neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Vulgar
	Bryan Johnson Brian O'Halloran, Bryan Johnson, Jerry Lewkowitz, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith 2001		An impoverished clown who performs at children's birthday parties is caught in a whirlpool of sexual assault, extortion and revenge. Talk about your hard sells. "Vulgar," a low-budget, below-the-radar release directed by Bryan Johnson, comes from the production company behind writer/director Kevin Smith's films ("Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back," "Chasing Amy," "Clerks," etc.). That would give it a certain cachet, except for its repulsive mix of depraved "humor," underclass ugliness and unabashed violence. Brian O'Halloran ("Clerks") gives his all as Flappy the Clown, a well-meaning, ill-fated fellow with so many debts and such negligible success on the kiddie-party circuit that he decides to advertise in the personals as a joke act for bachelor parties. He figures he can hop out of a cake in full harlequin make-up, corset, fishnets and heels and shock the groom-to-be. But Flappy's first "adult" gig is almost his last. Cameos by Jason Mewes and Smith, A.K.A. Jay & Silent Bob, don't make this any less hideous.