THE AISLE SEAT - by Mike McGranaghan
"POOP TALK"
As the popular children's book says, everybody poops. Most people don't like to talk about their bathroom habits openly, and when they do, it's often to joke about it. That's where the hilarious documentary Poop Talk comes in. The subject of bowel movements as fodder for comedy is explored in all the scatological detail you could want, and more.
Hosted by comic siblings Randy and Jason Sklar, the movie presents a cavalcade of professional comedians talking about poop, why it makes some folks uncomfortable, and how/why they joke about it in their acts. Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet discusses his refusal to poop in public, Rob Corddry reveals the abilities of his high-tech toilet, and Kumail Nanjiani explains how, as a child, he believed he could avoid pooping by only eating small portions of food. Dr. Drew Pinksky is also on hand to explain the psychology behind discomfort in talking about the topic. Others making appearances are Paul Scheer, Adam Carolla, Pete Holmes, Nikki Glaser, and Aisha Tyler.
It has been said that everyone has an embarrassing “poop story.” Several of the documentary's participants bravely reveal theirs. That includes Nicole Schreiber, whose poop story is an all-time Hall-of-Famer. Seriously, whatever yours is, hers is probably worse. You'll laugh and cringe simultaneously. It's the movie's highlight.
Poop Talk is, as you might expect, riotously funny. After all, it has about two dozen comedians weighing in on a subject that can only be comfortably broached with humor. There are more laughs in this film's 72-minute running time than in most comedies that run two hours. All of the interviewees seem to relish the opportunity to share their experiences and observations, which ensures that it doesn't run out of gas (no pun intended).
This is more than merely a lark, though. Through the stories, musings, and jokes, Poop Talk gets at the commonality of defecation. It is an act that draws every single person walking this earth together. No matter who you are, no matter where you're from, no matter your race, religion, or political affiliation, you're going to poop. Simple as that. The movie emphasizes how bizarre it is that something so gross is also the common thread.
Needless to say, there's limited depth to be mined from the topic. Smartly, Poop Talk's brisk length is just right. Some viewers may turn their noses up at a poop documentary. If, on the other hand, you can see the humor in making a Number 2, don't miss this uproarious tribute to toilet action.
(
out of four)
Poop Talk is unrated, but contains adult language and more potty humor than you can shake a stick at. The running time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Buy a copy of my book, "Straight-Up Blatant: Musings From The Aisle Seat," on sale now at Lulu.com! Paperback and Kindle editions also available at Amazon.com!
