Tag Archives: Siblings

FUNNY MONEY: THE DANE COOK STORY – Review

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Looks like 2026 is shaping up to be a great year for documentaries. Now, don’t groan. They aren’t the cinematic version of “eating your vegetables” or “homework”. No, they’re going to be a big part of end-of-the-year top ten lists, not to mention “awards talk”. And this just might be the year that one or two of them crack the Oscar Best Picture list (it can now have as many as ten contenders). YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING got lots of energized “buzz” at a recent film festival, plus I’ll be praising BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL when it gets a wide release. One of the most popular “doc genres” is the chronicling of a “true crime”, though I really enjoy the bios of “show folk” (really “jazzed” for upcoming ones of Martin Mull, Norm McDonald, and Maria Bamford). Well, this new “non-fiction flick” actually combines the two (“You got celeb in my crime…you got crime in my celeb”). And like that beloved candy, there’s much to savor in FUNNY MONEY: THE DANE COOK STORY. Let’s unwrap this tasty treat…


As the title states, this is the story of stand-up comedy superstar Dane Cook. The opening, like much of what follows, is the funny fella’ talking to us (the camera, really). We get lots of biographical info with faded photos and scratchy 8mm home movies, segueing into blurry home video. Even though he was a child of divorce, Cook made the best of it, with the help and support of his “best pal” and idol, his half-brother Daryl. Always a fan of comedy, Dane entered the world of the open-mike in 1990, during the big stand-up “resurgence” via cable TV, videotapes, CDS, and a slot at nearly every bar with a spotlight and a brick wall. As his star was rising, things weren’t going well for “bro Daryl” in his job as a prison guard. During an altercation, he was sliced with a metal can “shiv” and almost bled out. Dane facilitated a career change, putting him on the “payroll” as head of his security team. Then Daryl became his business manager, just as Dane broke into movies, put a recording on the top of the Billboard chart, and filled arenas and stadiums (a second show was added to MSG). When Dane decided he now needed the services of a big talent agency, Daryl tried to talk him out of it. Then, the unthinkable happened. Dane went to apply for a bank loan in order to purchase a plush estate (no more rentals), and the rep “lowered the boom”. Only “crumbs” were left in the accounts that Daryl had set up for him. Dane was getting “fleeced” by his beloved “bro”. This leads to a cross-country chase for him, as Dane, with his “financial forensics team,” makes some shocking and often absurd discoveries about this “crime spree”.

Separately, this show biz “rise-to-fame” fable and the true tale of greed and deception would be compelling enough, but in this expert blending by documentary vet Bret Harvey (with writing collaborator Pollyanna Hardwick-Brown), the result hits on all emotional cylinders. Though I was unfamiliar with the body of Dane’s work, I found the story of his childhood (lotsa’ “hard knocks,” for sure) and his career ambitions very enlightening, especially the story of him grabbing an absent comic’s “slot”. Then there’s the endearing bond he has with his older stepbrother (Dane still taps into those old emotions). We get “talking head” interviews with childhood buddies of both men, along with their sister. And then there’s Erika, Daryl’s ex-wife (his second missus), who also spins quite a tale. She’s “tough to read” as we wonder if she’s a “co-mastermind” or a very, very naive “dupe”. But her “side” is needed since we never hear from Daryl himself, other than old videos and a haunting final phone message. Yes, it’s heartbreaking, but often quite hilarious, even with the zany scheming of the guilty (you may never think of spaghetti sauce and Bagel Bites in the same way again). Still, much like Dane, we’re left wondering about the “crime”. It’s one thing to “skim”, but he tries to take it all. Perhaps due to his years at the mic, Cook is quite an engrossing storyteller as he pulls us into his astounding career highlights (he passed on auditioning for SNL, but later hosted), then guides us into a dark quagmire of lies and larceny. Still, somehow he can find the laughter bursting through the tears. Kudos to him and filmmaker Harvey for taking us on the wild, wacky, and heartbreaking ride of FUNNY MONEY: THE DANE COOK STORY.

3 Out of 4

FUNNY MONEY: THE DANE COOK STORY is now streaming as a Video On Demand via all major outlets and apps

SXSW Review: COLD WEATHER

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COLD WEATHER manages to take two underlying story ideas and combine them into a conceptually intriguing film, one that is partially successful and partially missing its full potential. Aaron Katz (DANCE PARTY, USA) wrote and directed COLD WEATHER, beginning with a story about an estranged brother and sister and wraps it up loosely with a film noir jacket, vaguely reminiscent of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys.

Doug (Cris Lankenau) is an intelligent young man having studied criminal justice and forensic science, but who has taken time from school to find work and save some money. His passion lies with becoming a detective, romanticized by the literary notion of Sherlock Holmes as his ideal role model. Initially mocked by others for his source of inspiration, Doug is quick to dispel their misguided notions of Holmes as depicted in early films as a caricature of the true literary figure.

Doug gets a job at an ice factory, where he meets Carlos (Raúl Castillo) and they quickly become friends. When Carlos’ girlfriend goes missing, Carlos enlists the reluctant help of Doug to solve the mystery of his girlfriend’s disappearance. Once Doug finally discovers compelling evidence that something is amiss about the circumstances surrounding Carlos’ girlfriend, he begins to put his knowledge into play, seeking her out and revealing the truth of her behavior.

What begins as a solitary pursuit, eventually evolves into a mutual effort between Doug and his sister Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn) who end up working together to solve the mystery. The estranged siblings begin with a troubled relationship, distant and at odds over Doug’s path in life, but becomes a way for them to reconnect with each other and presents the most intriguing element in COLD WEATHER, merely enhanced by the mystery flavoring.

Generally speaking, COLD WEATHER is a successful film that explores some untested water in terms of family relations. The pacing is a bit slow at times, with the high moments rising above the more abundant low moments. The story itself is intriguing, if not a bit slow moving, but I would have liked to a little more of the relationship develop between Doug and Gail a little sooner in the story arc and not put quite so much focus on the mystery of Carlos’ girlfriend.

Visually, COLD WEATHER is impressive, featuring a palette of grays that brings the setting of Portland, Oregon to life through the use of the RED digital camera technology. The film features some incredible shots, including one of Doug and Gail standing on a bridge in front of a waterfall which utilized an expensive and powerful hi-tech lens, giving the film some additional visual appeal. For this, additional praise goes out to Andrew Reed (QUIET CITY) for his cinematography, accompanied by solid editing, also from Aaron Katz.

Overall, I consider COLD WEATHER to have a compelling story with untapped potential. The film deserves a second viewing and, dare I say, could prove an intriguing source material for an ongoing dramatic TV series based on the relationship and cooperative mystery-solving efforts of the sibling team.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars