Da Ali G Show... at DVinfo.net

Robert Knecht Schmidt · August 5th, 2004, 11:43 PM

...is the next funniest show on television. It is a work of absolute genius. It couldn't have been any funnier if it were scripted.

Most incredible moments, both in the episode "Art":

The inept Borat, in the acting studio, having flubbed the improv, is politely told by the unimpressed but sympathetic acting teacher "I thought there were some excellent moments there."

An annoyed Buzz Aldrin explains the meaning of humor to Ali G after Ali G tells a dumb moon joke without understanding the punchline: "Things are funny, or comedic, because they mix the real with the absurd."

Fink about dat.

Matt Stahley · August 5th, 2004, 11:52 PM

Borat is the best! Definite classic moments right there.

respect.

Thom Seaman · August 6th, 2004, 04:33 AM

Have they shown the one with the gun control campaigner over there yet?

Ali: Yeah but if you have a gun all the bitches love you don't they?

Campaigner: Well they won't love you when you get shot and you're sitting in a wheelchair will they? Have you thought about that?

Ali: Yeah but.. up until then?

Imran Zaidi · August 6th, 2004, 07:50 AM

He's hysterical. I can't believe how he manages to keep a straight face in those interviews!

He has two other productions I've seen that any fan of his should definitely check out. The first is a feature length film! I guess, as the English folks will confirm, he's been around for a bit over there. The title is Ali G In Da House.

The second is an E-True Hollywood Story type mockumentary, with the hysterical title: Ali G: Before He Was Massive.

Funny stuff.

K. Forman · August 6th, 2004, 08:03 AM

I had caught Ali G giving a speech to college grads on HBO, between movies. I thought it was pretty funny, so I checked out the Ali G show's first episode. All I'll say, is it wasn't as funny as I had hoped. It was Jackass mentality at best.

Pat Chaney · August 6th, 2004, 08:44 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Robert Knecht Schmidt :
An annoyed Buzz Aldrin explains the meaning of humor to Ali G after Ali G tells a dumb moon joke without understanding the punchline: "Things are funny, or comedic, because they mix the real with the absurd."
-->>>

Was that the sketch where he referred to Aldrin's colleague as "Louis Armstrong"? :)

Imran Zaidi · August 6th, 2004, 09:42 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Keith Forman : I had caught Ali G giving a speech to college grads on HBO, between movies. I thought it was pretty funny, so I checked out the Ali G show's first episode. All I'll say, is it wasn't as funny as I had hoped. It was Jackass mentality at best. -->>>

He's a complete and unabashed intentional jackass. That's what makes it so entertaining. He has no qualms about speaking at great length with Sam Donaldson, Butros Butros Gali, or whatever head of state or influential person, and make his subtle commentary but in a totally jackass sort of way.

K. Forman · August 6th, 2004, 10:00 AM

I really didn't have any problem with his commentary style. I thought he was funny at times. In the first show, he goes into a Police Acadamy. The result was a cross between Pauly Shore and Ozzy Osborne.

The Middle Eastern guy looking for a woman was funny. Dating service asked what he was looking for in a woman- Man says a woman that wouldn't cheat or steal from him. He would crush her.
Dating service says- No crushing... Crushing is bad

Charles Papert · August 6th, 2004, 10:06 AM

I'm a huge fan. Just ruthless, ruthless stuff.

Last night I had a fun "aha" moment when I re-watched a couple of the "Office" episodes (my other favorite Brit export in the past few years) and realized that when the porcine Keith dresses up on "red-nose day", he is emulating Ali G.

Thom Seaman · August 6th, 2004, 10:35 AM

I liked the 'Christmas Message' he did one year as an alternative to the Queen's, in which he interviewed the Reverend Richard Dawson:

Ali G: OK, on to the more important subject of presents. If you was Jesus, what would you give: Playstation or Dreamcast?
RD: I'm sorry, I don't know.
Ali G: Playstation, ain't you?
RD: I really don't know anything about either.
Ali G: Playstation, ain't it? Cos it's old school but some of the games are wicked...

Ed Smith · August 6th, 2004, 10:36 AM

Us brits have a twisted warped humour, don't we? I'm glad you yankees enjoy them too.

Its a bit old hat over here, I have not seen Ali G on TV for a while and The Office was only 2 series and a special christmas edition. since then its all been repeats.

Cheers

K. Forman · August 6th, 2004, 10:51 AM

Coupling has to be my favorite import.

Robert Knecht Schmidt · August 6th, 2004, 10:56 AM

"I had caught Ali G giving a speech to college grads on HBO, between movies. I thought it was pretty funny, so I checked out the Ali G show's first episode. All I'll say, is it wasn't as funny as I had hoped. It was Jackass mentality at best."

The speech was the Harvard Commencement address, full text available on his web site.

The humor of Da Ali G Show doesn't come from Ali or Borat or Bruno. It comes from the humorless interviewees who make an effort at tolerating him, who re-interpret his inanities into deep probing questions (watch Ali's childlike, self-satisfied reaction when, upon asking how one knows when to nuke another country, General Brent Scowcroft tells him it's a very good question--Ali takes this as a great compliment!), and who frequently enough become so piqued that their repressed prejudices explode into expressions as illogical as Ali's idiocy but infinitely more maleficent.

At the soul of it, it's a show about the unmasking of hypocrisy, and that is always funny.

Bigupyaself.

Nick Medrano · August 6th, 2004, 11:37 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Robert Knecht Schmidt : "It comes from the humorless interviewees who make an effort at tolerating him, who re-interpret his inanities into deep probing questions (watch Ali's childlike, self-satisfied reaction when, upon asking how one knows when to nuke another country, General Brent Scowcroft tells him it's a very good question--Ali takes it as a great compliment!), and who frequently enough become so piqued that their repressed prejudices explode into expressions as illogical as Ali's idiocy but infinitely more maleficent.-->>>

You're a film critic in disguise!

Thom Seaman · August 6th, 2004, 12:39 PM

Come and listen to the non-ironic original! :-)

Americans curious about Ali's origins might want to check out BBC Radio's homepage for Tim Westwood, the white-but-desparate-to-be-black DJ upon whom he is generally thought to be modelled:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/urban/westwood/

Peace,
Thom

August 5th, 2004, 11:43 PM	#1
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	Da Ali G Show... ...is the next funniest show on television. It is a work of absolute genius. It couldn't have been any funnier if it were scripted. Most incredible moments, both in the episode "Art": The inept Borat, in the acting studio, having flubbed the improv, is politely told by the unimpressed but sympathetic acting teacher "I thought there were some excellent moments there." An annoyed Buzz Aldrin explains the meaning of humor to Ali G after Ali G tells a dumb moon joke without understanding the punchline: "Things are funny, or comedic, because they mix the real with the absurd." Fink about dat. __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

August 6th, 2004, 08:03 AM	#5
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	I had caught Ali G giving a speech to college grads on HBO, between movies. I thought it was pretty funny, so I checked out the Ali G show's first episode. All I'll say, is it wasn't as funny as I had hoped. It was Jackass mentality at best. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

August 6th, 2004, 08:44 AM	#6
Pat Chaney Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Berkshire, UK Posts: 107	Re: Da Ali G Show... <<<-- Originally posted by Robert Knecht Schmidt : An annoyed Buzz Aldrin explains the meaning of humor to Ali G after Ali G tells a dumb moon joke without understanding the punchline: "Things are funny, or comedic, because they mix the real with the absurd." -->>> Was that the sketch where he referred to Aldrin's colleague as "Louis Armstrong"? :)

August 6th, 2004, 10:00 AM	#8
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	I really didn't have any problem with his commentary style. I thought he was funny at times. In the first show, he goes into a Police Acadamy. The result was a cross between Pauly Shore and Ozzy Osborne. The Middle Eastern guy looking for a woman was funny. Dating service asked what he was looking for in a woman- Man says a woman that wouldn't cheat or steal from him. He would crush her. Dating service says- No crushing... Crushing is bad __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

August 6th, 2004, 10:06 AM	#9
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	I'm a huge fan. Just ruthless, ruthless stuff. Last night I had a fun "aha" moment when I re-watched a couple of the "Office" episodes (my other favorite Brit export in the past few years) and realized that when the porcine Keith dresses up on "red-nose day", he is emulating Ali G. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

August 5th, 2004, 11:52 PM	#2
Matt Stahley Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Waynesboro, PA Posts: 648	Borat is the best! Definite classic moments right there. respect.

August 6th, 2004, 04:33 AM	#3
Thom Seaman New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 21	Have they shown the one with the gun control campaigner over there yet? Ali: Yeah but if you have a gun all the bitches love you don't they? Campaigner: Well they won't love you when you get shot and you're sitting in a wheelchair will they? Have you thought about that? Ali: Yeah but.. up until then?

August 6th, 2004, 07:50 AM	#4
Imran Zaidi Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,315	He's hysterical. I can't believe how he manages to keep a straight face in those interviews! He has two other productions I've seen that any fan of his should definitely check out. The first is a feature length film! I guess, as the English folks will confirm, he's been around for a bit over there. The title is Ali G In Da House. The second is an E-True Hollywood Story type mockumentary, with the hysterical title: Ali G: Before He Was Massive. Funny stuff.

August 6th, 2004, 09:42 AM	#7
Imran Zaidi Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,315	<<<-- Originally posted by Keith Forman : I had caught Ali G giving a speech to college grads on HBO, between movies. I thought it was pretty funny, so I checked out the Ali G show's first episode. All I'll say, is it wasn't as funny as I had hoped. It was Jackass mentality at best. -->>> He's a complete and unabashed intentional jackass. That's what makes it so entertaining. He has no qualms about speaking at great length with Sam Donaldson, Butros Butros Gali, or whatever head of state or influential person, and make his subtle commentary but in a totally jackass sort of way.

August 6th, 2004, 10:35 AM	#10
Thom Seaman New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 21	I liked the 'Christmas Message' he did one year as an alternative to the Queen's, in which he interviewed the Reverend Richard Dawson: Ali G: OK, on to the more important subject of presents. If you was Jesus, what would you give: Playstation or Dreamcast? RD: I'm sorry, I don't know. Ali G: Playstation, ain't you? RD: I really don't know anything about either. Ali G: Playstation, ain't it? Cos it's old school but some of the games are wicked...

August 6th, 2004, 10:36 AM	#11
Ed Smith Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 1,545	Us brits have a twisted warped humour, don't we? I'm glad you yankees enjoy them too. Its a bit old hat over here, I have not seen Ali G on TV for a while and The Office was only 2 series and a special christmas edition. since then its all been repeats. Cheers __________________ Ed Smith Hampshire, UK Good things come to those who wait My Skiing web www.Frostytour.co.uk For quick answers Search dvinfo.net \| The best in the business: dvinfo.net Sponsors

August 6th, 2004, 10:51 AM	#12
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Coupling has to be my favorite import. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

August 6th, 2004, 10:56 AM	#13
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	"I had caught Ali G giving a speech to college grads on HBO, between movies. I thought it was pretty funny, so I checked out the Ali G show's first episode. All I'll say, is it wasn't as funny as I had hoped. It was Jackass mentality at best." The speech was the Harvard Commencement address, full text available on his web site. The humor of Da Ali G Show doesn't come from Ali or Borat or Bruno. It comes from the humorless interviewees who make an effort at tolerating him, who re-interpret his inanities into deep probing questions (watch Ali's childlike, self-satisfied reaction when, upon asking how one knows when to nuke another country, General Brent Scowcroft tells him it's a very good question--Ali takes this as a great compliment!), and who frequently enough become so piqued that their repressed prejudices explode into expressions as illogical as Ali's idiocy but infinitely more maleficent. At the soul of it, it's a show about the unmasking of hypocrisy, and that is always funny. Bigupyaself. __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

August 6th, 2004, 11:37 AM	#14
Nick Medrano Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 331	<<<-- Originally posted by Robert Knecht Schmidt : "It comes from the humorless interviewees who make an effort at tolerating him, who re-interpret his inanities into deep probing questions (watch Ali's childlike, self-satisfied reaction when, upon asking how one knows when to nuke another country, General Brent Scowcroft tells him it's a very good question--Ali takes it as a great compliment!), and who frequently enough become so piqued that their repressed prejudices explode into expressions as illogical as Ali's idiocy but infinitely more maleficent.-->>> You're a film critic in disguise!

August 6th, 2004, 12:39 PM	#15
Thom Seaman New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 21	Come and listen to the non-ironic original! :-) Americans curious about Ali's origins might want to check out BBC Radio's homepage for Tim Westwood, the white-but-desparate-to-be-black DJ upon whom he is generally thought to be modelled: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/urban/westwood/ Peace, Thom