Windy City Heat

In the age of Punk'd's brand of elaborate practical jokes, Windy City Heat probably takes the prize for the most sustained scam in history. At least that's the story the filmmakers are trying to sell us—although, frankly, the whole project looks more like a hoax on the audience. Here's the deal: a not-so-terribly-funny comic named Perry Karavello, whose stage gimmick is a nerve-rattling scream, is offered the chance to star in an action movie called Windy City Heat, playing a "sports private eye" named Stone Fury (supposedly, with no idea that the whole production is fake). Karavello starts comparing himself to Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro, looks down on lesser mortals like Carson Daly, and responds to a tantrum by one of the alleged Japanese investors with a hissy-fit of his own. Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait plays the phony director (he is, in fact, the director of this film). There's something about Karavello's behavior that gives the strong impression that he's in on the joke, but even if he's not, one has to wonder why a prank that gives someone so much false hope (albeit temporarily) is funny. DVD extras include an audio commentary by Karavello and deleted scenes. Optional. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)