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Film Review: Dicks the Musical: A Raunchy Musical Parent Trap That’s Disturbing…But In A Good Way 

by Bianca Brutus October 17, 2023
written by Bianca Brutus

There were a number of high expectations for “Dicks: The Musical” as the film is A24’s first musical film. Thinking of the studio’s recent Oscar sweeps and reputation for producing critically acclaimed films, does “Dicks: The Musical” stand out?

Absolutely. 

With “Dicks:The Musical”, Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson have created a story that’s . 

Craig (Sharp) and Trevor (Jackson) are two businessmen who come into each other’s lives after a company merger. They soon become enemies after meeting due to their competitive nature and the title of “Top Businessman” being at stake. But soon, their competitive nature subdues after they find out their identical twins. The men then try to figure out why their parents abandoned them and soon switch lives for a day to get to know their other parent. They later envision how much better their lives would be as an entire family so they decide to come up with an elaborate plan to get their parents back together.

Now if you’re thinking this is pretty much “The Parent Trap,” you’re incorrect as “Dicks: The Musical” is unabashedly raunchy to the point Disney would never even touch the script. The film pushes beyond acceptable boundaries for comedy, and that’s exactly what makes it one of the strangest, but funniest movies of the year. 

“Dicks: the Musical” is a surprise that oftentimes is pretty ludicrous, but hilarious. An example can be best seen through the Sewer Boys, swamp creatures that live in a cage with the boy’s father Harris (Nathan Lane). Harris takes care of the Sewer Boys in such an odd way that many humorous scenes are a result of their interactions.

The cast is filled with brilliant choices. Bowen Yang as God felt perfect. Yang brings his SNL skills to the big screen with each of his lines feeling more improved than scripted. Megan Thee Stallion pretty much acts as herself which makes her character all the more excellent. She’s Gloria, Trevor and Craig’s boss who ensures that they keep working hard to keep sales Roomba parts factory up. (Yes, that’s where they work, it’s literally a factory that sells Roomba parts and not the product) Furthermore, her number “Out Alpha the Alpha” is the one of the best in the film with her showing off her femme fatale side and notable rap style that we know and love. 

Dicks: The Musical' is the Surreal Queer 'Parent Trap' We Didn't Know We  Needed | GQThe chemistry between Megan Mullally as the boy’s mother Evelyn and Lane as their father was unmatched. Both actors are strong on their own, but together they added an extra layer of intrigue. Mullally is a seasoned comedian so it comes as no surprise, and Lane has had a number of comedic roles in the past in different mediums. Mullally’s performance is strange, but quite amusing to the point where one wonders how she didn’t break character multiple times. 

 In terms of production value, the movie excelled.  The set design matched the film spot on. As each musical number is eccentric and campy, the film itself follows suit. The car the boys are seen in feels almost like a fake old Hollywood 50s car. The decor in both parents’ homes captures a vintage vibe and some scenes feel right out of the old Warner Brothers lot, even though the film is set in the present day. The costumes are additionally flamboyant which added to the film’s overall whimsical tone by being both bold and striking. The story’s overall speed was improved by the cinematography and editing, which successfully captured the humorous moments.

However, with all these elements combined what truly sets the film apart was the musical aspect. Each song and dance number worked well and further pushed the plot along while being woven into each scene excellently. Additionally, the focal point of the musical numbers were less about vocal ability or dance skills, and instead about the lyrics and their interpretation. Each actor truly translated the lyrics well with their performance and there were no beats missing. Yet, there were times when ridiculousness of the musical numbers bordered on surreal, and confusing. This unique strategy would not appeal to everyone, but for those who can embrace the bizarre, it increased the suspense and interest in the film.

“Dicks: The Musical” is a 90-minute now stop jaw-dropping comedy full of moments guaranteed to leave you wondering how the movie got made. Even in a post credit blooper scene, Sharp and Jackson ask that same question, but after watching the film, why wouldn’t it made.

“Dicks: The Musical” is now running theaters. 


October 17, 2023 0 comments
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EntertainmentFilmThe LatestVideo

Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora & ‘Fire Island’ Cast Talk At NYC NewFest Premiere

by Ashley Vitarelli June 13, 2022
written by Ashley Vitarelli

Searchlight Pictures’ ‘Fire Island’ dropped on Hulu on June 3 and had its world premiere at NewFest on June 2. 

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June 13, 2022 0 comments
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EntertainmentFilmThe LatestVideo

Exclusive: Chrissie Fit Talks Comedy Central’s “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens” Season 2 [VIDEO]

by Stephanie Giang-Paunon August 30, 2021
written by Stephanie Giang-Paunon

Get ready for a little GNO, as Melanie (Chrissie Fit), Nora (Awkwafina), and Jennifar (Catherine Cohen) paint the town red for a girl’s night out in New York City!

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August 30, 2021 0 comments
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EntertainmentThe LatestTVVideo

Exclusive: Bowen Yang, BD Wong, Lori Tan Chinn & More Talk Comedy Central’s ‘Nora From Queens’ S2 [Video]

by Stephanie Giang-Paunon August 14, 2021
written by Stephanie Giang-Paunon

Catch “Crazy Rich Asian” star Awkwafina back in New York City for Season 2 of “Nora from Queens.”

Creator and writer, Awkwafina, continues to navigate her life and young adulthood in outer borough-NYC, as she plays Nora Lin, a role inspired by her real-life growing up in Queens, New York.

The Knockturnal exclusively sat down with “Nora from Queen’s” cast members “Saturday Night Live’s” Bowen Yang, BD Wong, Lori Tan Chinn, executive producers Teresa Hsiao and Karey Dornetto.

We asked the cast and executive producers what we could expect in season 2.

“Nora’s leveled up a little bit with her new job and her personal life,” Hsiao mentioned. “We leaned into some of the more emotional sides in some of our characters in season 2.”

Edmund, Nora’s cousin (Bowen Yang), pursues his dream of acting, her grandma (Lori Tan Chinn) takes a stand, and her father, Wally (BD Wong) goes on a crazy adventure.

The cast members continued to express a few challenges that were faced while filming during the pandemic.

“We faced the normal challenges filming during the pandemic, and our production company and our producers did a wonderful job keeping us on point with the COVID restrictions…we were really lucky to get through that all,” Wong told The Knockturnal.

“All of the Asian hate crimes and the anti-Asian sentiment, all of that stuff was coming out…the entire time we were shooting the show. So, we were really aware of that and wondering what role it plays in the writing of the show. Not a whole lot, because the show is a subtle celebration of Asian-American existence,” Wong concluded. “Just by being there the show plays a positive role in the community’s strength or ability to laugh…be resilient and move on.”

“Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” Season 2 premieres on August 18th, 2021 at 10 PM ET/PT on Comedy Central.

August 14, 2021 0 comments
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EntertainmentEventsFeaturedThe LatestTV

‘ZIWE’ Is Your New Favorite Late-Night Show

by Chantell Hayden May 9, 2021
written by Chantell Hayden

How do big names like Bowen Yang, Fran Lebowitz, Phoebe Bridgers, and Patti Harrison all end up in the same room? With the power of Ziwe, of course.

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May 9, 2021 0 comments
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EntertainmentEventsThe Latest

Two Podcasts Become One With ‘Seek Culture’ At New York Comedy Festival

by Vinesh Vora November 15, 2019
written by Vinesh Vora

It’s like a crossover episode but with podcasts

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November 15, 2019 0 comments
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