The Court Jester

I'd love to watch a Richard Simmons biopic that would leave me crying and cheering at the end, but I don't know if a biopic with Paulie Shore would be it. I've read in a number of different places that Paulie is a good look-alike of Richard, but I don't see it. The face is the biggest distraction -- it doesn't have Richard's warm, humor, love and engagement. And the voice isn't warm and inviting either. I want a movie like this to work, and I think a heartfelt biopic about Richard Simmons would be warmly received by the public. But it would need a different leading actor. The Court Jester is bound to start an interesting discussion, though, so it's got that going for it.

When the Jester sang for the King and Queen in a coat, he borrowed from James Dean. And a voice that came from you and me. An 8-minute story in the moment of the life of someone who treats himself as a nobody, The Court Jester is a depiction of the character Richard Simmons and the power that individual has had on us all. Although not endorsed or supported by the talented and beautiful Richard Simmons, he is portrayed beautifully by the talented and beautiful Pauly Shore. I hope more people watch this short movie as opposed to the tabloid news coverage it has received for the wrong reasons. The Court Jester is a quick watch with good morals. It's everything a short movie should be, and it does deliver. Although we can nitpick production value, casting, and depictions of said characters, the audience should not. Enjoy the story for what it is. An uplifting story that should connect with everyone who has at one point in their lives not liked themselves and knows they should instead love themselves for who they are.

Pauly Shore captures the spirit, mannerisms and embodies Richard Simmons, you forget its not really Richard. This short begged to be longer and left the viewer wanting a next chapter of the story. This is a very loving portrayal, like beautiful music.

I wasn't sure what to expect, after seeing Richard Simmons upset at the upcoming biopic, but if this short is an indication there is not only nothing to worry about, but it will honor a very kind man that helped so many.

I read the more negative reviews here and I think they were written before they even watched because they in no way reflect what took place on screen.

The music is a little Sigur Ros drone like, and the colors drab, but once you get past that - you have a surprisingly subdued Pauly Shore giving a pretty good performance as anything but a Court Jester. The message of the film in lesser hands could have come off as mawkish but deftly avoids that pitfall. And that's it's strength - it says what it has to say and there's no padding. Unlike leaving a review on IMDB where you have to fill space even though you've said all that needed to be said, With that in mind, I don't know why you think I'm tearing up, I'm telling you - someone is cooking onions around here...

The best way I can describe this short film is "A Nothingburger."

By now most of us who are interested at all know that Richard Simmons himself did not authorize or have anything to do with this film short. While Pauley Shore with his red curly wig and exercise clothes resembles Simmons some, he is much larger and his delivery of lines is inauthentic.

The biggest problem with this parody is that it tries to be funny. Richard Simmons rarely "tries" to be funny, he is just humorous by his demeanor and his outlooks. But he is a humble person and always appropriate. As usual in this younger generation of writers, they make his character seem edgy by tossing in some filthy language. That is NOT Richard Simmons.

Most of the short film actually focuses on a meek, heavy stage hand who everyone keeps thinking is a new intern but he keeps telling people he has been there for seven years. Plus the donut in the box on the table.

Nope! This is a terrible, inconsequential film. If it is any indication, the planned movie of a similar subject will be a failure.

Why am I so incensed? I knew Richard Simmons when he was younger. We were in college together in Lafayette in the 1960s. He was at my wedding in 1968. He is a beautiful, generous person and this short film tries to make him look bad. Shame on you, Pauly Shore, and those who helped you put this together.

JUL 2024 update: My old friend Richard died last week. His was a good life.