‘Notorious C.H.O.’ leaves audience in stitches

By Christine G. Adamo
On-line Forty-Niner

Men and their menstrual cycles. New age songstress Enya and high colonics. Unthinkable? Think again.
 
Margaret Cho makes anything seem possible in “Notorious C.H.O.,” now playing in select theaters. The movie is unrated, raucous and raunchy — but in a good way.
 
“Notorious C.H.O.” opens with a three-minute cartoon which was written and directed by the comedian. It pays homage to the one mother Cho’s audiences can not seem to get enough of: her own.
 
The documentary-style film captures Cho in concert at Seattle’s Paramount Theater and frames bits of her act with audience reactions and, alas, too few cutaways to Mr. and Mrs. Cho discussing their daughter’s crass humor and colossal success.
 
“Notorious C.H.O.” may well be the vehicle that delivers Cho’s social and sexual commentary to the masses. Her jokes result in hiccuping laughter, the kind that sneaks up on you every few seconds for a minute or so.
 
Cho blurs gender lines, makes sexual preference a non-issue and appeals to anyone over the age of 17 who is not allergic to straight talk or strong language. One might consider scheduling first dates and outings with the grandparents for another day, just to be safe.
 
Cho’s bravado takes center stage as she provides the most realistic assessment of the human condition this side of George Carlin. The list of unmentionables she dares to mention grows more appealing with time.
 
You’ll wonder where an hour and a half could have gone and appreciate how you spent your coveted movie-going dollars.
 
“Notorious C.H.O.” earns an A- for minor lulls in activity and a few disjointed transitions as the movie ends.

Calendar

Display Ads