Wise Cracks

Stars: Whoopi Goldberg (Made in America, Sister Act), Paula Poundstone, Ellen DeGeneres. Female comics are profiled in Gail Singer's mostly engaging hybrid performance/documentary. 24 female comics are seen working and/or in interviews, ranging from the queen of self-deprecating humor Phyllis Diller, to the more earthy observations of Canadian comic Sandra Shamus. In addition, Singer mixes in old clips of classic female comedians such as Lucille Ball and Mae West. With the wide range of comics, the resultant comedy is somewhat uneven--though seasoned pros like Ellen DeGeneres and Joy Behar pick up the slack of less polished newcomers. Throughout, the message that comes through loud and clear is that female comics are coming into their own, and like their masculine brethren they too can be crude, lewd, and sexist if it makes for a good laugh. It's about time. Very reasonably priced at $49.95 Wise Cracks is an excellent alternative to regular Hollywood fodder. Our only minor quibble is that the prominently featured (in the ads) Whoopi Goldberg appears briefly, and seems completely out of it to boot. Audience: Most people would get a kick out of this.