Mendez & Mosscrop

Mindless, generic, inoffensive, bland pop not your thing? Then you were most likely watching Bad Ben Franklin’s raucously hysterical showcase of off-kilter comedy Wednesday, April 28th, at Staten Island’s independent film haven, the Muddy Cup.

Team BBF knew what they were up against and thanked the packed house for supporting them. “Thank you for not going to see Michelle Branch,” quipped John Szeluga, a member of BBF, which also includes mastermind Chris Sorrentino, Bryan McGuckin (see below), and newest addition Frank LaMonaca.

The show opened with a sappy tribute to Jonathan Brandis, teen star whose suicide touched hardly anyone but John Szeluga. As he tinkered on the piano and Sidekicks projected, John moved the crowd to tears (of laughter) by crooning such lines as “cause you were the kid from Lady” - dramatic pause – sniffle, sniffle –“Bugs…Dressed like a girl in Lady” – pause, sniffle – “Bugs,” (followed by open sobs). And this was probably the least offensive skit of the evening.

The trash-can punch of brilliantly sick, offensive humor had the crowd laughing, while questioning whether shorts such as “Dead Baby Factory” should have them laughing at all (the obvious answer is Hell yeah, lighten up!) Other skits such as “He Finally Did It,” “I’m a Stereotype,” the Hollywood remake of “Mr. Belvedere” and

the alternate ending to “The Passion of the Christ,” (a Benny Hill homage that would make Mel Gibson giggle, before condemning the boys to hell of course), had the audience doubled over, snorting their mint lattes on themselves (quite literally).

The Agent Eric episode, “The Main Gate,” played in three parts throughout the evening, demonstrated the team’s ability to spoof 007 like no other. If three Chris Sorrentinos (yes, three) or Agent Eric’s, AKA Mr. Mustache’s, gross mustache didn’t get you giggling, then Dr. Thunder’s Richard Simmons-lite hair surely did. Add in the inquisitive minute Hash Brown, played with comic naiveté by Frank LaMonaca and you have one funny spy situation.

Of course, no BBF showcase would be complete without the cult classic-in-the-making, “Girl Arm,” declared, “Favorite Video of 2003” by Bill Woods, the Independent Film Night Coordinator for the Muddy Cup.

Also featured was a disturbing sketch from the group’s half-video, half live sketch comedy show, “The Top Secret Files of Professor Sandwich Revealed,” which played at CSI this past July. The skit featured Brian McGowan, friend of BBF, getting gory with the Deli man, who uses his “professor sandwich” to transmit government conspiracies. Eye gouging, moms and menstruation, and the Deli man’s valiant ancestor, “Oscar of Meyer,” blend to form the most sadistic sandwich story ever. Take that Subway club!

Nothing compared to the team’s latest effort, “Star Wars II.V: Chubby Wan Kenobi,” a Star Wars fan film, starring Bryan McGuckin, currently in the works for atomfilms.com. Due out this June, team BBF gifted

the audience with not one, not two, but THREE Chubbi Wan-related featurettes. First up was the documentary, showcasing the team’s grueling work, dedication and passion to their craft. The shots of various goofs and outtakes merged nicely with green-screen drama. The hilarious auditions for the voice of Yoda, that was held in CSI’s 1P followed. Our very own Dominic Fedduccia renamed “Yoda Virgin,” gave an audition that can only be described as “touched for the very first time.”

One audition included “Yoda’s Evil Twin,” who does a mean Gollum/Yoda hybrid rendition of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Entertaining, yet frightening.

After that was the trailer for “Chubbi-Wan Kenobi.” The trailer is promising, with impressive editing, special effects and cinematography. Obviously, the script is well written. The film looks to be a true step to a major career in film for the boys.

In between skits, Bryan, Chris, and John would speak to the audience, and their camaraderie is evident. There’s no doubt that it is this, combined with individual talent, that makes team BBF truly great.

So, what the hell are you waiting for? Go visit badbenfranklin.com for all the latest news and release date for Chubbi Wan Kenobi. And damnit, vote for the boys on atomfilms.com when Chubbi Wan Kenobi is released.

And to all you teenies who opted to stick around for the PLJ-esque pop-fest instead of checking out Bad Ben Franklin: SUCKERS!