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We all know that when it comes to a fine glass of wine, we should do certain things to impress the person we're with and fool them into thinking that we actually know something about the whole biz.

You know the drill: stare at the glass intently, and with mock concentration, swish it around and say some nonsense about the "legs" and them being very fine, attractive ones at that...make sure to take a deep sniff of the fragrant aroma and raise your eyes in mock appreciation, like the scent itself has somehow inspired you to suddenly write a ballad or break out into spontaneous song. Oh yes, and try to control yourself from taking down the whole glass in one gulp because you need something to take the edge off from the overwhelming stress you have over this whole wine tasting bit ... where's some good Sutter Home Zinfandel or boxed wine when you need it, huh?

The director of Olde English Comedy takes this facade one step forward in his video, "The Wine Guy." In The Wine Guy, he puts a wildly satirical spin on the whole business -- taking it to absurd (but funny) extremes as his main character markets the bottle he's serving to two rather gullible restaurant patrons. Although the acting is a bit forced and over-done, the concept is creative and the video is fun and amusing.

Olde English Comedy's other videos hit along the same vein: taking pop culture and ramping it up a notch or three. In their video, The Stakeout, two cops spy on a group of gangsters a'la Sopranos-style to perform a bust. While eavesdropping on the hard-core criminals, they discover more than what they bargained for! Again, I think the Stakeout is inspired.

The idea is creative and funny in concept, the film quality is professional, and the dialogue is entertaining and, at many times, even hysterical. The only criticism I have is echoed throughout all their videos: the acting is oftentimes exaggerated and perhaps a bit overdone. A lot of the lines seem forced as they are delivered by each of the characters; some of the reactions are also poorly timed as well, which is oftentimes noticeable to the viewer.

Don't let this sway you from taking a peak, however! Both The Stakeout and The Wine Guy are great pre-Holiday distractions while you're wilting away in your abandoned office building. I suggest watching them with a fine glass of Ledson Merlot Reserve, 2001 Vintage of course...that, as you know, was an excellent year for Merlots ... right? RIGHT?

Labels: aconover, comedy, Olde English Comedy, Sopranos, Stakeout, Stephanie Hagopian, wine, Wine Guy