GetPapa Far from Perfect, Far from Terrible

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Yash Wade Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Scott LeBrun Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait made an interesting filmmaking debut with this not bad mix of comedy and drama. Bobcat plays "Shakes", a clown who is barely functioning in life. When he actually shows up for work, he does a decent enough job, but he just cannot stay off the sauce. This frustrates his patient girlfriend, Judy (MTV personality Julie Brown), and even his friends such as Stenchy (Blake Clark) and Dink (Adam Sandler, in one of his earliest film roles). Eventually, Shakes must pull it together and clear himself when he's framed for a murder.Clearly, this has become a cult favourite, although this viewer would be lying if he said that he found it all that funny himself. It's mildly amusing at best, with some good moments, but it's never really inspired. One of the brightest bits of business occurs when Robin Williams shows up (billed as "Marty Fromage") as a mime teacher. It is also a hoot the way that clowns such as Shakes, Stenchy, and Dink declare war on mimes earlier in the picture and rough them up. It would have been nice had it been a little more of a dark comedy, but it never really gets that dark. Too much time is wasted with two unfunny cop characters.Certainly the cast gets an A for effort. Bobcat is good in the lead, managing to elicit some sympathy along the way. Brown is sweet as his leading lady, speaking with a noticeable lisp. Tom Kenny (voice of Sponge Bob Squarepants) is a great sociopathic bad guy, "Binky" the clown. Other familiar faces include Florence Henderson, Sydney Lassick, La Wanda Page, Joel Murray, Tim Kazurinsky, and Paul Dooley.Off-kilter enough to keep it watchable, with a bright wrap-up and a lively soundtrack.

ruinously Embarrassment is the emotion you should be feeling if you have not seen Shakes the Clown. You owe it to yourself to see this terrific comedy. The language in this is classic. Like when Shakes shows up at a birthday party and the father asks "You the clown?" and Shakes, in full clown get-up, responds "No, I'm Mary F'ing Poppins." That is just funny.If there is one comedy that I am glad I stumbled upon, Shakes has to be it. It just goes from one hilarious quote or scene to the next. Who knew alcoholic clowns could be so much fun.If I was only limited to one movie to recommend to people, Shakes the Clown would be it. Get a case of beer and some buddies, then pop Shakes the Clown in the DVD player and prepare to be completely satisfied. In case you are wondering, it can be enjoyed sober.

Matt0518 You can't beat this film - a true masterpiece by the usually irritating Bobcat Goldthwait. He shines in the role of his life in this movie. Great cameos and great one liners abound in Shakes The Clown. I highly recommend this movie.

UMichMike Having read many of the reviews on this site I have noticed that numerous people claim that one either understands and loves the movie, or hates it. I happen to fall into the latter category as this movie is not only unorigonal, but fails to be funny in almost every way possible. The fact that this film could even use the line "Mime's a wasting" shows the low class of the film. Personally, I love dumb comedy movies (Adam Sandler and Chris Farley included) but this film failed to be funny on almost every level. I did not laugh once, and didn't even appreciate any of the jokes' attempts to be funny. The only scenes worth watching are the ones mentioned previously by RedDevil, whom I happened to view the film with.Many have commented that this is a dark comedy that deals with alcoholism, however I have two major points to make contrary to this. First of all, this film is by no means a comedy if you use the standard definition of comedy. This definition of course is something that is funny. Secondly, this film does not deal with alcoholism well at all. After seeing this I felt no need to stop drinking, unlike the scenes in Requiem for a Dream. Overall, this project not only lacks polish, but ambition as well. The plot is useless and I couldn't help feeling that the movie made no point. I would like the 87 minutes of my life back, but seeing as that is impossible, I would like to keep anyone else from viewing this shoddy workmanship.