Tag Archives: comedy

Entertainment, Event, Travel

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a must see event just southwest of the twin cities.  In the past it has been in Shakopee, MN and it sounds like it will be until 2020.  It is a grand event that lasts for weeks.  Each week has a different theme so choose your weekend wisely.  It is only open Saturday and Sunday during the festival.

Weapons are allowed (no firearms, it is the renaissance, not the old west), but you will need to keep your sword peace-tied.  They need to be able to add a cable tie that will prevent you from unsheathing your sword.  Check out the festival’s FAQ‘s section for more details.

Get your tickets ahead of time to save a little cash.  It is open sun or shine so there is no worries about getting rained out.

Puke and Snot at the MN Renaissance Festival
Ha Ha, these guys

There are great shows, some of them are even family friendly.  Puke and Snot is probably my favorite, super funny show.  If the guy who reads poetry shoos your family away from his show there is a reason for it.  Of course there is the jousting event held three times a day.  If you are lucky you will catch the daily parade.

Jousting arena at MN Renaissance Festival

There are many activities for the children.  You can force your children to dual to the death, or until the balloons pop.  You can make them climb a tower.  We saw a kid make it to the top.  It was impressive.  There are tons of games and henna tattoos and other stuff.

Dual at the MN Renaissance Festival
Climbing the tower at the MN Renaissance Festival

Last, but not least you will want to bring a few dollars for the food (just ok), drink (Mead honey wine is a must), and clothing and other goods.  You can find the clothes you need to dress up for next year at the festival.  There are a lot of trade goods like soap, leathers, trinkets, and swords to name a few.

They always suggest eating a turkey leg.  It seems cool, but it isn’t actually that great in my opinion.  Others love it.  I am all about the Mead honey wine even though it is the one alcohol that pushes me down after just one sip.  Literally I start stumbling and spilling after a single sip.  I don’t know why.

Shopping at the MN Renaissance Festival

The first year I went to this festival with the girl who would become my first roommate in college.  She was really into the festival.  I didn’t get it but I had a lot of fun.  Now it is something I enjoy doing every couple of years.  I like to see all of the outfits people wear and watch the shows.  It is just an all around good time.

Entertainment, Event

Cyrus Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN

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The Norhtrop Auditorium on the campus of University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Pucsifer, Northrop 6

The theater is quite amazing.  We purchased tickets to see Pucifer at this theater in March of 2016.  You can also purchase a parking pass for the parking ramp which is very conveniently located next to the event.

The theater opened back in 1929, but was recently remodeled to include fewer seats.  This was done to guarantee every seat in the house is a great seat.  We were on the third level and I must say the seats were great.

Pucsifer, Northrop 13

The sound system is incredible.  You can literally feel the music.  You can see the giant speakers hanging above the stage.  Every word spoken is easy to hear.  Granted their were microphones, but nothing was lost.

Pucsifer, Northrop 9

One of my favorite parts about the theater was all of the details, both inside and outside.  Take a look at the patterns around the outside of the stage.  Walking around inside is extremely exciting.  Even the outside has beautiful columns.

Pucsifer, Northrop 10

They offer many events at this theater including rock concerts, comedy shows, plays, orchestra, and more.

The smoke alarm system works well.  Someone was smoking on an upper level and set the system off.  We were all asked to leave while they made sure there wasn’t a real fire.  The system makes a strange sound when it goes off and there are flashing lights to alert anyone who is deaf.  I only recently realized why the lights flash.  With the great views and the way you can feel the sound system I think going to an event hear as a deaf person would be a very enjoyable event.  They continued the concert once the theater was cleared.

Lastly, and this has little to do with your theatrical experience, the bathrooms are very nice.  They are large, easy to find, and up to date.  It might not seem that important, but when everyone gets to get up for an intermission at the same time it becomes very important.

 

DVD

Being John Malkovich, DVD

Being John Malkovich, 1999

Being John Malkovich 3

What?  That is right, an entire film about literally becoming John Malkovich.  Not being like him.  Actually taking over his body.

This film is inspired by puppeteers.  John Cusack’s character is a puppeteer and discovers a tiny door that leads into John Malkovich’s mind, the actual John Malkovich.  Cameron Diaz’s character is John Cusack’s character’s girlfriend and pushes him to take this too far.

They take over John Malkovich’s life as well as his body.  It is a crazy concept and makes you think about the ethical ramifications.

I give this one a 5/5.

If you want to see more go to IMBD.

DVD

South Park, Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, DVD

South Park, Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, 1999

South Park 5

Wow, this movie is offensive, and funny.

The gang from South Park are all here.  The boys sneak into an R rated movie and it warps their minds.  The parents get all riled up and soon they are declaring war on Canada, you know before someone tries to blame them.

I recall two people walking out of this movie after the first song.  If you are sensitive or cannot take a joke or do not like swearing do not see this movie.  If you like South Park, this is classic South Park as only a theater could allow, or not.  We had to travel to another town just to find a theater willing to play it.

I give this one a 5/5.

To see more go to IMBD.

DVD

The Invention of Lying, DVD

The Invention of Lying, 2009

The Invention of Lying 4

This movie has such a great premise, but it falls short of its potential.  This should be a lot more funny than it is.

That being said the idea of a society that doesn’t understand the concept of lying is refreshing.  People say exactly what they mean.  No one is offended, not really, because it is the truth.

Then one man discovers how to lie and he can get anything he wants.  Well pretty much anything.

I give this one a 3.5/5 for the premise.

To see more go to IMBD.

DVD

Juno, DVD

Juno, 2007

Juno 4

Juno, Ellen Page, decides to have sex with her friend.  She gets pregnant and now has to deal with the situation.  A pregnant teenager in Minnesota, what is she to do?

Give the baby to a loving family of course, but she doesn’t just give the child up.  No she goes out and finds the right family to raise her child.  Getting the know the baby’s future parents and dealing with the pregnancy is a big deal for Juno.

J.K. Simmons as the dad is great.

For a movie about a pregnant teen this has a great story to it.  Ellen Page gives a great performance.  You will love this movie.

I give this one a 5/5.

To see more go to IMBD.

DVD

Killers, DVD

Killers, 2010

Killers 7

While on vacation with her parents a woman, Katherine Heigl, meets the perfect man and they quickly end up getting married back in the states.

Their perfect lives become disrupted when they discover pretty much everyone is an assassin.  Even Jen’s new husband Spencer, Ashton Kutcher is a spy.

Ha, ha, ha, this romantic comedy is pretty good.  It isn’t great, but it is fun and witty.  I love Tom Selleck as the dad.  This movie is pretty much Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but actually funny.  It is slightly different on the premise, but very similar.

I give this one a 4/5.

To see more go to IMBD.

DVD

King of California, DVD

King of California, 2007

King's of California 2

This is one of those diamonds in the rough films.

Her father is crazy and just getting out of a mental institution.  There are Asians washing up on the beach.  There is Spanish gold buried in California.  Her dad knows where to find it.

This movie is great.  Michael Douglas and Evan Wood are at the top of their game.  Watch and enjoy, really.  This is a crazy story.  It all ties together.  It is just overall well done.

I give this one a 5/5.

To see more go to IMBD.

DVD

Bill Hicks, DVD

Bill Hicks, Comedy Special

Bll Hicks Live 3

Honestly, I do not remember this guy being funny at all.  This is one you can skip in my opinion.  I do not even remember what kind of humor he does.  I think it is crass.

I fell asleep watching this and turned it off.  I didn’t like this one at all.

Apparently someone likes Bill Hicks.

I give this one a 2/5 because I know someone who likes this.

DVD

Napoleon Dynamite, DVD

Napoleon Dynamite, 2004

Napoleon Dynomite 4

 

Vote for Pedro!  Tina, come get some dinner!

Honestly Napoleon Dynamite is the type of movie you will love to quote.  It is about Nepoleon Dynamite, a high school student and a total geek, weirdo, loser.  I am sure there is a proper descriptive word for him.  He is the kind of guy who likes unicorns.

This movie is hilarious.  You should definitely see it.

I give this one a 5/5.  It is a classic.

To see more go to IMBD.