On Location: Martin Mull

My first exposure to Martin Mull was through his role as Willard Kraft on the television show "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch", a fun and funny show that I watched in my youthful yuth. My second exposure was "Fernwood 2 Night", definitely different (especially if you have seen the show) but absolutely hilarious. Both of these shows made me a fan of Mull, albeit not a die hard. Also, watch for his cameo in "Jingle All the Way". On second though, stop reading my review and watch "Jingle All the Way". I know it isn't great but it has some hilarious moments and the cast is solid, especially Phil Hartman.

But anyway...the review.

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Howard Langston, a workaholic dad who needs to keep his son's love using material goods. Sinbad is Sinbad, a lovable but psychotic (and possibly Schizophrenic) mail-carrier who is also a heel as a father.

Howard's son Jamie, played by Harold Lloyd for all you Star Trek fans......

Sorry, I forgot which movie I was reviewing.

Lawrence of Arabia is Steven Spielberg's finest outing........

Sorry.

This special, part of HBO's "On Location" series, is very different than your average stand-up set. Mull spends 90% of the show sitting, playing guitar, and performing songs that are mind meltingly funny. "I Want to be God" and his "French" song are some of the highlights of this set, as well as his need for a cocktail napkin and constant issues with people shouting out smart things.

There are some filmed segments of the program that are shown at the beginning of the special, at the end, and quickly dropped in the middle of the show. The beginning segment is a bit wooden (that may be the point) but the other segments are quite funny. I would say these are the weak point of the special but that shouldn't deter you from watching the show.

This special is beyond worth the 60 minute investment. It has opened my Martin Mull door and I'm excited to see what enters. His comedy is the sleazy lounge performer with no understanding of his ability or talent (or safety of his audience) and he plays it perfectly. If you are a fan of Steve Martin's stand-up, you are going to enjoy this. I'm going to have to see what else of Mr. Mull I am able to "cull".

Because cull means obtain from a variety of sources. And it rhymes with Mull.

Pardon?