30 minutes of nonstop laughter
By Maui V. Reyes
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:43:00 06/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—If you’re hooked up to the internet and regularly download torrents, it would be really sad if you’re not familiar with Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, who make up Flight of the Conchords, also known as “New Zealand’s Fourth Most Popular Folk-Parody Duo.”
Now they’ve paired up with HBO and created their own series, titled, uh, “Flight of the Conchords”.
“Fictitiously” playing themselves, the series revolves around Jemaine and Bret, who move to New York in the hopes of making it big in the music scene. But with a manager like Murray (played by Rhys Darby), a Deputy Cultural Attaché at the New Zealand consulate—who books the band at places like the city aquarium—it might take longer than they expect.
Fortunately, their New York circle is filled with a lovable cast of characters that make breaking into this so-called “music industry” worth it.
There’s pawnshop owner Dave (played by Arj Barker), who gives them advice on American culture and women ("Can you step away from me? I’m trying to look lonely. Chicks are attracted to lonely guys, it’s a psychological analogy.”); their one-and-only fan, a married neighbor named Mel (Kristen Schaal); and their landlord, played by comedian Eugene Mirman.
What make Flight of the Conchords worth watching are the duo’s witty repertoire and their songs. Throughout each episode, the two break into song to express their feelings about situations.
Some gems are “Albi the Racist Dragon” ("I’m racist, get your hand off my tail, you’ll make it dirty”), “The Most Beautiful Girl in the Room” ( “You’re so beautiful, you could be a part-time model, but you’d probably still have to keep your normal job”), and the knee-slapping “Business Time” ("Making love for two... for two minutes”).
Their digi-folk sounds and deadpan delivery will have you downloading clips on YouTube to relive each moment. Think Tenacious D crossed with Demetri Martin, and you’ve got a sleeper pop culture hit.
Throw in a slew of cameos (former Cluless star Rachel Blanchard, SNL’s Will Forte, and the awesomely funny Demetri Martin), and you’ve got 30 minutes of laugh-out-loud comedy. Trust us—there’s a reason why this duo won a Grammy for Best Comedy Album this year.
Catch the first season of Flight of the Conchords on HBO Signature starting Monday, June 9, at 10 p.m.
|
