Friars Club Comedy Film Festival 2010

Three years in the making, AMERICAN: The Bill Hicks Story brings the tale of one of modern culture’s most iconic heroes to the big screen. Much more than a comedian, Bill Hicks was and still is an inspiration to millions. His timeless comedy tackled the contradictions of America and modern life head on. But his unique gift was to tease apart the essence of religion, the dangers of unbridled government power and the double standards inherent in much of modern society, using nothing but his hilarious ideas and the uncompromising observational style that continues to resonate with successive generations. Like many who have a strong sense of their place in history, Hicks left a large unseen legacy; his collection of video recordings and hundreds of photographs and these became the starting point for this feature-length animated documentary.

The Antagonist takes a humorous look at why some grown-ups have such a hard time growing up.

Jesus and the 12 apostles deal with the mundane, surprise and treachery of splitting the bill after the last supper.

The Friars Club is proud to present select films from the LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival, along with the winner of best short film from this year's Friars Club Comedy Film Festival. Please join us for screenings of "Children's Guide", "Action Hero's Guide", "Traffic Signals", "Rim Shot", "Jones Big Ass BBQ", "Bun in the Oven", "Sex Ex", "Expiration", "Blood from a Stone", "Dwight David Honeycutt", "A Short Film", "It Ain't Easy" and "Dragon Slayers". Representatives of the LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival will be in attendance at the screening. The Friars Club is proud to partner with the LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival, which will take place April 7-10, 2011.

This panel will be discussing legendary comedian, Bill Hicks. Much more than a comedian, Bill Hicks was and still is an inspiration to millions. His timeless comedy tackled the contradictions of America and modern life head on. But his unique gift was to tease apart the essence of religion, the dangers of unbridled government power and the double standards inherent in much of modern society, using nothing but his hilarious ideas and the uncompromising observational style that continues to resonate with successive generations. More details to come.

Actor Dax Shepard abandons his burgeoning comedic film career in favor of his dream to become a martial arts action hero. Lacking any formal training, with no funding for his blockbuster script and facing rejection at every turn, Shepard shows that there is no obstacle too great for an iron will. Shepard hits all the right notes as he pitches his idea through Hollywood, drawing Tom Arnold, Bradley Cooper, Nate Tuck, David Koechner, Jon Favreau and others into his plan and getting banned from televised awards shows in the process. Special Sneak Peek screening. Dax Shepard, Tom Arnold and Nate Tuck in attendance.

East Coast Premiere. Director Atsushi Ogata's first feature film tells the story of a supporting actor, always mistaken for others, who longs to be a leading man and gets his break when cast in a Woody Allen remake. But a series of misadventures throw his dream into chaotic disarray. When a fellow female character actor enters the picture, he wonders if he even has what it takes to be the leading man in his own life. A charming romantic comedy from Japan with excellent performances support a sweet, subtle story that will leave you smiling. In Japanese, with English subtitles. Director Atsushi Ogata in attendance at the screening.