy competition brings big laughs at the El Rey
September 22, 2018
It was a night of hysterical laughter and drum solos played on toasters. Chico's El Rey theater hosted the 2018 San Francisco Comedy Competition Thursday. This is a yearly competition where hundreds of comedians audition to for a chance to secure one of 32 spots. The late and great Robin Williams once...
Podcast: ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ continues to deliver in its 13th season
September 8, 2018
The Orion is finally making your dreams come true. For the first time (as far as I know) the Arts and Entertainment section is hosting a podcast. It's only fitting that such a momentous occasion is used to cover the 13th season premiere of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Grant Schmieding and...
‘Disenchantment’ can’t enchant its viewers
August 27, 2018
Matt Groening is back with a new show called "Disenchantment," an animated comedy set in a fantasy world. Although it has the distinct style that Groening's shows are known for, it lacks the charm and humor that "The Simpsons" and "Futurama" had. The show's main trio is made up of Bean, a princess that...
The Joke’s on US: Lewis Black comes to Chico
January 30, 2018
Known for his angry attitude on stage and his satirical rants, Lewis Black performs in Chico’s Laxson Auditorium in support of his tour, “The Joke’s on US.” Lewis Black is best known for his political satire, social commentary and his angry rants about history, religion and curre...
Patton Oswalt’s ‘Annihilation’ will make you more human
November 7, 2017
A good comedian can weave the tragedies of the world into something hilarious. A strong person can withstand personal tragedy and become better for it. Few have what it takes to turn personal tragedy into hilarity, but Patton Oswalt has done that with his Netflix stand-up special, "Annihilation." &n...
Comedy competition at the El Rey Theatre
September 14, 2016
On Saturday night, a line outside the El Rey Theatre formed well before doors opened for the 8 p.m. show. Inside the theatre, 16 comedians from all over the U.S., Canada and even as far as China, prepared for the 41st annual San Francisco Comedy Competition, a multi-week event that took place in venues al...
Ending Racism In About An Hour With W. Kamau Bell Preview
August 24, 2015
Racism is coming to an end in Chico. On September 9, San Francisco-based comedian W. Kamau Bell arrives at Laxson Auditorium with his current tour, "Ending Racism In About an Hour." The comedian, aided by lecture slides, will discuss racism in America."Now racism, as you know, is probably the number-o...
Blasted Bieber
April 12, 2015
It’s the moment everyone has been waiting for: Justin Bieber has finally been taken down a peg via the Justin Bieber Roast on Comedy Central. The roasting took place March 30th, an event I had been anticipating for several weeks. It was hosted by Kevin Hart, the short, fiery comedian that know...
Humor has been an exploration
March 20, 2015
When I was growing up, my exposure to humor was mostly from my mother rewatching Austin Powers. I didn’t have much of a censorship bar there, so I quickly became the most inappropriate elementary student at Deer Creek. It landed me in trouble a few times. The worst walking around with a group...
