National Lampoon magazine is getting into the UMD market just like
everyone else is. It makes since, there's big business here, and Sony
really has scored a hit with everyone with their PSP, something that
some skeptics laughed at, thinking that no one could possible beat
Nintendo at their own game. National Lampoons has released one UMD
featured animated Macromedia Flash skits, or rather, The Best of Romp,
as well as Tooned-Up, something that is slightly different.
Oh, it's still animated, but this isn't Flash animation. If you've ever
seen Comedy Centrals Shorties Watching Shories, then you're going to get
the general idea of what this UMD is all about. Toon-Up features comedy
skits from a number comedic personalities, but don't expect to find the
like of George Carlin, Dave Chapelle, or anyone else that is going to
ring a bell immediately with you. We're talking about lesser-known
figures in the circle of comedy like Paula Bel, Reggie McFadden, and
Vinnie Favorito for example, and while I may watch a number of comedy
specials, these are names that I'm not familiar with.
But, that's not to say that this isn't funny. Everything that you'd
expect to hear in stand up comedy is cover, and then some. Drug use,
prostitution, the general stupidity of the human race, and fast food are
all covered here. In particular, there's a certain bit about McDonalds
that I found hilarious just because I've dealt with the moronic nature
of customers that is described here. I'm not going to ruin it though,
and you've just have to hear it for yourself.
The animation that is done involved a number of characters that are
"telling" the stories. This can range from a number of different types
of people, and at times there will be animation done to further
illustrate some of the ideas and concepts. The animation isn't
necessarily the greatest that I've ever seen, but this is one of those
rare cases where it's not about the animation so much as it is about the
comedy content. Between some of the bits you will also find PSA
announcements, and if you were looking for politically incorrect, this
is it. Imagine for just a moment the First Lady talking about why we
shouldn't make fun or retards, and yes, they are referred to as such.
But, it's funny. Take that how you want. I could be talking about the
bit or I could be talking about the mentally challenged, or it could be
both, but it's going to be up to you to decide.
What I have to disagree with though is the fact that the disc is
censored. It could have easily been adjusted to allow for profanity and
such, and even though you can still get the idea of what is being said,
I'd much rather here it. Hey, if I can laugh at the retarded I can laugh
at profanity. I'm not offended by it. Also, the UMD is a little short,
just under an hour, and there really could have been either more of
Tooned-Up featured or at least some additional features for the disc
itself.
If raunchy humor is your thing, if you are in fact one of the elite
politically incorrect bunch, or if you just need a good laugh, this
really should do the trick. Yes, some of the jokes are tasteless, some
are rude, and some will offend people, but that's part of the fun. You
PSP may not need to be Tooned-Up, but you certainly should be, and you
should grab this UMD for your collection.
-mike-
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Directed by:
various
Written by:
various
Cast:
various
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UMD Features:
none
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