Private Parts (1997)

Give credit to director Betty Thomas for making the notorious Howard Stern, self-proclaimed "king of all media," into a nerdish but appealing media rebel who loves his wife and family. Even if you hate Stern's rude radio show, you may discover that the underdog charm of this warm, whimsical film (based on Stern's autobiography) turns you into a fan--for the length of the film at least. Stern delivers a winning performance as the clumsy college kid and aspiring disc-jockey-turned-demon-shock-jock, who becomes an unlikely hero as he battles station managers, network executives, and conservative "arbiters of decency" in the name of unfettered bad taste. Mary McCormack is fine as his understanding wife, Alison, and longtime Stern sidekicks Robin Quivers and Fred Norris acquit themselves nicely appearing as themselves. By the end of this smart, funny little film, don't be surprised if you find yourself cheering for the slob. --Sean Axmaker Amazon.com

Just Not My Thing...

I bought this at the request of a friend, knowing I wasn't fond of Mr. Stern. What I didn't expect was the friend asking me to please watch it with him. So, I did. It's typical self indulgent, I'll be a bad boy if I want to, nyah nyah Howard Stern stuff. If that's your thing, then you'll probably like it. Since it's NOT my thing....well, you get the picture. August 12, 2008

Can't miss this, whether you are a fan or not

There is no debate, Howard Stern has dominated the radio market in the last ten plus years. This film shows how he got to that spot, taking us through the process by which he discovered what people really wanted to hear, and the challenges he faced along the way. You really do not need to be a fan of Stern to appreciate this funny and informative movie. And let's get real; when Stern was on free radio, a lot of those that hated him listened to him even more than those that liked him. As they put it in the movie, haters also wanted to know what he was going to say next!

I was really surprised to see how good a job Howard did with his acting, and Robin Quivers and Fred Norris, who also play their real personas in the film, did not lag behind at all. This trio delivers laughs-a-plenty, and shows why so many people love them. The bit in which they use the fill-in the blank competition is priceless, and will have you rolling on the floor laughing. Especially when you see Kenny (pig vomit), the program director at NBC, go berserk over what he was hearing on air. I have to stop here and comment on how Giamatti, who played the role of "pig vomit", shows his great skills for acting, and you can see that he had those skills way before his success with "Sideways".

The film portrays Stern's wife, Allison, as his muse and object of desire. Everything he does is for her. Too bad they got divorced following this production, but this does not spoil any of the fun. If you are looking to have a good time, with some politically incorrect and over-the-top humor, and do not mind a little nudity, you have a winner in this one. February 5, 2008

Longtime Fan Doesn't Like It!!!

Howard Stern "was" radio in the 80's and 90's and disputably desevred his self-given title of King of All Media. Sterns humor style (deadpan and cynical delivery) and his excellent writing staff/supporting cast made his show truly a phenomanom in it's heyday. Personally, I loved the show for more than a decade hearing him first locally in Washington,D.C then in syndication from New York. Stern truly did introduce a lot of great humor to the airwaves and transitioned from record-spinner/joketeller to unique humorist. That said, I've come to realize that it's perfectly possible to like the "Howard Stern Show" and NOT like Howard Stern.

The events since this film was released has dated this autobiography. The film is a semi-love story about Howards committment to now ex-wife Alison regardless of his irreverent on-air life of fart jokes and lesbian stripper guests. The film also celebrates Stern's battles against censorship, a fight he surrendered from when he moved to satellite radio, all the while hyping his "little guy against big censorship" rap that is obviously flat now that listeners must pay and Stern himself never spent a day in court fighting for his rights as a broadcaster. Lenny Bruce was a bloated dope fiend in the end, but he had the balls to fight censorship while Stern has only played the "role" of a free speech warrior.

Without these faults, "Private Parts" still won't satisfy many hardcore fans because of the sweet natured romantic tone between Howard and Alison as well as the diluted nature of the shows humor. Maybe this film was intended as a crossover to audiences unfamilar with Stern.True fans will be much happier with bootlegs of "Butt Bongo Fiesta" or the New Years Special that Stern put out.Stern belongs BEHIND a microphone with Fred Norris,Robin,Jackie Martling and Gary nearby. Stick to what you did so well, Howard. October 19, 2007

An American Original!

This movie is fantastic. It's a great look at the life of Howard Stern upto just before the end of his marriage to the lovely Allison. A true fan can only hope for a Private Parts II when he finally leaves Sirius that's as good a movie as this one. October 1, 2007

whoever says Howard Stern can't act can suck it

Howard Stern is awesome. He's totally vulgar but a total genius. When I was little I used to watch his old channel 9 show and marvel at his total comedy. He is so naturally funny. And I don't think there has ever been a man in American media that has done more in the spoken oral format (no pun intended.) This movie describes Howard's long battle to become "the king of all media." He played the role as him very well, and whoever says he can't act can eat it. I saw some old clips of him on You Tube and they were very close to what's in this movie. Rock on. July 18, 2007

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