Watch Old Hats

Old Hats is a theatrical film dating back to the year 2016, starring Bill Irwin, David Shiner, Shaina Taub, and several other performers. The film showcases a series of sketches or mini-plays that blend physical humor, music, and clowning. The movie begins with two characters, played by Irwin and Shiner, sitting on a bench and conversing about life and everything around it. From there, the film progresses forward in a non-sequential order of various comic incidents taking place on a stage.

One of the most memorable sketches from the movie is titled "The Debate" where Mr. Shiner and his piano come together to perform an act of musical syncretism. He debates with his instrument and plays a humorous tune, getting the audience to giggle along with him. Shiner is renowned as a master of pantomime, and he showcases his skills to the fullest in this skit.

Another standout performance comes in the form of "The Newspaper," where Irwin delivers a discourse about the daily news. His mimed actions of reading the paper, patting the frightened animal, and reacting to the news of events with his body language convey more than words ever could.

The third act, "The Chaplin," is an ode to Charlie Chaplin's works, with the focus on Irwin. The sketch presents a stylized dance sequence where the performers move to an imaginary tune, telling tales of triumphs and falls, paired with a playful interlude of a toy shop.

The music plays an integral part throughout the film, and it is a joy to watch. Shaina Taub has done an exemplary job with the scores, which all offer a buoyant and distinct impression upon the audience. The performers sway and glide to the rhythm of the soundwaves, and the numbers leave an indelible mark on the viewers' hearts.

The various acts in the film depict humor in all its forms - slapstick, puns, woozy sarcasm, and witty repartee. The sketches have an underlying element of satire that lends them a fresh perspective to the audience. The trick is in being both lighthearted yet poignant, with each performance highlighting even the most mundane subject matter through a clownish lens.

The film also features a few musical performances, where the audience gets to enjoy Taub's songs in greater detail. The lyrics are meaningful and heartfelt, and the compositions are relaxing and joyous. The live performances also showcase Taub's vocals, which are a treat to listen to.

The production value of Old Hats is impressive. The film presents a stage filled with props, music instruments, and a morphing background; that is both simple yet charming. The costumes are minimal, with each performer wearing either baggy pants or overalls, a hat, and a shirt. The makeup is also kept to a minimum, with the performers sporting a classic, white-faced clown look.

The chemistry between the performers is evident, which helps make the skits all the more enjoyable. Irwin and Shiner have been colleagues for years, and their camaraderie and wit are apparent in each segment. Taub is an excellent addition to the mix, bringing a new energy and perspective, with her songs and performances.

In conclusion, Old Hats is an entertaining film that combines music, comedy, and physical humor with great success. The production value, music, and performances all work together to create something new while also honoring the classic qualities of clowning. The film offers a refreshing outlook on simple things in life and is a must-watch for all lovers of physical comedy.

Old Hats is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.