Simply Perfect

Overrated

Good movie but grossly overrated

Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

Private Parts (1997): Dir: Betty Thomas / Cast: Howard Stern, Robin Quivers, Mary McCormack, Paul Giamatti, Carol Alt: Intimate look at controversial radio personality Howard Stern and our commitment to listen. According to the film Stern wanted to be in radio since childhood inspiration of his father. It chronicles his childhood to college where he meets his wife, to small radio jobs. He is soon partnered with Robin Quivers and has bitter battles with station managers. Although it seems self gratifying the film is insightful despite Stern's questionable antics. The film takes its subject seriously as when he attempts to mend his marriage, and the miscarriage that led to unfavourable discussions on his show. Directed by Betty Thomas and easily one of the greatest achievements of her career. Stern is convincing in his self portrait blending reality and humour. Quivers plays herself in her loyalty with Stern as well as her struggle to maintain sane even at the cost of her job. Mary McCormack plays his supportive yet frustrated wife who would like to believe that her husband's on air rantings are just a joke. Paul Giamatti steal scenes as a station manager who falls victim to Stern's perseverance. Carol Alt makes a cameo as a woman reluctantly seated by Stern on a plane but eventually becomes won over. The film argues that there is an ordinary side to Stern that challenges viewers to look beyond the cover. Score: 9 / 10

Howard Stern is a polarizing figure in entertainment, probably the most hated and loved figure of the last half century, depending on whether you are an opponent or a fan of his. As the stats are laid out in this film, Stern's enemies are just as, if not more, likely to be found listening to his show. The program he hosts is like millions of people's cup of coffee in the morning.This room rocker of a movie is the first chapter in the big screen project of his life, showing what a crazy thirty plus years it was. Rabid fans want another instalment showing what has developed since the mid 80's when "Private Parts" ends. He's since been divorced, remarried, seen his daughters become young adults, had his head writer Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling walk away and replaced by stand up comic Artie Lange and, last but not least, left terrestrial broadcasting to become the most popular talent now on satellite radio, where millions pay to hear the show that still offends and amuses with it's political satire, prank calls, more candid than anywhere else celebrity interviews and cast of characters who make up a very broad spectrum of voices in society."Private Parts" is one of the few comedies that's funnier each time I watch it. The showdown Stern has with his nemesis at WnnnnNBC is one of the ten most hilarious scenes in history as far as I'm concerned. Paul Giamatti is so good as Kenny (or "Pig Vomit"), you'll practically throw up with laughter when he's on screen. Not so pleasant moments before Howard found his true voice are recreated, as are classics like "The Match Game" and "Fartman" (with friend of the show John Stamos filling in for Luke Perry at the MTV appearance).Radio has it's share of popular talent, but Stern has really achieved something unique with his approach. His phenomenon doesn't come around once a generation. Just once, period!

PRIVATE PARTS is the hysterically funny and raunchy film version of the autobiography of the self-proclaimed "King of All Media"- Howard Stern which is a comedic chronicle of his rise from college communications student to the #1 radio disc jockey in New York, who has shocked audiences and kept the FCC on their toes for years with his shocking and outrageous on the air antics that have offended audiences, sponsors, and even his own family with equal opportunity. Breezily directed by Betty Thomas (THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE), Stern offers a comic tour-De-force here, playing himself and recreating some of his most outrageous radio stunts, aided by radio cohorts Robin Quivers and Fred Norris, also playing themselves. Stern is backed up by a solid cast including Mary McCormick (lovely as Stern's wife Allison), Michael Murphy, Allison Janney, Jonathan Hadary, Paul Hecht, and towering above them all, Paul Giamatti, who officially became a movie star with his roll-on-the floor funny turn as Kenny "Pig Vomit" Rushton, Howard's program director at WNBC, who challenges Stern at every turn but never gets the best of him. The film is hysterical from start to finish and features cameo appearances from John Stamos, Mia Farrow, Carol Alt, Ozzy Ozbourne, Dee Snider, AC/DC, and another of Stern's radio buddies, Stuttering John. A laugh-out loud comedy that entertains right through the closing credits. Not for the kids. Beware of edited prints.

Private Parts is an unusual name for Howard Stern's movie because there are no private parts of his life that he won't use on the air. This was a source of consternation to his lovely wife, Allison.I first heard Howard on a Dallas station. He was eating Richard Simmons alive. Now, I don't care about Richard Simmons, but no one should have to go through what Howard did to him. He was merciless! But, that's Howard. he did change radio and he was the top DJ in the country. Does that say something about our country. Is the Apololypse beginning soon? Seriously, the movie is funny and shows how he rose to the top. It also shows what a jerk Don Imus was even 20 years ago. I bet Howard is laughing his a** off.