Six shouting black men--the best seven minutes I've had in awhile. The brainchild of writer/co-director Casper Frank, high-flying comedy short Business Johnson delivers manic laughs via raw humor.
The film entails a sextet of comedians relaxing on a front porch, joking around and having laughs at one another's expense. This was not a garden-variety assortment of wannabe entertainers clumsily spewing pornographic humor. Obscenities flew and quick wits prevailed as the comedians colorfully derided their comrades.
Rodney Perry's character soon strutted through the front door to join them. He took center stage to tell a joke. You may have heard this one before, but never told so masterfully. His delivery was animated and enthusiastic while his poise was unwavering. The story was sporadically interrupted by snide remarks and ensuing insults. The set pulsated with raw energy from men who looked common enough to be sitting on a porch in your neighborhood.
From a wildly obese young man to an acerbic geezer, these are distinctive characters with something to say. The playfulness of their interaction was lively and real. Their delivery was smooth and their timing was perfect. These gentlemen are well-versed in the art of strident sarcasm.
I would have liked to hear more from a couple of the characters. The joke which comprises most of the short crowded the dialogue, stifling some real potential.
You may recognize some of the players and they're all worth knowing of. The cast: Rodney Perry (Johnson Family Vacation), Larry B. Scott (Revenge of the Nerds), Jerod Mixon (Me, Myself & Irene), Alonzo Bodden (Last Comic Standing), Reggie de Morton and Adolphus Ward.
In a mere seven minutes, I laughed six times. Business Johnson is pure comedy; nothing but smooth performances by comedians with a clue. This short is clearly the start of something big. Surely there will be a movie, and I'll have to watch it.
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